Shawn Riley

Shawn moved around as a child, however, he always visited Benchley, Texas during the summers to help on his family dairy farm. During his high school years, he moved to Bryan, Texas and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1968. After graduation, he married Deborah Angonia. Soon after, Shawn enlisted in the United Sates Army and was stationed in Belgium. He served in the 7th Army Training Command. Upon arriving back in Bryan, Shawn joined his father-in-law farming in the Brazos bottom for several years. During this time, he also opened a restaurant called Boogers Bar and Grill named after his CB handle. After many years of farming, he made a change and started selling insurance and then worked in the oil field. When Debbi became ill, Shawn worked closer to home to be with her during her final year and finally retired.

Shawn was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He also was on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of the Brazos Valley, participated in Leadership Brazos, was past President of the API-East Chapter, and assisted with several local Charity Golf tournaments. He also participated in BBQ Cook-Offs around the area.

Shawn enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, watching the Houston Astros and the Fighting Texas Aggies. He also loved to cook and was known for his gumbo and Ed cakes. Shawn enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also loved music. If there was a stage, Shawn would be up there singing front and center. He is known for his grand performances singing Mustang Sally. He even had his own groupies called the “Shawnette’s”. Shawn never met a stranger and anyone who met him would never forget him. Shawn was a loyal friend to a fault. No matter what you needed, time of day or location, he was there when you called. This loyalty is reflected among the many friends that his family can count on today. After Debbi, the love of his life, passed away, Shawn’s light seemed to fade. The loud, boisterous, fun-loving person we knew was no more. Shawn passed away quietly surrounded by family.

Shawn is preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Angonia Riley; mother Betty Coro; father Webb Riley; sister Penny Riley, brother Mike Riley; stepmother Berneice Riley; stepsister Brenda Tollison; father-in-law Don Angonia; sister-in-law Terri Angonia.

He is survived by daughters, Kimberly Riley Lightsey and Jill Riley Pippin; son-in-law, Joel Lightsey; grandchildren, Jake and Matthew Lightsey, Dylan, and Wil Pippin; mother-in-law Barbara Angonia; brothers-in-law, Donnie and Eric Angonia; sister-in-law, Deanne Angonia; “sister” Jeanie Bowman Lynd; “brother” James Donald Riley; and loving nephews, nieces and numerous friends.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jake and Matthew Lightsey, Dylan and Wil Pippin, Pablo Olivo, Dominic Angonia, Cullen Angonia, Robert and John Lynd.

The family would like to thank the care provided by the nurses at St. Joseph Hospital in his final days.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30pm with a Rosary to follow at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan, Texas. Celebration of Life will be Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:00am at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Boys and Girls Club of the Brazos Valley Donate Now | The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley or P.O. Box 524, Bryan, TX 77806.