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 were held at First United Methodist Church of Colorado City on Saturday, Sept. 6, with Pastor Kaleb Jackson officiating. Private burial preceded in Colorado City Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Kiker-Seale Funeral Home of Colorado City.
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 College, where he was a football and track standout, leading 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. 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 while they searched for a pastor. He was a member of the Lions Club, Colorado City Playhouse, Keep Colorado City Beautiful, 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 Early Learning Center was named in his honor. He was also named Citizen of the Year.
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 four great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be made to Mitchell County Public Library, 340 Oak Street, Colorado City, Texas 79512, or Rhoads Memorial Library, 103 SW 2nd Street, Dimmitt, Texas 79027, or to a favorite charity.