Christopher Tutt Riley

Christopher Tutt Riley was the third child born to the union of Norman Oscar and Winnifred Louise Riley on Christmas Day, 1936. Christopher was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers: Norman, Charles, James, and Kenneth. Christopher, affectionately known as Tutt, and his family were proud residents of North Webster Groves, Mo.

He met and married Shirley Mason in 1954. Thru this union, Christopher, David, James, and Chrystal Lynn were born. This was also the year he decided to join the military as one of the few, the proud, the US Marines. There was no one prouder to be a US Marine and he served honorably with a rank of Corporal as he left the military but carried that spirit with him throughout his life. After 17 years, the marriage dissolved but Tutt maintained a special friendship with Shirley which would prove crucial at the end of his life.

Tutt then met Hazel Riley and through this special relationship, his son Norman Patrick was born. As a dedicated employee and through a series of mergers, he served 34 years and retired from United Technologies in 1998. He continued to work driving a school bus for the Rockwood School District and occasionally driving for Vandalia Bus Lines. His true passion was boating and he enjoyed it for many years and was an active member of the St. Louis Gateway Boat Club, Inc. In 2020, he was honored with an Appreciation award for his dedication as Captain and Purser for 33 years.

In 1978, Tutt married Hattie Stewart and gained a stepdaughter, Tina. During this union he enjoyed the social scene, traveling, and of course boating. Toward the end of his life, he was diagnosed with Dementia, but his family rallied and surrounded him with love and support. In May 2022, Tutt lost his wife Hattie and moved in with his daughter, Chrystal for the remainder of his life. There he was surrounded by love.

Tutt passed away peacefully leaving to cherish his legacy a sister, Nancy Johnson-Benton of Los Angeles, his loving children: Christopher, David, James (Delores), Chrystal (William), Norman (Lavinia). His grandchildren: Michael, James, Raymond, Chris, Colin, Jayden, Kai Lynn, Chase, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

13 Comments

  1. Delores McLain-Riley on February 27, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    Rest In Peace dear father-n-law”Tutt”.A honor to know you over the years.Always hospitable,kind,sweet and had a great sense of humor.Remembering your smile and that funny laugh.Also the way you talked and was very proud of your children.Condolences to the family and friends.God Bless…



  2. James Riley (son) on February 27, 2023 at 1:48 pm

    Rest In Peace …Thanks for being the man you were and teaching me how to be a man.Many years later when Multiple Sclerosis kept me from driving you came many times to visit me bringing lunch of Steak n Shake or Bandanas or a meal Hattie prepared.God blessed you with a long life.



  3. Wendy Richardson on February 28, 2023 at 10:17 am

    Deepest condolences to Chrystal, Shirley, Bill and the entire family. Keeping you all lifted in prayer. Love, Chris and Wendy



  4. Angela Riley Wooldridge on February 28, 2023 at 11:31 am

    My sincere & deepest sympathy to all of the children, grandchildren, sister etc. Uncle (Tutt) you’ve gotten your Wings & Resting in God’s Care now.🙏🏽
    Your Neice,
    Angela Riley Wooldridge



  5. Winifred Riley on February 28, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    Uncle Tutt now you were a soldier for the US of A now your a soldier for the Lord. Rest in peace I’ll always remember your laughter and your shiny shoes♥️♥️

    Your niece,
    Winifred Louise Riley the second



  6. Gregory A Swain on February 28, 2023 at 4:17 pm

    Wishing You PEACE. As you remember and mourn the loss of your DAD, know that you are being thought of with warmth and sympathy.



  7. Rochelle Griffin on February 28, 2023 at 5:59 pm

    My deepest sympathy to Chrystal, Shirley, and the entire extended family. May God continue to bless each of you with peace, and may you find comfort with all the beautiful and fond memories shared.
    Love
    Rochelle Griffin



  8. Love, Billy and Judi Sams on February 28, 2023 at 7:04 pm

    Sending our most sincere condolences to Tutt’s family. We pray his soul rests peacefully with God. Tutt left his legacy. He completed his work here.



  9. Cecelia Beatrice Brown Fluker on February 28, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    Condolences to the Riley family. Heaven now has another honored guest! Your father and uncle had a great smile that lit up the whole room. God’s comfort and peace to you all.

    Cecelia Brown Fluker
    & family🦋



  10. Deborah Jones on March 1, 2023 at 1:27 pm

    May God bless and keep our family during this bereavement time. Tut was such a happy soul, he enjoyed people and life. I remember many parties my parents would have for Christmas, as my Mother Leola and Tut shared a Christmas birthday! So much fun!!
    May God bless my cousins Chrystal, David, Christopher, James and Norman. I will be praying for Grandchildren, Shirley and the entire family. Be blessed and know that God ❤️ you and so do I!!
    Deborah Jones



  11. Christine And Christian on March 2, 2023 at 7:41 pm

    Rest in paradise Mr . Riley 🛐Love and comfort be with the entire family . ☮️💜🕊️



  12. Kendra Dunn on March 3, 2023 at 9:20 am

    Even though technically, James is my stepfather, me and my boys never considered ourselves anything less than grandchildren and great grandchildren to our grandpa Chris. He didn’t treat us any differently just because we weren’t blood related. Grandpa Chris will be missed dearly by so many and my continued prayers go out to everyone who was blessed enough to know him. RIH Grandpa Chris, say hello to Grandma Hattie for me 😢🙏🏾



  13. Anita McCullar on March 3, 2023 at 10:42 am

    Crystal my deepest sympathy. Praying God comforts you and your family during this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.



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