Dr. Larry R. Riley, 78, of Maryville, MO died Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Nodaway Nursing Home in Maryville.

Larry Richard Riley was born November 10, 1945 in Moberly, Missouri, to Charles Richard and Betty Bruner Riley. He began grade school in St. Joseph, MO. His family later moved to Monett, MO, when Larry entered the seventh grade. He graduated from Monett High School in 1963. Larry attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, from 1963-1968 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology. He then went on to earn a Master's degree, as well as his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Larry persevered through  most of educational years with several neurological challenges. His vision problems began when he was 13 years old. He relied on having textbooks read to him in order to learn. Larry needed to hear the words only once before memorizing the information. The problems with Larry's hearing began around age 30, and he gradually became totally deaf. No doctor was able to explain his sensory losses. To say Larry was brilliant is an understatement. He maintained a 4.0 grade point average through high school and college. Larry's intelligence was like no other.

Not only was Larry intelligent, he had a great sense of humor. He entertained everyone he encountered. He was always a nice guy who made friends easily. Everyone who met and got to know Larry loved his genuine kindness and his ability to tell a joke. He was a Professor of Psychology at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, from 1971 to 2008 when he retired. In 1993, Larry was presented with the Tower Service Award for his outstanding service and his contribution to the  university. He loved teaching and was dedicated to his students who greatly admired and respected him. Larry's sight and hearing problems did not deter him! He dabbled in photography and he said he played basketball and baseball for a short period of time. Other hobbies Larry enjoyed were fishing and tinkering with cars. He also loved to read, and he enjoyed writing, including authoring a published textbook in 1987, Psychology of Language Development. Larry continued to write letters until his health began to decline in October of 2023. Although his handwriting was not the best, he was able to get his thoughts and feelings out on paper. He said this was his "therapy," and his daily life benefited greatly because he could write.

Larry married Nancy Silvey on June 6, 1970. They were married 34 years before parting ways. He and Nancy shared many fond memories, and Larry always spoke very kindly of Nancy, even after their divorce.

Larry had a zest for life, no matter his challenges. He never regarded his disabilities as "debilitating," and he kept his sense of humor right up until the end of his life. He overcame many obstacles in his life, and he never accepted "no, you can't" as an excuse. Larry touched everyone he encountered throughout his life, and he will be missed by many.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Betty Riley, his brother Gene Douglas (Doug) Riley, and dear friends Anthony and Audrey Buhl of Minnesota. He is survived by his long-time caretakers and friends, Amy Gastler, Maryville, MO, and Brenda Hargis, New Market, IA, his step-mother, June Rutledge, Springfield, step-brothers Rick (Debbie) Barnhouse, Eagle Rock, MO; Jeff (Rhonda) Barnhouse, Greenfield, MO; step-sister Dagne (Mike) Ogle, Springfield, MO.

Larry has been cremated under the direction of Price Funeral Home. There will be a private burial at a later date. Donations can be made to the Larry Riley Memorial Fund established at Nodaway Valley Bank in Maryville, MO, for a future scholarship in his honor. Special thanks to Nodaway Nursing Home for the care and compassion given during Larry's stay, to the Nodaway County Senior Center for providing Larry with warm meals and conversation, and to the Three Oaks Hospice team for allowing Larry to transition to his eternal life peacefully.