Maurice Evans Riley

Life’s Reflection

With his family by his side, Maurice Riley, 59, Kansas City, Kansas passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2020, after a vigilant battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

Born on December 17, 1960, in Water Valley, Mississippi, Maurice was the beloved son of Willie Lee Riley and Bernice and Jim Finley.

After briefly working as a formally trained welder, Maurice served seven years in the United States Army, 1st Infantry Division.  He completed his military career as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, 425th Trans., Co., 3rd Platoon.  Maurice honorably served his country in Operation Desert Storm and the Iraq War and was stationed in locations such as Panama, Honduras, and Afghanistan. Maurice was employed by J.C. Penney Company, Inc., prior to becoming ill.

Maurice was outgoing, adventurous, funny, sometimes quirky, and enterprising.  He was a solopreneur of a vending business, and a drop ship business.  Always one to try new things, Maurice delighted in discovering the next best gadget.  He was especially fascinated by the unusual.  He was a practical joker and known to rag.  Watching a Green Bay Packer game was one of his favorite pastimes.  Maurice loved to cook from recipes, add his own special twist, and then declare it “good”.  His love of music can be measured by his huge and impressive album collection, which he maintained for over forty years.  He liked helping others and was a mentor to many.  He was known for giving sage advice such as, “Try it, if it doesn’t work, do something else.”  Maurice also appreciated just being still and cherished the little things in life, like enjoying quiet moments on the lakefront.

Maurice was formerly married to Tamra Hutcherson of Emporia, Kansas, where they made a home and raised a family.  Maurice loved and enjoyed the company of his family, especially his grandchildren.  Nothing bought him more joy than playing with his grandchildren or watching them play. 

Maurice was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Finley; father, Willie Lee Riley; maternal grandparents, Tom and Onetha Martin; and paternal grandparents, Willie A.; and Jessie Riley.

He leaves to cherish his memory his father, Jim; former spouse and mother of his children, Tamra; children, Sharee; Mauree; LaShawna (Chris); and Darren (Kathy); grandchildren, Darren Jr.; Adrian; Anthony (AJ); Loren; Rayna; Regan; and Lindley; siblings, Rosie (James); and Theareatha; sister-in- love, Brenda; six nieces and nephews; twelve great nieces and nephews; and one great-great niece; aunts; uncles; and a host of cousins.

Private services with military honors will be held in Racine, Wisconsin.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. 

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