Biography: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Riley Ogden, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and beloved friend.  John Riley Ogden was born on August 23, 1940 to Ira & Alta Ogden.  He and his younger brother, Tommy, were raised playing in the foothills of Queen Wilhelmina Mountain in Mena, AR. 

He attended Southern State College, now Southern Arkansas University, in Magnolia, AR and graduated in 1963.  He worked as a police dispatcher while in college and then eventually settled into a career with Southwestern Bell and AT&T until his retirement. 

John Riley Ogden, who was known as “Riley”, was loved by many and lived a life filled with indulgence in his hobbies and talents.  Riley was an outstanding marksman though his love of animals did not allow him to be a hunter. He was a self-taught and superb gunsmith, truly excelling at his craft. So much so, even in retirement, he worked as a gunsmith in Little Rock, AR for a brief time. 

He was a devoted husband to Sandra Newton Ogden and an adoring and loving father and grandfather to his daughter, Alta Nell Ogden Peltz, her husband, Kevin Peltz, and thier two children, Jackson and Layla.  Along with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, Riley is survived by his two lovely nieces, Ashley Fletcher and April Wilkinson.  His family was always his main focus and source of joy.  This family included his many dogs that he loved fiercely and completely if they were lucky enough to be called his. 

Riley was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tommy Ogden.  Highly intelligent and full of humor and wit, he was truly a great man, as easily attested to by his many friends and his family.  He will be so terribly missed. 

Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com