Max Edison Riker

Max Edison Riker, 84, of Robinson, IL, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born October 31, 1933 at Riker Corner in Stoy, IL, the son of James Alva Edison Riker & Lou Ella (Bond) Riker. He started working odd jobs for neighboring farmers at an early age and worked at the Ford garage washing cars while still in school. He attended Center School before moving on to Oblong High School, where he played varsity football as #67 and graduated in 1951. At the age of 16, he started driving freight for Ensley’s, where he stayed until getting on at CIPS in 1956. After 22 years here, he took an early retirement, but continued to work, this time with Baker Tools, with whom he was a chemical salesman for 15 years. He was also an active member of the Hardinville and Oblong Masonic Lodges. Over the years, he met a lot of people. Relationships were important to Max. He simply never met a stranger and could start a conversation with anybody and everybody. Max seemed to know a little bit about everything, and often spoke from a positive, yet unbiased and objective point of view. Max would have said that he lived a successful life. But he judged this success not on money or on status, but on family. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Max Riker centered his life around his wife, his girls, and his grandchildren, who could never forget him. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Cynthia Riker (Robinson, IL), Susan L. & Robin Roberts (Annapolis, IL), Julie Parker (Flat Rock, IL); by his grandchildren, Casey Parker & Brett Schrey, Jameson & Elizabeth Parker, Branden Parker & his special friends, Chandra York & Jaxson; by his great-grandson, Jude Paul Parker and soon-to-be great-granddaughter, Wren Elizabeth Parker; by his sister, Mary Ellen Tracy; by his brother & sister-in-law, Cecil & Lavina Riker; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He married Rita Berry on June 11, 1955, and she preceded him in death on October 4, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, David Noble Riker (KIA, WWII) and Keith “Tuffy” Riker; by his sisters, Alvina Riker, Vera Thompson, and Cora Ruddell; and by his grandson, Blake Parker. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31st at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A graveside will follow and will be held at the Robinson New Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, with envelopes available at the funeral home.