Eugene Keith Riley

April 15, 1939

September 8, 2024

Eugene "Gene" was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa to Keith Preston Riley and Christel Gertrude Kate (Polzin) Riley. His mother was a German immigrant from Rostock, Germany, who immigrated to America in 1923 through Ellis Island, with her parents and siblings.

Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nora Riley of Carrollton,TX; his brother Steve Riley, and his wife, Peggy of New Hope, Virginia; his daughters, Deborah (Riley) Towns and her husband Cris of Georgetown, Texas and Shannon (Riley) Baker and Delton of Carrollton,TX; his grandchildren Deborah Lee Towns, Crystal Vargas and her husband Carlos, Joseph Towns and his wife Staci, their children Riley and Micaiah, and Shelly Baker partner Luis, Jr., as well as many family and friends.

Gene's service in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserves from 1957 to 1963 was a testament to his bravery and dedication. Stationed in Pearl Harbor, his Navy career took him across the Pacific to the Philippines, Japan, and many other Islands. He even participated in the now declassified "Operation Hardtack," conducting nuclear weapons research near the Bikini Atoll and Marshall Islands. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Ajo, Arizona, where he worked for the Phelps Dodge Copper Mine in the smelter.

Gene and Nora met and married in 1962. Moving closer to her family was important to them. In August 1964, they moved to the Carrollton Farmers Branch area. Gene secured employment with Dallas, Power and Light, later known as Texas Utilities, from which he retired after 30 years.

After retiring, Gene spent time with family, helping neighbors and friends with odd jobs. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. We were also blessed with his creativity as he carried on the woodworking he learned as a child from his granddad and dad. Gene created many items from wood, most with no pattern. Many of his creations have been gifted to those he loved and others to those he appreciated.

Gene's unwavering love for Jesus and his family was a cornerstone of his life. He never missed an opportunity to share the gospel and the love of Christ, whether with a stranger, his nurse or doctor, a coworker, cousin, or neighbor. His daily prayers were a testament to his caring nature, as he faithfully prayed for his family, church, missions, and anyone in need. He never forgot anyone. As a family, we take comfort in knowing that Gene, our Husband, Dad, PaPa, Great PaPa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, is now walking with Jesus in Heaven.