Art Riley

Arthur Leland “Art” Riley, 88, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday, March 5, 2021 at Macon Health Care Center in Macon, Missouri.

Born August 30, 1932 in Midlothian, Illinois, Art was the son of the late Loyd Braden and Lora Jane (Hart) Riley. On April 17, 1955 in Gifford, Missouri, Art was united in marriage to Carleta Payton who preceded him in death on October 6, 2004. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Dr. Loyd Hart Riley.

Art is survived by his son Jeff Riley of Kirksville, MO; three grandchildren, Devon Riley of Kirksville, MO, Morgan Riley of Decatur, TX, and Emma Riley of Kirksville, MO; two great-grandchildren, Carter and Ryker, as well as two nephews, one niece, and several cousins.

Art was a graduate from Kirksville High School. He served his country in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, Art returned home and began working for Otto Peterson Chevy. He was employed many years with John Deere starting for Ferrell Taylor John Deere in 1961 in Greentop, in 1966, for Glaspie & Baldwin, in 1978 for Delaney & Baldwin, and in the mid 80’s for Ratliff Equipment in Macon. In 1987, Art started his own business with his son Jeff where he worked until this past November when his health begin to fail. Art was known for his love of sweets, and he enjoyed working cattle and putting up hay as well.

Art and his wife were once members of a square dance club and Art was a long time member of the Kirksville Moose Lodge #1751.

Public visitation will be held Sunday March 7, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2021 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Virgil Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Jake Blickhan, Everett Frady, Matt Greiner, Heath Greiner, Mike Helton, and Jim Kelsey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dick Hughes, Art Buchanan, and Ron McClanahan.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Art may be made to the Central Missouri Honor Flight and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.