Robert "Bob" Reily Jr.

Robert Simeon “Bob” Reily Jr., formerly of Colorado City, Texas, passed away on Aug. 30, 2025, in Bedford, Texas, at the age of 96. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Colorado City on Saturday, September 6th at 1pm with Pastor Caleb Jackson officiating. Burial will be private at the discretion of the family.

Bob was born Oct. 7, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Robert Simeon Reily and Blanche (Berry) Reily.

After graduating from Abilene High School, he graduated in 1951 from McMurry University, where he was a two-sport standout. His participation in football and track led to his induction into McMurry’s Hall of Fame in 2010. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1948 through 1957.

He married Charlene Ross in Abilene on Feb. 16, 1951. They moved to Colorado City where he taught math and coached football and track, leading the Colorado City Wolves to a state championship and being named Coach of the Year in 1957 by the Abilene Reporter News. Following his athletics career as both a participant and a coach, Bob opened the Prudential Insurance Office in Colorado City where he worked as a Chartered Life Underwriter for 38 years before retiring in 1995.

A member of First United Methodist Church since 1950, he taught Sunday School and preached at small churches that lost their pastor. He was a member of the Lions Club, Colorado City Playhouse, and Chamber of Commerce, and served on the board of directors at Root Memorial Hospital and Mitchell County Public Library. He taught GED classes and served as a UIL judge at regional track and field meets well into his 80s. He was recognized for his civic activities when the Bob Reily Learning Center was named in his honor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene, on July 11, 2019.

He is survived by two sons: Pat and wife, Gaye, of Dimmitt, Texas, and Bill and wife, Jackie, of Bedford; two grandchildren, Christopher Reily and wife, Chelsea, and Alexia (Lexi) Coon and husband, Jace; and 4 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials be made to Mitchell County Public Library, 340 Oak Street, Colorado City, Texas 79512, or a favorite charity.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kiker-Seale Funeral Home of Colorado City.