David J “Butch” Riley passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023 (born April 15, 1945), having a life well lived, if too short for the rest of us. Dave was the beloved husband of Lucy Riley (nee Mendoza). Dear brother of Sue Townsend (Bob), Terry Riley (Betty) and Pat Riley. Dear father of Doug Mendoza (Stacy) and grandfather of Kayla Mendoza. Beloved uncle and great-uncle to all of Sue and Terry’s children and grandchildren. Dave was close to his sister-in-law Juanita (Nita) Kardell, and had many other relatives whom he also loved and who loved him.
Dave was extremely active in retirement with the military, having been a 1st Sergeant and retiring from the Missouri National Guard. He was a member of the American Legion Post 162 (Lemay, MO) and belonged to the Family Readiness Group at Jefferson Barracks. Dave conducted funeral honors for many years, primarily at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery. They were featured several times on the evening news during the Memorial Day broadcasts. Dave also enjoyed serving with the military 20+ Club, which often served breakfast and hosted school supply days and Christmas celebrations.
Dave was an outgoing person, known and loved by his neighbors, family, and military cohorts. If he kidded you, then you knew he liked you and he enjoyed the banter back. His spirit and energy will be missed.
Service and interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Monday, November 13 at 10:00 AM. Please meet at the cemetery gathering area at Sylvan Springs Park upper parking lot at Boundary Rd. & Sheridan Rd at 9:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity closest to your heart would be appreciated.
Dave, always a friend and always ready to help. You will be missed and loved.
I rember him with the greatest respect. He was always ready and willing.
Dave, my experience in the National Guard was enhanced by you. Your love of the military was unmatched.
Dave was a great person My husband loved him and Dave did the veterns thing at Jefferson Barracks and Dave also did our son Billy who Billy and he were friends and did Veterans things together another Veteran in Heaven with my Loved ones;
Dave my friend i will miss my buddy . we had some good times in the guard buddy . your friend Lino ZOOTS
Dave always looked after his soldiers and was an humorous, diligent NCO. He made the uniform a proud uniform for us all. An honor serving with you.
What a loss for the world and our Legion Post. My sincere sympathy.
Dave was a pleasure to serve with on the State Retiree council. Often quiet , always deliberating and spoke to the issues for all Retirees. Prayers for peace and strength for his family.
dave,
we loved spending time with you at the American Legion Post and we will miss your smile and your kindness
Dave was a good soldier and a very good First Seargeant tsking care of the soldiers. A pleasure to serve with
There was never a more beloved 1SG by his soldiers. RIP old soldier. my sincere condolences to all his family.
Mr. Dave, you were a true friend and always willing to help others! You were always first to Volunteer and be there for anyone in need. You will definitely be missed my dear friend! I definitely enjoyed working the Family Readiness Program with you at Jefferson Barracks and will miss those precious monuments we as a Group we had.
I work at the National Cemetery as a cemetery rep, and have had the pleasure of seeing him on Thursday.. He will be missed.
My neighbor and best friend for over thirty years. When I moved to be with family after Barbs death, it was hard to leave great friends like you and Lucy. You will be missed.
Dave it’s been an honor working together in the Family Readiness Group at
Jefferson Barracks and 20+ Club. I will sorely miss you.
Your Friend Bob (Air Force)
Going to miss you my friend. Always enjoyed your wit and wisdom at our Retiree meetings in Jefferson City. May the love of God and Peace be with your family.
Going to miss you my friend. Always enjoyed your wit and may the love of God and Peace be with your family.
Man, this hurt bad. See ya later Dave!
Dave, it’s been a honor to have meet you. You will be missed by us all here at the AL Post 162. You made me felt welcomed from the first day I meet you at the post. You organized everything and had your hand in every part of the post. Rest easy my friend. You are relieved from your post. We have the watch. Till we meet again. Hand salute.
Dave was my first company First Sargent, I learned a lot from him. He cared for his soldiers. I can’t make the service, wish I could. God Speed 1SG.
Dave we had 45 years together. You were always the easy going one. I loved the way you cared for your troops, National Guard, 20+, American Legion 162 and all around those around you.
I will miss you My Love
Wonderful person. Took great care of his family especially Lucy. He will be missed but will be forever in our hearts.
Dave was the definition of service. For his country, for his family, and for the ones who served. It was an honor and straight up pleasure to have known and worked with him. A hole is left where he stood and he will be missed.
What a blessing his welcoming smile was to all that worked the family day and Christmas lunch at Christ Memorial.
When our military families arrived he greeted them and made them comfortable. May our Lord comfort you Lucy and all your family 🙏🏼
Sorry Dave I just found out.Thank you for all the help you gave me with Army stuff.Now you can talk to Don and lots of soldiers.
I’m thinking about Lucy and I’ll keep her in my prayers.
Dave, you will be forever in our hearts.