Dewayne Riley was born to Francis and Evelyn Riley in Marlow Oklahoma on Jan 6, 1948. He was a 1966 graduate Marlow High School. He worked the broom corn fields with his parents and brothers near Lindsay Oklahoma and this is where he met the love of his life Deborah Milligan. They were married in Walters Oklahoma on May 19, 1966, and remained married for 56 years. He passed away in the loving care of the Lawton Veterans Center on Sep 8, 2022.
Dewayne was drafted into the US Army 20 July 1967 as Automatic Weapons crewman and served a year tour in Vietnam. He was member of the 1st Battalion, 19th Artillery, assigned to the 5th Infantry Division at the time of separation. He earned the Purple Heart award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He manned the 105 MM Howistzer nicknamed the "Angel of Death" and he enjoyed sharing his photos of Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on 18 July 1969. Dewayne was very proud of his service and enjoyed sharing stories with family and fellow veterans. Dewayne furthered his career in the Oklahoma oilfields around Lindsay Oklahoma driving vacuum trucks, hauling crude oil and gravel for many different companies. He was a professional truck driver for sure and it's been said that he has backed a truck farther and better than most could drive one forward. He was a landmark expert and could provide directions to any lease and more than likely he had a key to unlock the gate. He worked hard long hours and he passed that work ethic down to his children.
He enjoyed attending his children's sporting and school events and despite working long hours almost always found a way to get there. His favorite title may have been Grandpa or PaPa to his grandchildren, and he loved to pick at them, and he loved them deeply. He looked forward to his family reunions and visiting with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, at times those "we better get home" conversations meant we were staying another hour.
Dewayne spent the past 6 years in the Lawton VA home battling Alzheimer's. He quickly garnered the love and care of many of the health care professionals in the facility. He became PaPa to many. We are very thankful for their commitment to his care and comfort.
He is survived by his wife Debbie Riley of Duncan Ok. His brothers Bobby Riley of Stephenville Tx and Kenny Riley of Duncan Ok, Sister In Law Linda Riley of Lawton Ok. His oldest son Darin Riley and partner Holly Miller of Bray. Son, Darrell Riley and wife Stephanie of Reagan, OK. Daughter, DeAnna and husband Dan Nootbaar of Wynnewood, OK. 5 grandchildren, Caleb Riley of Sulphur Ok, Madalynn Riley and Partner JB Tschoepe of Perkins Ok, Danielle Travis and husband Bryson of Wynnewood Ok, Riley and Landon Nootbaar of Wynnewood Ok. 1 great grandchild Cooper Dewayne Riley. 2 bonus grandchildren Lindsay Vaught and Jessica Cosper. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James and Eddie Riley and sister Shirley.
Serving as pallbeares are Junior Watson, Darrell Chapman, Greg Adams, Earl Smith, Nicky Carroll, Shannon Persinger. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Caleb Riley and Landon Nootbaar.
A memorial service to honor the life of Dewayne is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022 at the Pernell Fire Department Community Building (formerly the Pernell Church of Christ) with Pastor Rocky Keck officiating. You can make your condolences to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com