Thurman Walker Riley Sr. a Cincinnati native, was born January 12, 1937, to the union of IC and Geneva Riley both decreased. Thurman better known as "Cincinnati" as he was often called by his friends. He was "Big Papa"to his oldest brother Milton. He was the 8th child out of fifteen children (10 of his siblings preceded him in death). He received Christ at an early age at the Glad Tidings Baptist Church in the West End.

Thurman graduated from Central High School where he played basketball for 9th St. YMCA. He was very athletic, playing all sports. Thurman received an athletic scholarship to Miami University of Ohio.

He met and married Lillie Davis, through their union they had one son Thurman (Joyce) Riley Jr.(decreased) and one daughter Yolanda (Darin) Miller Sr. In 1961, Thurman enlisted into the U.S. Army, serving three years. Returning to Cincinnati where he worked for the U.S. Postal service and Pepsi Co.

Thurman later moved to Chicago and married Wardeen Caillouet becoming a blended family with Lisa and Bernard. He went on to work in security for Chicago Public Schools and the Apostolic Church of God, where they attended. He moved up in rank and became the Chief of Security for the church. They retired from their jobs and moved to Las Cruses, New Mexico.

Thurman couldn't stay retired too long, he was hired to work for Las Cruses Public Schools, as security. He was very popular and loved by all. He was known for spear heading a annual food drive and barbecue for the kids. He would get food donated from local stores. He volunteered and chaperoned out of town trips within the school system too. The kids and parents loved him. He was on a first name basis with the mayor and the chief of police in Cruses. He knew the head of the NAACP there also.

Thurman Walker Riley, age 82, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019 in Munster, Indiana.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his loving wife Wardeen, of thirty-plus years, his children Yolanda (Darin) Miller Sr., Lisa (Rebecca) Caillouet and Benard (Lynette) Caillouet, five siblings, Milton Riley, Catherine Foster, Shirley Alexander, Lee (Sherry) Riley and Kenneth (Lisa) Riley; eight grandchildren Ayanna, Maverick, Darin Jr., Landon, Caleb, Benard (Bebe), Monica and Rayshawn, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation is from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm, on  Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the Second Trinity Baptist Church, 911 Nassau Street, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 4:00 pm.

To share a memory of Thurman or leave a special message for the Riley family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  is serving the  Riley family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.