- Date Of Birth: March 5, 1936
- Date Of Death: June 19, 2018
- State: Michigan
Riley James Wyant, farmer, died on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at his home in Dowagiac, doing what he loved best, caring for his horses.
Riley was born on March 5, 1936 to John and Edith Wyant in Schoolcraft, Michigan. After high school he served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he returned to Michigan and has been farming ever since. Riley made a name for himself as a breeder of purebred Chester White hogs, winning numerous awards while showing his breeding stock throughout the country. Most recently he raised sheep with his best friend, his wife, Marny.
Riley always had a passion for draft horses and his later years were spent raising and showing his horses at numerous fairs across Michigan, winning his most recent award in October, 2017 at the Michigan Great Lakes Draft Horse Show and Pull at Michigan State University. Riley and Marny have volunteered numerous hours working with young 4-H students, sharing their love of the gentle draft horse. His children and grandchildren will remember spending time together on winter sleigh rides, riding with Riley in Schoolcraft’s Fourth of July Parade, and the Cass County Fair. Riley was a kind and humble man, always optimistic, with a smile on his face. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Riley is survived by his wife, Marny; children, Shawn Wyant (Kevin Thompson) of Decorah, Iowa, Dan Wyant (Kathy) of East Lansing, Doug Wyant (Ty) of Cassopolis, and Mark McNutt (Jen) of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Monica Wyant (Chuck Lippstreu), Baily Wyant (Adam Teasdale), Jordan Wyant Kristin Fisher), Kale Wyant (Cole Edwards), Branna DeClarke (Chuck), Josh Jacobus, and Levi McNutt; brother, John Wyant; and numerous friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Pat McIntyre.
