Bob Kelley Obituary

Bob Kelley

5-8-1930 to 6-26-2025

Saying goodbye to a great guy.

We lost our Daddy/ Grandpa/ Uncle Bob/ Coach Kelley/ Friend last month, after 95 years of living, loving and always smiling. He will be missed, and always loved.

We were blessed on May 8th this year, to enjoy a fun celebration of his 95th birthday where he walked his property, ate ice cream and apple fritters, and enjoyed a Budweiser while sitting on his beloved deck in the sunshine! Who could hope for such an enjoyable and easy final birthday?

Bobby (as they all called him in Texas) was a proud native of Bovina, Texas. He graduated from Bovina High School with 12 classmates in 1948! And for the next 4 years played the position of Center (with a love for playing ball and weighing-in at 215 pounds and 6'3" - he was a natural!) on his college football team at West Texas State University, graduating with the class of 1952. He loved to share the story that he tried to leave college many times that first year. But his folks sent him back to school each time. It was a large adjustment for a small-town boy, but he soon learned to love it. The demands/routine of the football training and the bonds formed ... set him up for a new path from the Texas farm.

In 1952 -1954, Bob went on to serve in the 3rd Marine Division - Reconnaissance Company - 5th Battalion- drafted into the Korean War. Where along with all other Marine training - he played "helicopter games" determining at what heights and speeds a body could jump out of a helicopter and into the ocean without breaking anything!

August 6, 1952 (age 22) he married the love of his life: Margaret Jean Laing (22) from Des Moines, IA, after meeting her at a dance hall (while engaged to another man) and marrying her 6 weeks later! He shipped overseas to Japan 2 days after they wed.

In July of 1955 Bob joined the Philadelphia Eagles where he again played Center for 2 seasons. His much-loved coach, Jim Tremble, then invited Bob to move with him to Canada to join the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he played another 2 seasons. He often shared that Canada had amazing, kind, fun fans who even cheered for an opposing team for a good play!

Following their fun years as a professional football player, they decided it was time to start a career that allowed for family and staying more local, less travel. And even as the Raiders were recruiting him to their new team, Bob started his next career, showcasing his dedication to excellence in sports, the love and commitment to the young students and to the local community.

In 1959, he moved his growing family to Salinas and worked at Salinas High School, teaching Algebra, American History and coaching football. This opportunity not only introduced them to a wonderful group of new friends and colleagues but also lead him to his longest and well loved career with Hartnell.

In 1965 Bob started at Hartnell Jr College, Salinas - as the Football, Swimming and Wrestling coach. In 1966 until 1990, Bob became Athletic Director, Football/Swim/Wrestling Coach, and Dean of Athletics for "The Panthers". He worked hard to hire talented coaches, expand all the sports, including women's teams - which was new to that time, and gaining great financial support from the Salinas businesses. He was much loved by players and coaches. He worked hard, swore hard, demanded much and applauded any achievements. He made the athletes understand that school came first, then sports. He was known to even walk an athlete to class a time or two - just to make sure he got there!

In 1990 - Bob retired from Hartnell on a Friday, and on Monday morning started with the California Rodeo as the new executive administrator. Yet again, working hard, enjoy the sporting events within a fabulous community.

As Bob finally embraced real retirement, his family felt so blessed that many of the local groups chose to honor Bob, while he was still living and could be present to hear sincere appreciation, admiration and great laughter with stories of his contributions. In July 2013 - The California Rodeo honored him by making him the Grand Marshall of the Colmo del Rodeo parade. And that same year in the fall, he was inducted into the Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame. And in November 2014, he was inducted into the 2nd annual Hartnell College Athletics Hall of Fame. He enjoyed seeing the players, coaches, cowboys and community leaders in these special events.

Above all, Bob cherished his family. His beloved wife Margaret, who passed in 2008, and his children Tim (and wife Laura) and Traci (and husband Jerry), along with his grandson Jackson, were the joys of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of friendship and love, remembered for the twinkle in his blue eyes and the world's best smile.

June 26, 2025 - Bob passed peacefully and at home.

"Join the mama now dad, she's been waiting for you."