Richard Keith Riley, formerly of Shawneetown

SHAWNEETOWN – Richard Keith Riley, 59, of Harrisburg, but longtime Shawneetown resident, passed away at his home on May 3, 2017, after a long battle with cancer.

Keith, as he was known to most, was born Jan. 2, 1958, and grew up in Shawneetown in the loving home of the Rev. James and Mary Riley.

After graduating from Shawneetown High School, Keith married his high school sweetheart, Gathy Capeheart, on April 15, 1977. Keith and Gathy settled in Shawneetown, where they raised their family.

Keith spent many years working as a welder at Sterling Boiler and Mechanical in Evansville, Indiana.

In his spare time, he loved to hunt, work in the garage, and spend time with his family.

As a believer in Christ, Keith tried to share his faith with those around him, and it was that faith that allowed him to stand strong against a cancer diagnosis.

Keith attended United Church of God.

Survivors include his wife, Gathy Riley; two daughters, Valerie (Peter) Halstead of Woodstock, Georgia, and Deidre (Aaron) Blythe of Evansville, Indiana; three grandchildren, Emma, Abby and Jacob; brother, Randy Reidelberger; and sister, Sheila Brown.

He was preceded in death by Jackie, Gaylon and Charles CV Riley.

Funeral services were at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, in Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown with the Rev. David Michael Webb officiating. Burial followed in Hogan Cemetery near Shawneetown. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Notes of comfort may be left for the family at www.coxandson.com.