Christopher A. Riley

Christopher Allen Riley, 46, of Pana, IL passed away at 12:49 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones by his side. 

Born on April 14, 1978, Christopher led a life marked by devotion, both to his family and his faith. He graduated from Stephen-Decatur High School in 1997 and furthered his education at Virginia College in Huntsville, AL.

After, high school, Christopher honorably served in the United States Navy from 1997 until 2001, dedicating four years to serving his country with pride and valor. Post-military, he embarked on a career at Rural King Distribution Center in April 2020, where he was appreciated for his hard work and dedication.

Christopher was a deeply spiritual man who cherished his time at Fellowship Baptist Church in Shelbyville, IL. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, as he believed fervently in Jesus and was filled with the Holy Spirit. His church and church family were central to his life, providing him with both spiritual fulfillment and community. Beyond his professional and spiritual commitments, Christopher was a family man through and through.

He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Shiela Riley; sons, Dustin Mount, Austin (Lilly) Mount and Connor Riley; daughter, Karleigh Riley; father, Ken (Celia) Riley; mother, Patricia Mayberry; and numerous other relatives who will miss him dearly. His extended family included his mothers-in-law, Roberta Frye and Julie (Jim) Askins; father-in-law, Daryl Mars; grandparents, Thomas (Mary) Mayberry; siblings, Stephen (Mary) Riley, Jackie (Daniel) Staub, Wyatt (Amy) Frye; nieces and nephews, Preston (Karolyn), Wyatt, John-David, Christian, Abby, Theo, Everett, Tabatha, and Kaitlyn; aunts, Karen Mayberry, Samantha (Charles) Carroll, and Julie (Dan) Riley ; uncles, Stanley (Jaime) Mayberry, T.J. Mayberry, Michael Riley, Patrick Riley, John McCafferty; many cousins and their children; and lifelong friends, Larry Moschenrose, Dustin Koester, Wayne Young, Allen Alexander and Mark Campbell.

Christopher had a passion for helping his good buddy in the workshop and playing video games with his boys, activities that brought him immense joy and relaxation. Known for his laid-back demeanor and sense of humor, he was a beacon of light to those around him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John & Betty Riley; aunts, Cheryl Mayberry and Cathy Cooley; cousins, Caleb Riley and Richard Hartwell; his good friend, Dwight Holland; and father-in-law, Larry Frye.

Services to honor Christopher’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Howe & Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville, IL, with his Pastor Tom Cosat officiating and flag presentation by the Shelby County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be directed to a charity of one’s choice in his memory. Christopher’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and faith will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.