Paul E. Riley

Long time Valley pastor and chaplain Paul E. Riley went on to his eternal rewards Saturday, September 5, 2015, from his home on E. Southshore Drive in Palmer.

Paul was born to Claude Lee and Lola Fay Riley on April 25, 1930 in Dallas, Texas. At age 15 his family moved to Anchorage from where he ventured to the Mat-Su Valley and met his wife, Helen Havemeister, whom he married on December 15, 1951. The same year, they started Wasilla Assembly of God Church (now Summit Worship Center). The church was started in the Wasilla Community Hall, now Dorothy Page Museum, and in a short time began building the first building, just up Knik Road where the New Teen Challenge is soon to open. By 1980, the building, with add-ons, became too small and new ground was purchased on Riley Ave. off Knik, which was completed in 1982.

He was a man of many talents showing up in his years of working to establish Little Beaver Lake Camp. After retiring as Pastor, Paul became involved in Prison Ministry and served for over 25 years, during which time he also became president of Alaska Prison Ministries until his death. Paul was an active member of the Valley Pastor’s Prayer Network.

In his lifetime of service, he met and became special friends to many who will forever miss him and hold his memories dear.

Paul is survived by his wife, Helen and three children, Paula (David) Campbell, Wanda (Tim) McGraw, and Howard (Sue) Riley; seven grandchildren, Jeremiah Campbell, Jesse (Kimberly) Campbell, Alicia McGraw (Aaron) Brookshire, Katrina McGraw, Jonathan (Deborah) McGraw, Kipp (Renee) Riley, and Sean (Kaye-Leigh) Riley; eight great-grandchildren, Conner, Sadee and Gabriel Campbell, Remington Riley, Charlie and Oliver Riley, Breille McGraw, and Emmy Campbell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Summit Worship Center on Riley Avenue on Friday Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. Anyone wishing to donate in his honor may give to Alaska Prison Ministries.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.