Ruth Roland (Beck) & Paul Hazen Riley
Cemetery Photo
Noble IOOF Cemetery, Cleveland Co. OK

© Jan Fendley

Obit for Paul posted by Janet Laubhan Flickinger
Jun 8, 1921 - Aug 9, 2014

Paul Hazen Riley, 93, a longtime resident of Norman, passed away on Saturday 09 August 2014.

“Uncle Paul” as he was referred to by most everyone who knew him, was born June 8, 1921 to Jesse Leroy and Glatha Gustava Riley in Buffalo, Oklahoma.  Not long afterwards, the family moved to Pratt Kansas, where his father became the founder and owner of Riley’s Truck Line.  In January of 1937, Uncle Paul entered St. John’s Military School and graduated in the class of 1941, an accomplishment that always brought a smile to his face, because he loved his time at St. John’s.  Shortly after his graduation, Uncle Sam called his number and he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he spent most of the war in logistic operations, on the island of New Caledonia.  After his discharge on December 26, 1945, he returned to Pratt, Kansas to work for the family business, where he worked hauling freight between Kansas and Oklahoma terminals.  It was during his truck-driving years he met the love of his life, Ruth Roland Beck.  When Uncle Paul first asked her out to dinner, she replied “I don’t date Truck drivers!” and he quickly responded “That’s good, because I’m an operator” and with that she accepted his offer.  They were married on September 01, 1950, and he was proud to say he got three for the price of one, because his mother-in-law and 9 year old niece, Pamela also moved in with the new couple.  In 1952, Paul started his 37 year career at Tinker Air Force base, as a material expeditor and even there was known as Uncle Paul.  During this time, he also became a real estate broker, selling homes on the weekends, and a successful auctioneer working for Mayflower Moving and Storage earning him the traditional title of Colonel.  In 1959, they moved into their final home on Windsor Way, and where Uncle Paul enjoyed his many hobbies such as gardening, fishing, his pets, feeding his squirrels, and raking the lawn.  Paul was also involved with many organizations over the years, and was active in Toastmasters; Saint John’s Episcopal Church, as long-time usher; and American Legion Post 88, as Sergeant-at-Arms, Financial Officer and finally as Post Commander.  

He loved his family, especially his wife Ruth, who was his “Sweetie” for almost 59 years, until her passing on January 25, 2009, he was also preceded in death by his mother and father and one brother.

Uncle Paul is survived by his Niece, Pamela Winblood; Great Nephew Scott Grissom, Great Nieces Kae Dawn Winblood & Brandi Winblood and her children Raven and William.

He was proud to say he “Lived the life of Riley” and would not change a thing! 

Arrangements for Paul and his family were placed in the care of the Vice Family at Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman, OK. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.HavenbrookFuneralHome.com.

Thank You For Your Service!