Riley Duson

On April 9, 1942, God ushered into this world, Riley Duson, blessing his parents, Johnnie and Odell with a life of happiness. Riley’s parents, Johnnie and Odell, as well as his sister Winona preceded him in death. Riley was raised in Summit-Argo, IL. He attended Argo Elementary and graduated from Argo Community High School, before being drafted into the military at age 21 on March 27, 1964 and served in the Vietnam War. Riley received an honorable discharge on March 24, 1966 and returned home to his family and classmates who would become lifelong friends. Along with many of his friends, Riley worked at Corn Products Corporation and retired after 42 years of service. Riley had much love for and was always eager to meet up with his friends and coworkers. He never missed coming home to attend Corn Products annual picnic every year. You could also catch him cruising around town in his always new and shiny cars or being chauffeured by J.R. Malone. Family was everything to Riley. He always made sure that if anyone was in need, they could call on him. He was fond of his nieces in particular. He always attended his company’s annual Christmas party, taking his nieces every year. Riley worked with his sister Winona to take care of their mother Odell after she was up in age. When Riley returned home from the military in 1966, he married the love of his life, Inell Walker. They have a love story that can only be told in a romance novel or movie! They loved doing everything together and spending time with family and friends. Inell took care of Riley with so much loving care and remained by his side until he passed away on April 28, 2023. It was with Elder Wheeler Parker Jr., that Riley confessed and gave his life to Christ. For many years, the two always stayed in touch and prayed together. This friendship, mentorship, kindness, and compassion will always be remembered. Riley’s memory will live forever with his wife, Inell Duson; sisters: Barbara Green, Linda Davis, Kathie (Trevor) Telford, and Loanne Duson; brothers: John L. Green, Raynard Green, and Carl Duson; sisters in law: Ethelene Williams, Dorothy Cooper, and Nathel Harris; brothers in law: Cherry Walker, Jerry Walker, and IV Walker; a host of nieces, nephews and lifelong friends; and special friends and medical staff who helped and cared for Riley. They are: St. Michaels Hospital, Texas; Dr. Christopher Freeland, Arkansas Hospital, Little Rock; Cornerstone Skilled Nursing & Rehab; In Habit homecare, Texarkana; staff of DeVita Dialysis Center; and Waterton Hospice Care, Texarkana. They all so kindly helped in Riley’s fight for life and are greatly appreciated.

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