Riley Pemberton Jr., born in Crescent, MO, on February 28, 1932, passed away peacefully at the age of 93, on April 6, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected member of his community, Riley will be remembered for his pride of growing up in Crescent, MO, and his kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for his family.

Riley married the love of his life, Dorothy Pearl Adams, on May 24, 1952, and together they shared over 72 years of marriage filled with love and support. Their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Riley served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, a time that deeply shaped his character and instilled in him a lifelong sense of duty and respect for others.

He spent much of his professional life working at Cupples Products Inc. as a shipping and receiving clerk, where he was known for his hard work and dedication. Beyond his career, Riley was deeply committed to serving his community. He was a member of the Gray Summit Lions Club for 52 years, where he contributed to countless community initiatives and made lasting friendships. He dedicated many years as a Scout Master of the Boy Scouts of America and served as a bible school teacher at the First Baptist Church of Gray Summit. Additionally, he volunteered his time as Khoury League baseball coach, fostering a love of sports and teamwork in young athletes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Riley and Opal Pemberton; brothers, Glen(Louise) and Bobby; sisters, Eula, Euna, Zella(John) and Reba(Junior); brothers-in-law, Roy Gibbs and Ed Hicks.

Riley is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; children, Debbie(Randy) Wright and son Bill(Pam) Pemberton; grandchildren, Tammy Espowe, JR(Laura) Pemberton, Jessica Livengood, and Mike Pemberton; sisters, Shirley Gibbs and Alice Hicks; brother, Butch Pemberton; sister-in-law, Sharon Pemberton; eight great-grandchildren, and a host of family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A visitation for Riley will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Thiebes Funeral Home, 231 E. Union St., Pacific, MO. Funeral services will take place at Nieburg-Vitt, Thiebes Funeral Home on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11 a.m., with burial to follow at the Sunset Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Gray Summit Lions Club or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Riley’s legacy of love, service, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.