Robert Curtis Riley, 68, of Unionville, MO went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO surrounded by his loving wife and family after a courageous 5 1/2 year battle with Stage 4 cancer.
Curtis was born on May 16, 1958, in Unionville, MO the oldest child of Richard and Shirley (Rennells) Riley. He was a graduate of the Putnam Co. Class of 1976. After graduation, Curtis worked for Missouri Mining as an exploration core driller. He also worked for Union Carbide in Centerville, Iowa as an extruder. Later, he owned and operated Royal Flush Gamebird Farm & Hatchery raising Chukar Partridge. He also worked alongside his father’s business raising Ring-Necked Pheasant and Quail, selling to hunting clubs all over the state of Missouri and surrounding states. Curtis owned and operated Every Bloomin’ Thing Greenhouse providing quality vegetable and bedding plants to his customers. Curtis enjoyed wood working and building custom furniture. In 1992 Curtis joined the Milbank Mills Family of Chillicothe, MO as a Silver Moon livestock feed salesman where he developed a wide customer base and made so many friends along the way. He was an avid hunter, bee keeper, reader, and a collector of knowledge.
On October 1, 1977 Curtis married Sheryl (Allen) Lowry and gained a son, Jeremy Joe. Later to this union two daughters, Ariane Elizabeth and Angela Dawn were born completing their family. He was a wonderful, devoted Husband, Dad, and Papa and he loved spending time with his family teaching, training, and making memories.
Curtis gave his heart to the Lord in November of 1981, becoming a member of Livonia Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School Teacher for Teens and later Adults. Curtis served the First Baptist Church of Unionville as Deacon, Young Adult Bible Teacher, taught parenting and marriage classes, and was an interim pastor for two years. Curtis currently was a member of the Seymour Baptist Church of Seymour, IA where he was serving as Adult Sunday School Teacher and Deacon Chairman, He has served his church as RU Director and was involved in mentoring and jail ministries. Curtis had a deep love for teaching the Bible and pointing people to Christ through his kind, calm, generous, and caring manner.
Curtis is survived by his wife, Sheryl, of 49 years. His children, Jeremy & Danyle Riley of Clever, MO, Ariane & Jeremy Casady of Unionville, MO, and Angela Riley of Battlefield, MO. His grandchildren, Shelby & Tristan Tanner, AnnaKate Riley, Audrey Riley, Logan Riley, Abbie Casady, and Calin Casady. Great Grandchildren, Truett Tanner and baby Saylor Tanner, who is due to make her appearance in late Fall. His Siblings, Eric & Tonda Riley, Barb & Tim Hodges, Paul Riley, Lisa & Chad Wyant. His beloved Nieces & Nephews, his special high school friend, Jeff Mathes, his church family, and his Milbank Mills Working Family, a host of friends, and loyal customers.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, his father- in- law Lloyd Allen, a special aunt Eveyln Rennells, nephew Rob Stamm, and great nephew Ezara James Stamm and many dear friends in Christ.
Funeral Services for Curtis will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 am at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, MO. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Thomas Funeral Home as well. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Seymour Baptist Church (building fund) and may be entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.
