Coffeyville -
Justin Riley, age 48 of rural Caney, passed from this life on Sunday, August 8, 2010 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center of an apparent heart attack.
He was born Feb 18, 1962 to Catherine (Price) & Jim Riley, who reside in Coffeyville. He is also survived by brothers Brett Riley of Clearwater, FL and his wife Kimberly Riley, nephews Mickey and Jackson and Chris Riley of Baxter Springs, Ks and his wife Dee Riley, nephew Henry and niece Anna. He is survived by a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Justin married Rhonda Erne and had a son, Samuel Lee Riley in 1994. They divorced later. Sam lives with his mother in Claremore, OK.
Justin married Gina (Mayfield) Riley on January 25, 1997 in Caney, Ks. He joined her in raising her children Brad Thomison, who resides in Wichita and Valerie Thomison, who resides in Olathe, Ks as she finishes up her teaching degree. Justin was dearly loved by Gina’s mother, Eleanor Sumpter of Bartlesville, as well as her siblings, Mark Mayfield, Jay Mayfield, Elton Mayfield and Gaylene Mayfield and their families.
Justin was admired by many people for his amazing musical talent. He played fiddle, mandolin and guitar and he also had strong vocal abilities. He played locally with Sam Mensch and the Bunkhouse Boys for 20 years, as well as a multitude of musicians from Texas and Oklahoma. He released a music CD a year ago, and has a website: www.JustinRileymusic.com.
Services will be Friday at 10 a.m. at the Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, KS with David Bycroft officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Washington Cemetery in Lenapah, OK.
Friends may call on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
A college education fund has been set up for Justin’s son Samuel in lieu of flowers. Contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
I only knew Justin through his music but I know he was a sincere man. God Bless!
To all of Justin’s family,
He was such a wonderful man, musician, and friend to so many people he will be missed by all! We are keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers so that God will see you all through this VERY difficult time.
Justin and I had some great times back in the 90′s playing with Sam. A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to perform with him one more time at Caines Ballroom. It was a great show and he made that fiddle and mando talk! I wish I could have that one back. We’ve lost a good one and I will miss him. My prayers go out to all his loved ones. God Bless
To the Riley’s…I was so sorry to hear about Justin..Mindy texted me and Cary. Of course we were shocked to hear the news and want you to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hello to Brett from Cary.
So sorry for your loss. Justin was a great guy.
Gina & Family,
Your in our thoughts and prayer’s We wish there was a way we could be be there with you. Sending you much Love. Burt & Sandra
Gina, Val, Brad, and Sam-
We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless all of you.
Josh, Jaycee, and Arianna Sanders
Gina and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Justin. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Sandy
My deepest condolences to Justin’s family. We will miss Justin for all the friendship and fun he extended to us, here at John Deere Coffeyville Works. I will always remember Justin bringing in either his fiddle or mandolin to play and sing with our group on Friday’s during the lunch period. The band mostly consisted of Justin, Wes Tallman, Steve Handshumaker, Larry Dean and Larry Yeubanks. We would sing along with the country and gospel songs. GOD BLESS and KEEP YOU.
I was taken a back when Al Hanigan phoned me to tell me of Justin’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thought’s and prayers go out to you at this time.
Sorry to hear about Justin…all i can think of is all the times we “picked and grinned”…when we would get together and jam or just visit…and like someone else said…him and Bob Wills…what a show that could be…take care, love and prayers, casey
Gina-I’m so sorry to hear of your sadness. Justin was such a good person in your life and the kid’s life. I will have you and your family in my prayers and thoughts. You have always been there for my family, i just wished i could be there for you, but I’m not able to get to funeral.
Love you
Lisa (Miller) McDaniel
Justin McDaniel and family
Michale Nutter and family
Kristin Henton and family
Kristin Henton
Riley’s we are so sorry. I know that it is a shock that none of us want. We think so much of you all. We haven’t seen you or Justin for years but we do our share of giving Chris a hard time at Dillions. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Justin’s passing. I have many fond memories of Justin, hearing him play and sing, or just joking around and being a great friend. He was a very talented musician. May God comfort you all during this very difficult time.
Catherine & family so sorry to hear of Justins sudden passing. May you know that you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers not only through these difficult hours, but also in the days and weeks to come. With Deepest Sympathy.
Kay (Gerler) White
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Riley family during this most difficult time. May God give them the strength to cope with their loss.
So sorry to hear of Justins death, Our prayers are with the Riley family.
Justin was an awesome co-worker and friend, he will be sorely missed by all. I worked with him for the last couple of years and he was always quick to make me smile with his jokes and his stories about his wife, kids and music. I may not actually know you Gina, Brad, Val, or Sam but I know without a doubt in my mind from the way he talked about you that he loved you all deeply. My prayers and thoughts are with all of his family.
Justin will be greatly missed by all his co workers and friends. Justin was easy to joke around with; we had a great time in Moline when we went to a class together, we had fun at work, and on the golf course and at the Christmas party and at the OU football game. I am just in shock about all of this. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Justin and I went to school together and I was saddened beyond belief to hear of his passing. What a sweet and talented man. To Brett, Chris the entire family and all of his friends…you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Catherine & Jim: We are truly sorry to read of Justin’s sudden passing.
We didn’t know your boy’s personally, but know you both were so proud of them all. He was a very nice looking & talented guy. Keep your
fondies memories & he will never be forgotten. May God bless you all at
this time.
Jim and Catherine, we are so sorry to hear of Justin’s passing. When something like this happens it always reminds me that we are not promised tomorrow. Hold fast to the precious memories, and we can be thankful his music will live on. You are in our prayers.
Sunday was a very sad day for us! Justin we miss you! I will cherish the CD that he gave us at Thanksgiving, and all the other times that we have spent together; memories that we will hold dear. I keep telling myself that God needed the “best” fiddle player with him. Prayers for the Riley family – our hearts are with you!
I just don’t want it to be true…….We will see you Friday.
In Gods love – Val
I am so sorry to hear of Justin’s passing. He was a very good man and always had a way to make you smile. I remember him helping Chris and I with the talent show in the 7th grade. We were so nevous. I pray that god be with the family in this time of need.
Justin was a wonderful friend to my family for many years. He was always so sweet to me when I was growing up. He always aggravated me and joked around all the time. (Just like an older brother!) I moved away from Oklahoma many years ago, but we always kept in touch. I always knew that if I needed anything, I could count on Justin. He was just an all around wonderful man. He played the fiddle in my step dad’s band for more than 20 years. I have one of his cd’s and I will treasure it always. He loved his family very much!! He always talked about them to me. He was so proud of Samuel! The light of his life! Gina, he loved you so much!! I will miss Justin so much!! You all are in my prayers.
I’m at a loss for words, I don’t think this has truly registered with me. I’m so sorry for Samuel, Jim & Catherine, Bret, Chris, the entire family. I can’t believe he will play the fiddle no more for us. I hold onto the thought that he is playing with Bob Wills and grinning upstairs as God taps his toe.
Praying for all,
Cissy
Our thoughts and prayers for the Riley family. May God give you strength and comfort.
I am sorry to hear of Justin’s passing. Even though I never met him in person I feel through aunt Catherines letters and his music he was a wonderful person.May god be at your side through the tough times.
Your Cousin
I am so sorry to learn about Justin’s death. He had so many friends. He was a great music guy. He will be missed. God Bless you all and I pray He will keep you strong through this.