Joseph “Joe” Riley

Joseph A. Riley, 85, peacefully passed September 28, in Pendleton. He was born in Parke County, Indiana to Byron and Bernice (Blacketter) Riley. Joe bravely served the in United States Navy. He married Carol (Scott) Riley. Joe retired from the Indiana Reformatory, where he was President of the AFSCME Local 1500. He was also a member of both the Pendleton AMVET Post 26 and the Pendleton American Legion 117.

He is survived by his children, Mickey (Darlene) Riley of Harrisburg, PA, Troy Jones of Pendleton, Julie (Rob) Davis of Pendleton, Brian Jones of Cicero, and Kellie (Clint) Borgman of Pendleton; grandchildren, Jacob Riley of Norfolk, VA, Kinzie Davis of Nashville, TN, Harlee Jones, Madisonville, KY, Kylie Davis of Pendleton, Riley Borgman of Pendleton; great-granddaughter, Annabelle; and special great-nephew, Aaron Riley.

Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Madonna Dooley-Alee; brother, Max Riley; daughter, Cindy Riley; grandson, Shawn Riley; and his AMVET friend, David Fishero.

He received several awards, the Sagamore, Distinguished Hoosier, Kentucky Colonel, Fancis Poland Award, AMVET of The Year 1997, and many more from Roudebush and Marion VA Hospitals.

Joe was the AMVET State Commander for 3 terms and the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the State of Indiana for 12 years, under 3 Governors. He served on the committee to erect the Korean, Vietnam and WWII monuments in downtown Indianapolis.  He assisted the Military and Veterans Commission in creating a Veterans Cemetery in Madison, IN. He was instrumental in getting the I80/I94 toll road named AMVET Memorial Highway. Joe also aided in the building of the WWI, WWII, Korean, and Desert Storm monuments built in downtown Anderson.

Visitation will be from 1pm-5pm, Sunday, October 2^nd at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service, 515 E 53^rd St. Anderson, Indiana. Services will be 11am Monday, October 3^rd at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Indiana University Health, Transplant Department.