Edwin B. Riley, Jr.

Edwin B. Riley, Jr., 81, Kokomo, passed away at 9:52 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, in his home.  He was born June 1, 1938, in Howard County, to Edwin B. Sr. and Bernice R. (Klingman) Riley. On June 14, 1969, he married Carolyn Rae Bailey, and they celebrated 46 years of marriage together before her passing on June 20, 2015. 

Ed graduated from Northwestern High School in 1956 and from Ball State University in 1960 and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University.  He taught junior high social studies for 36 years beginning in Berne, Indiana from 1960 to 1962 and then for the Department of Defense, at Air Force bases in Upper Heyford, England, and Chateau Roux, France, from 1962 to 1964.  After returning to the states to care for his stepmother, he taught at Bunker Hill from 1964 to 1965 and finished his career with Kokomo Center Schools, teaching at Elwood Haynes, Maple Crest and the Kokomo downtown campus, from 1965 until his early retirement in 1996 to care for his wife, Carolyn.

He was an active member of Macedonia Christian Church where he and Carolyn together served as organist and pianist and he directed the choir for many years.  His favorite pastimes included genealogy, gardening, cooking, baking, and knitting hats. Ed cherished spending time with his family and was blessed to spend more time with his children and grandchildren the last four years.  As a model of godly character and persevering strength to all who knew him, he was also a devoted and loving caregiver to his wife during her 23 year battle with PLS. Ed was also a member of the Howard County Historical Society, the Greentown Historical Society, the Howard County Retired Teachers Association and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. 

Survivors include his daughter, Dawn E. (Mark) Slaughter, Noblesville; son, Devin B. (Valerie) Riley, Noblesville; grandchildren, Matthew A. (Allison) Slaughter, Rebecca E. Slaughter, Alanna B. Riley, Teagan G. Riley and Donovan C. Riley; great-grandchildren, Lydia Riley Slaughter, Hayes A. Slaughter and Rhodes P. Slaughter; siblings, Marcia Agents, Robert (Suzanne) Riley and Cynthia Anne (Timothy) Kumeh; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Miriam “Bettie” Riley; and sister, Ellen Morris. 

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Macedonia Christian Church, 1532 S. 500 E., Kokomo, with Pastor John Piotrowicz officiating.  Burial will follow in Kokomo Zion Cemetery.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the church.  Contributions may be made in Edwin’s memory to the Howard County Historical Society or Macedonia Christian Church.  Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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