William J. Riley, 89, of St. Clair passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017 in St. Clair.

Mr. Riley, son of the late Thomas Riley and wife Rena nee Kitchens was born June 12, 1927 in St. Louis.

On June 1, 1962 he was united in marriage to Elsie Jane Lack in St. Clair.

He served his country in the United States Army as a Forward Observer and Sniper during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge for his services.

Mr. Riley was a member of the American Legion Post 402 in Pacific and recently participated in the Honor Flight Program.

He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping and the outdoors, most of all he was loved by all and friend to everyone who met him.

Mr. Riley was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Rena Riley; his wife Elsie Jane Riley; three children, Richard Hemker, Dorthea Nappier and Helen Moss and two sisters, Pearl Losh and Thelma Schuler.

He is survived by one son, David Hemker of St. Clair; two daughters, Norine Monroe and husband David of Pacific and Lynnette Weiss and husband David of Union; grandchildren, Jennifer Weiss of St. Clair, Chris Weiss of Osage Beach, Samantha Weiss of St. Louis, Jaquilyn Tague of Fenton and Rick Hemker of St. Clair; many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; special nieces, Kathy Dixon, Berdetta Hysell, Mary Earline Losh, Julie Coudle and Karen Graham; nephews; other relatives and many friends.