O.N. Riley

Owen Norman Riley, a lifelong member of the Olney community, passed away on August 2, 2024. Born on March 23, 1935, in Clarita, Oklahoma, he was the first and only son of Ernest and Arline Riley. O.N. attended Olney Public School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1952.

During his time at Olney High School, O.N. met his future wife, Betty Lou Miller. The couple attended East Central University together and graduated in 1955. They married on December 17, 1955, and celebrated 67 years together before Betty preceded him in death last year on August 3rd.

O.N. completed his education with a Master’s degree in Education from Oklahoma State University. He and Betty began their teaching careers in Burbank, Oklahoma, from 1955 to 1961, forming lifelong friendships. Their children, Mike and Lisa, were born during this period. In 1961, they returned to Olney, where O.N. accepted a position as High School and Elementary Principal. By 1967, he was serving as Olney Schools’ Superintendent. In 1969, O.N. became the Elementary Principal of Coalgate’s Emerson Elementary School, a position he held until his retirement.

Aside from his dedication to education and his students, O.N. had a deep passion for the ranch he and Betty spent 63 years building and expanding. A staunch believer in the excellence of the Angus breed, he received numerous awards and accolades for his registered Angus cows and bulls. After retiring from education, he devoted his life to his family, friends, and ranch, with his children noting that he could outwork them well into his eighties.

O.N. Riley is survived by his son, Michael Riley; daughter, Lisa Riley Childress; grandchildren, Serena Childress, Alice Riley, Betsy Riley, and Carly Riley; and sister, June Scott. He also leaves behind special friends Margaret Nelson, Judy Wilson, Kay Jackson, Naudrea Edwards, Twyla Collins, Donna James, Brenda Hickman, Debbie Taylor, Bessie and Harriett (Burbank friends), Sally Riley, and Mary James, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many dearly loved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Arlene (Savage) Riley.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, at Brown’s Funeral Chapel in Coalgate, Oklahoma, officiated by Pastor David Unsell and assisted by Duane Riley. Interment will follow at Moore Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Randy Nelson, David Miller, Jeff Miller, Roy Allen Miller, David Scott, and Hardy Taylor, with honorary casketbearers Pee Wee Bowerman, Steve Scott, David Brown, Steve Barnard, Jim Riley, Andy Morrison, Kenny Pebworth, and Harold Mathis.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday from 1-8 PM. Condolences may be sent to the family via email at brownsfscoalgate@sbcglobal. net, referencing the name of the deceased in the correspondence.

Services are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service in Coalgate, Oklahoma.