Otis G. Riley

Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2006 at Higgins Cemetery with Masonic Rites with Masonic Lodge 855. Services are under the direction of Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian, TX. Mr. Riley died Tuesday, January 17, 2006 in Hereford, TX. Mr. Riley was born on November 13, 1922 in Higgins, TX to the late Mr. George Riley and Mrs. Glessie Fitzgarrold Riley. He attended schools in Higgins, TX. He married Barbara Rippstein Riley on July 27, 1941 in Arnett, OK. She preceded him in death on February 18, 2002. He was a Veteran of the United States Army where he served in World War II with the 749th Railway Battalion in 1944. He later served in the Philippines and Korea. He moved to Canadian, TX in 1946 from Higgins, TX. Otis worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 42 years as an agent telegrapher. He was a lifetime member of Masonic Lodge 855 where he served as past master, was awarded the Golden Trowel and served as secretary for 20 years. He was appointed ODGM of the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1971. He was a member of the Eastern Star where he was a past worthy patron. Otis was a charter member of the Scottish Rite in Lubbock, TX and a member of the Khiva Shrine Temple in Amarillo, TX. He served as mayor and municipal judge for six years in Canadian, TX. He also served as councilman for one year. Otis owned and operated several businesses in Canadian, TX and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He served as Texas Municipal League President and was a lifetime member of VFW. He was adjutant of the American Legion Post 56 for 27 years. He is survived by one son, Les Riley and wife Olivia of Hereford, TX; one brother, F.M. Riley of Rolla, MO; two sisters, Dollie Steinle of Booker, TX; Martha Van of Fort Worth, TX; two grandsons, Clif Riley of San Marcos, TX; Patrick Riley of Gunnison, CO; two granddaughters, Terry Hazlett and husband Murray and Michele Newton and four great-grandchildren all of Hereford, TX. The family suggests memorials be to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 6977 Main St., Houston, TX 77030.