Marshall Riley

Marshall F. Riley, 87, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, at his home.

He was born Nov. 12, 1922, in Benton, Mo., to Clarence E. and Eva Burns Riley. He and Shirlene Ellis were married Aug. 24, 1946, in Cape Girardeau.

Riley was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in Europe, France, Germany, Belgium and the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and many other awards.

He was a salesman with Hutson's Fine Furniture and was manager of Furniture Fair. He was with the Cape Girardeau Police Reserves more than 20 years. He was a charter member and deacon of Bethany Baptist Church, lifetime member of St. Mark Masonic Lodge 93, VFW Post 3838 and DAV.

Riley loved gospel music and was a former member of Sunshine Quartet, Fellowship Quartet, Shepard's Quartet and Gospel Merrymakers.

Survivors include his wife, Shirlene Riley of Cape Girardeau; three sons, Donald (Marty) Riley Sr., David Riley Sr., Dean (Karen) Riley, all of Cape Girardeau; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, four brothers, mother and father-in-law, a brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the chapel, with the Rev. Donny Ford and Dr. Shawn Wasson officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery, with full military honors by VFW Post 3838 and Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.