Virgil Carl Riley

March 12, 1927 - March 25, 2017

Virgil C. Riley, 90, of El Paso, Texas, formerly of Xenia, Ohio, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Hospice in El Paso.

He was born March 12, 1927, in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Barnabus and Monabelle McNamee and later adopted by Pearl and Freda Laurens Riley. He was a bass drum player for The Ohio State University (1944-45), a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II, President of the Greene County Fish and Game (1958-59) and President of Xenia Lions Club.

Virgil owned and operated the Greene County Locker in Xenia for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Venita (Burris) Howell Riley, four daughters, Becky (Dennis) Hoel, Jamestown, Ohio, Debby Hartpence, Ripley, Mississippi, Mickey Sweet, Xenia, Ohio and Cheryl (Lynn) Shepperd, Nancy, Kentucky, two sons, Greg (Anita) Riley, Bronston, Kentucky, and Jeff (Spring) Riley, Canton, Georgia, nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, a brother, Roger (Judy) Riley, South Carolina, by several nieces and nephews, and by many close friends. He is also survived by three step-children, Ladonna Stephens, Randy Howell, and Patty Chandler.

He was preceded in death by his birth parents, his adopted parents, his first wife, Jo Ann (Funk) Riley, on February 18, 1992, a granddaughter, and by several McNamee sisters and brothers.

Memorial services will be held 11 am, Saturday, May 20, at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit Street, Xenia, Ohio, with Pastor Eric Spohr officiating. Visitation will be held from 10am Saturday, until service time at the funeral home. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Boys Town (http://www.boystown.org) in his memory. Condolences may be made to the family at http://www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.

Virgil, or "Irish", was a bass drummer in the marching band during the 1944 season.