Don Alan Riley, 59, was born on Nov. 30, 1954 in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised in San Marcos and graduated from San Marcos High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. He went to Angelo State University on a football scholarship, majoring in education. While living in San Angelo, he started a country band named the Coolie Hand Band. His band was very popular in the area and drew large crowds. Don loved playing his guitar and singing. Many people have enjoyed his music through the years.
Don married Dolores Milligan on June 16, 1979 and they resided in San Marcos, where Don completed his Bachelor degree and began his career as a teacher and coach at Goodnight Junior High and his alma mater, San Marcos High School as a varsity football coach. Don and Dolores then moved to Kyle, Texas where Don started a weight and conditioning class and coached varsity football at Hays High School. He was also the head track coach for the Rebels. Don built strong relationships with his students and athletes on the field and off and tried his best to help young people have confidence and believe in themselves. One of his athletes shared, “ I am one of his players who was fortunate enough to have been coached by him both on and off the field. My proudest moment was receiving the all-district defensive tackle award and having Coach shake my hand, telling me how proud both he and my father, who had passed away, would be because of my accomplishments. I send my thanks to his family for allowing Coach the sacrifices and commitment it takes to be the greatest coach any player could ever have. “
Don and Dolores would have been married for 35 years this coming June. Don was a very loving husband. He and his wife enjoyed the outdoors, traveling throughout the U.S. Don and Dolores enjoyed hiking together in the mountains, tubing down the river, and sightseeing.
Don was a wonderful dad and grandfather “Coach”. His four grandchildren brought him much joy.
Don is survived by his wife Dolores Riley; his children Kristen Jansen and Clint Riley; his son-in-law Blake Jansen; his grandchildren Tyler Bree Jansen, Riley Jansen, Blakely Jansen, and Bennett Jansen; his mother JoAnn Moore; his father Charles P. Riley; his brother, Randy Riley; two sisters, Kim Whitbeck and Jill Ralph; brothers-in-law Bill Whitbeck and David Ralph; and his nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel in Kyle, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Don Riley Memorial Athletic Scholarship. More information about the funeral service and donations can be found at http://www.penningtonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/don-riley/.
Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, Texas 78666, 512-353-4311.
