Jack Riley
Jack Riley of Manhattan, KS, passed away on Dec. 26, 2017. He was born to Russell and Marie Riley of Hamilton on July 2, 1940.
He obtained his B.S. (1962) and M.S. (1963) degrees in Animal Science from the University of Missouri. From 1963 to 1965, he served as Extension Livestock Specialist and from 1965-1966, he was an instructor, both in the University of Missouri, Animal Science Department. He returned to college and received a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Missouri in 1968. He accepted a full-time teaching position in Animal Science at Western Illinois University, where he stayed until 1971, at which time he moved to the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry.
Dr. Riley was active in beef cattle research, especially in the areas of protein requirements, crop residue utilization, and feed additives. He loved teaching and advising students, and taught more than 7,000 students over 35 years in the classroom. He was faculty coordinator of the beef research unit for 16 years. In 1987 he became head of K-State's Department of Animal Sciences and Industry for 17 years.
He enjoyed many hobbies such as going to K-State sports events, fishing, Morel mushroom hunting, reading, and going to auctions.
Jack was a 40 year member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a Fellow in The American Society of Animal Science and served as officer and or director of many professional and university organizations including Manhattan Rotary Club.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Jan; two sons, Bryan of Washington D.C. and Steve (Kelley) of Bucyrus, KS; two grandsons, Cole and Cooper; brother, Jim Riley of Colorado Springs, CO; niece Candy Brooks (Andy) of Colorado Springs, CO; and nephew, Tom Riley (Beth) of Kansas City.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the First United Methodist Church in Manhattan, with Reverend Troy Bowers officiating, followed by a reception afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Jack Riley have been designated for the Good Shepherd Hospice, https://homecareandhospice.org/20/Memorial-Donations, the First United Methodist Church, or the Dr. Jack Riley Animal Sciences and Industry Memorial Fund. Contributions may be forwarded to the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home’s website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
(paid obituary)
