Ernest "Ernie" C. Riley, Sr.

Ernest “Ernie” Riley, Sr., age 88, of Belle and formerly of House Springs, passed away September 27, 2019 at his residence.

Ernie was born February 9, 1931 in St. Louis, a son to the late John and Elizabeth (Fore) Riley.

Ernie was a graduate of Hancock High School in St. Louis County and following High School proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

On October 7, 1950, Ernie was united in marriage to Virginia Guehne at the First Baptist Church in Lemay Ferry. Virginia survives of the home in Belle.

Ernie, his father John, and two brothers, John, and Jim, owned and operated Riley Electric in Jefferson County. Ernie continued to run the company when his father retired after 69 years, retiring himself in 1996. He had been a Boy Scout leader in House Springs for 12 years.

Ernie and Virginia had been area residents for 15 years after moving from House Springs. Ernie was a member of the First Baptist Church in House Springs and a member of the Lions Club.

Ernie enjoyed reading, deer hunting, and watching TV. He liked to keep busy and active. Ernie loved to golf and enjoyed going out with his friends every Monday at the Pine Ridge Golf Course across from his home until his health declined. Above all, Ernie loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ernie will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 69 years, Ernie is survived by: five children, Debra Gibbs of Festus, Jina Dewitt and her fiancé Tom Hanes of Dittmer, Ernest Riley, Jr. of House Springs, Timothy Riley and his wife Lisa of House Springs, and Thomas Riley of Festus; 9 grandchildren, Robin Mack and her husband James, Scott Gibbs and his wife Kelly, John Dewitt, Ron Dewitt, Dawn Riley, Rachel Wilson and her husband Charley, Becca Riley, Josh Riley and Cody Dominick; 7 great-grandchildren, Robert, Emily, Hannah, Charley, Jr., Courtney, Cary, and Maddie; and one great-great-grandson as well as many extended family members and friends.    

Memorial Services for Ernie will be on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the House Springs lions Club Building located at 6482 Highway MM, House Springs, MO 63051 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Pine Ridge Golf Course.