"Coach" Fraley began his successful 65-year coaching career in the San Joaquin Valley at Riverdale Jr. High School, Laton High School, Lemoore High School, followed by a 28-year career at Fresno State University. Coach Fraley retired as head coach of the Track and Field Program at Fresno State in 2008. His career was marked by numerous honors, including conference coach of the year, induction into the Fresno County Hall of Fame, the US Track and Field Hall of Fame, and the USA Pole Vault Hall of Fame. He served a term as the president of the US Track and Field Coaches Association, and produced countless conference championships, multiple NCAA All-Americans, and four NCAA champions, including his son Doug, while at Fresno State. His dedication to the Valley and his love of Track and Field were evident when Bob agreed to coach and forgo his salary so the Track and Field program could continue, and he did so until his retirement. He was a volunteer coach post-retirement, at Clovis West High School and College of the Sequoias. He personified, "If you love what you do you never work a day in your life." Coach was known for his innovation in the sport by creating a national Pole Vault Summit and the wildly popular Clovis Street Vault competition at the Clovis farmer's market. He had an active leadership role in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program in Lemoore and Fresno for years and was a mentor for student athletes.
Bob Fraley was many things, including his larger-than-life character, his love of fishing, and family celebrations. He was a husband of 67 years, and survived by his lifelong partner and wife, Elaine Fraley of Fresno, CA. The father of three, to Tammi Fraley Groom of Los Angeles, CA, Jill Fraley Palacios (Robert) of Clovis, CA, Doug Fraley (Erica) of Lolo, MT. He is a grandfather of five, to Melanie Hunter (Ryan) of Fair Oaks, CA, Michelle Mohler (Grant) of Fresno, CA, Janell Orender (Lance) of Clovis, CA, Trevor Groom , Los Angeles, CA and Kacy Groom, San Diego, CA. Great-grandfather of four. Brother to Dave Fraley (Dorothy) of Visalia, CA, Gloria Turner (Gary) of Fowler, CA, and Diane Medico (Mike) of Paso Robles, CA.
He loved his family, his athletes and mentees, and was devoted to his Christian faith. The family is very grateful for the accolades and testimonials that have poured in since the news of his death and is a testament to his passion and life of service.
At his request graveside services, open to all, will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, 19811 S. Cedar Avenue in Laton, California on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
