Thomas Riley Jr.

Thomas F. Riley Jr., 65, of Stillwater, passed from this life on February 19, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. A Wake Service will be held at 7pm Thursday February 24 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am Friday, February 25 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Father Ken Harder officiating. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 12:00 to 8:00pm and Thursday from 8:00am to 4pm.
Tom was born September 22, 1945 in Chelsea, Massachusetts to Thomas F. and Evelyn Coughlan Riley. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, TX. Tom was offered a scholarship to play football for the University of Tulsa. He happily accepted the scholarship eventually being inducted into the University of Tulsa Football Hall of Fame. After graduating from T.U. with a degree in accounting, Tom pursued his Masters Degree from Oklahoma State University. In 1968, he obtained his Masters of Accounting in only one year.
Tom began an accomplished career as a Certified Public Accountant and business executive that included employment and ownership in several communication companies such as Crossroad Wireless, Chickasaw Telecommunications, Dobson Communications, Sure-tel, Southwest PCS Holdings, and Alamosa Holdings. During his time as a corporate executive, Tom managed to maintain his passion for accounting by operating his private CPA practice with several hundred clients. He also held a position as a Board Member of Alamosa Holdings, Chickasaw Telecommunications, and ExOfficio LLC.
Besides his accomplished athletic and business careers, Mr. Riley had the honor of serving the community at both the local and state levels. He served many leadership roles in Stillwater, including the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and most recently, the Stillwater Industrial Foundation. He served as a Board Member of the Oklahoma Telephone Association. He was appointed to the Oklahoma Library Board by Gov. David Walters. Tom was a lifetime member of The University of Tulsa's Lettermans Association. In 2002, Tom was inducted into the Oklahoma Telephone Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was appointed by Gov. Brad Henry as a Charter Member of the Oklahoma Lottery Commission and worked tirelessly to develop the current standard rules and regulations governing the Oklahoma Lottery.
Although he received many personal honors and had several successful careers, Tom Riley considered his greatest accomplishment to be his loving family. He enjoyed spending time with them at their lake house, on family vacations and at numerous OSU athletic events. Tom will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud father, and a caring grandpa. His legacy of compassion and excellence will be continued through the lives of his four sons.
He is survived by his wife Pat, of the home. Four sons: Thomas (Trey) Riley III, and wife Pamela, of Edmond, OK, Tim Riley, and wife Kristi, of Stillwater, OK. Greg Lawson, of Stillwater, OK, and Chris Lawson, and wife Abbey, of Houston, TX. Five grandchildren: Thomas Riley IV and Aaron of Edmond, Karsen and Jackson Riley of Stillwater, and Bailey Lawson of Stillwater.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother William (Bill).
Memorial contributions can be made in Tom's honor to the American Cancer Association or the Catholic Charities of Oklahoma in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075.
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guest book at www.pmcfh.com