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Riley Cartwright
Riley Cartwright, 77, longtime Parsons teacher, coach and pastor, passed away at 6:15 a.m., Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024 in Gilbert, AZ.
He was born on September 11, 1946 in Coffeyville, Kansas to Russell and Eliza (Joyner) Cartwright. Riley attended schools in Coffeyville and graduated from Field Kindley High School with the class of 1964. He attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg and received his teaching degree. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War for eleven months.
Riley taught sixth grade for 34 years in the Parsons school district. He had taught at Guthridge Elementary, West Junior High School and Parsons Middle School. During his teaching career he coached football, basketball and track, winning the state championship in track as the head coach in 1991. He coached middle school sports later in his career. After retiring from teaching, Riley became the pastor at Hamilton Chapel United Methodist Church for several years. He was involved in the jail ministry in Oswego for many years leading bible study and worship for the inmates.
Riley enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, mowing grass and doing yard work. He always had a wonderful smile and hug for those he greeted. He was a member of Hamilton Chapel United Methodist Church.
He and Jacquelyn Davis were united in marriage on June 19, 1971 in Kansas City, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 22, 1999. He and Joyce (Hendrix) Barker were united in marriage on December 28, 2002 in Kansas City, Kansas. She survives of Gilbert, AZ.
Other survivors include his daughter, Kim Cartwright of Princeton, TX; son, Justin Cartwright of Coffeyville, KS; step-son – Damon Barker of Gilbert, AZ; son-in-law, Andrew Fletcher of Gilbert, AZ; three grandchildren, Ethan Fletcher, Quentin Fletcher and Brianne Barker; sisters, Cora Green and LaDonna Melton of Coffeyville; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Lianne Fletcher and a sister, Theresa Gilmore.
The memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Parson Municipal Auditorium with Bishop Walter Simpson officiating. Military Honors will be given by Brown-Bishop Post No 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Burial will be at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Parsons Educational Foundation and may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.
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Judge Sally Willett (Willett)
I'm so sad to hear about Riley's passing he was a lovely, delightful breath of fresh air always. His engaging personality and friendliness I have remembered always. Riley was one of our class's "good guys" who brought sunshine. Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences at this difficult time. Sally
Janet Wood (King)
Riley will be remembered as a very unifying person. Always such a pleasant friendly personality with a wonderful smile that attracted everyone. He was such a talented man able to succeed at so many different things. He willl be missed by so many. God surely has a special place for him in his heavenly home. Joyce you have my sincere condolences. Blessings to you and the entire family. Janet
Russell Olewinski
It's very sad to here of Riley's passing. A great friend, athelete, Veteran and most of all a great person. Many memories we had as young students at FKHS. God Bless and Rest in Peace.