Derek Allen Riley, 63, of Bridgman passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.
A funeral service will be held 11 AM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI 49106. Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 PM on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be given to Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Ave, Stevensville, MI 49127. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.
Derek was born on December 5, 1962 in Terre Haute, Indiana the son of Richard Riley and Margaret Harmon. On November 24, 2012 he married the former Carol Hisaw. Derek and Carol met on a blind date. They went to the youth fair on a Friday and they spent the last 13 years of Friday nights at the fair. On a long weekend trip to Las Vegas they found a small rooftop gazebo overlooking the city, and they decided to get married. Derek became a husband, a dad, and a grandpa all on top of that roof.
One of his greatest joys was being asked to grill food at his grandson, Matthew’s, high school baseball tournaments. Another joy was his granddaughter, Emily, they became close buddies. The two of them could always be found tinkering in the barn or shop, or riding the golf cart through the piles of leaves, laughing and giggling. Emily will always be his “Baby”. Derek also enjoyed talks with granddaughter, Lexi, about her college classes and learning about college life. Derek liked to go camping most of the time they were attending baseball or softball tournaments. He would always encourage Matt and Emily to have fun and do your best.
Derek was a truck driver for over forty plus years. He grew up working on local farms during the summer. As a young man Derek was involved with the 4H Trailbusters. He enjoyed tinkering and working on his Jeeps. Once you got past the brawny exterior, you would find the biggest soft hearted, giving, caring, loving soul willing to help anyone he could.
Survivors include his wife Carol; mother: Margaret Harmon; step-daughter: Katie (Justin Berry) Schmidt; grandchildren: Lexi Williamson, Matthew Schmidt, and Emily Berry; sisters: Tracey Belmont and Michelle (Scott) Pullins; and brother, Scott Riley.
Derek was preceded in death by his father, Richard Riley.
Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.
Visitation
Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel
Monday, March 16, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Funeral Service
Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Posted On: Thursday, March 12, 2026 3:54 PM
