Jerry Duane Riley

Jerry Duane Riley (71) of Purcell, OK, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his children and his dog, Bear, on April 16, 2024.

Jerry was born in Purcell to Billy Dale and Barbara Riley and was the oldest of three siblings. He attended Catholic School in Purcell for several years, before eventually graduating from high school in Crescent, OK. Shortly after graduation, Jerry enlisted in the Army. He proudly served his country before returning to Oklahoma and finding himself back in Purcell. Jerry was introduced to Vicki Riley, whom he eventually married and had three children with. Jerry later completed his family with another son, Justin. Jerry was a driller in the oilfield for most of his life, as well as a landscaper and gardener. Jerry was an incredible artist- he could draw or paint anything. At one point, he was featured on the Discovery Channel after painting a Route 66 mural in Elk City. Jerry was quite the storyteller and people still wonder if some of what he said was true. He loved to laugh and make others around him laugh. Jerry was an avid fisherman and spent many hours fishing the banks of Walnut Creek and the Purcell City Lake with his faithful companion, Bear.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his little brother, Larry Riley, and his ex-wife, Vicki.

Jerry is survived by his children, Billy Riley of Wayne, OK, Tera White (Darrell) of Norman, OK, Mandy Dembowski (Jed) of Norman, OK, and Justin Riley of Purcell, OK; his sister, Linda Duncan (Brian) of Montgomery, TX, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved Bear.