C.L. Riley 1931-2026
Claron L. ”C.L.” Riley, 94, of Holton, passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at Holton Health Care Center.
He was born Feb. 13, 1931, in Anderson County, the son of David L. and Viola Frances (Chitwood) Riley.
Claron left school as a freshman to manage the family farm while his sister was hospitalized with meningitis. With the encouragement of a school board member, he later returned to high school and completed his requirements in just three years, graduating from Welda High School in 1948. He attended Iola Junior College on a football scholarship and taught in a one-room schoolhouse before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in Okinawa for two years with Air Rescue, he assisted in rescuing pilots in the China Sea.
On Aug. 8, 1954, eight days after his enlistment ended, Claron married his high school sweetheart, Lavonne M. Starr, in Welda.
A lifelong educator, Claron earned degrees from Pittsburg State Teachers College (1956) and Emporia State Teachers College (1959), followed by a specialist in education degree from Wichita State University (1969). He taught and coached in Sylvan Grove (1956-1959) and served as principal in Paradise (1959-1961) and Clearwater (1961-1963). He went on to serve as superintendent of schools in Maize (1963-1972) and Holton (1972-1990).
Known as C.L. during his time in Holton, he worked diligently to form the Special Education Co-op for the Big Seven League and was instrumental in founding the United School Administrators. He was a member of the American Legion Post 44, Holton Country Club, Rotary and First United Methodist Church of Holton.
In retirement, C.L. and Lavonne operated an antique business and traveled extensively. C.L. was a past president of the International R.S. Prussia Collectors Club, and he and Lavonne were founding members of the Heartland R.S. Prussia Collectors Club, where they formed many lasting friendships. C.L. also took up painting when he could no longer play golf. His work was displayed in local restaurants, and he often invited guests in his home to choose a painting to take with them.
C.L. and Lavonne celebrated 62 years of marriage before her passing on Nov. 30, 2016. He is survived by his daughter, Erin C. Duncan (Stu) of Westmoreland; his son, Shawn D. Riley (Jennalee) of Holton; his sister, Anita Neuenswander (William) of Baldwin City; six grandchildren: Amos Duncan, Heather Kurtz, Luke Sneden, Robert Riley, Liza Cappleman and Colin Duncan; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Holton American Legion — Mary L. Blair Post 44 and left in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
