Derek Allen Riley

Derek Allen Riley, 63, of Bridgman, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.

Born on December 5, 1962 in Terre Haute, Indiana, Derek was the son of Richard Riley and Margaret Harmon. On November 24, 2012, he married Carol Hisaw after meeting on a blind date. Their first evening together was spent at the youth fair, a tradition they continued every Friday night for the next thirteen years. During a weekend trip to Las Vegas, they exchanged vows on a small rooftop gazebo overlooking the city. In that moment, Derek became a husband, a dad, and a grandpa.

Derek found deep joy in his role as grandfather. He loved being asked to grill for his grandson Matthew’s high school baseball tournaments and cherished his close bond with granddaughter Emily, who was always his “Baby.” The two could often be found tinkering together in the barn or shop, or riding the golf cart through piles of leaves, filled with laughter. He also treasured meaningful conversations with granddaughter Lexi about her college life. Whether camping at tournaments or simply encouraging Matt and Emily to have fun and do their best, Derek poured his heart into his family.

A truck driver for more than forty years, Derek grew up working on local farms in the summers. As a young man he was active in the 4H Trailbusters and maintained a lifelong love for tinkering with his Jeeps. Behind his strong exterior was a gentle, soft-hearted man who was always willing to help others.

He is survived by his wife Carol; his 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. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Riley.