Robert "Bob" Arledge

Robert “Bob” Thornton Arledge, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and faithful servant of God, passed peacefully at the age of 84 into his heavenly home on October 26, 2025. Born on November 18, 1940, in Orange, Texas, to James Thornton and Ruth (Ratliff) Arledge, Bob grew up in a home where faith, family, and education were deeply valued. Those early lessons shaped a life of purpose and faithful service. Bob attended Abilene Christian College and graduated with a degree in Science Education and a minor in Chemistry and later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Texas Tech University. Over the years, he taught Biology and Life Science to students in both Texas and Oklahoma. He was named Teacher of the Year multiple times and was proud to see his students grow into thoughtful young adults within the Broken Arrow community. Bob met the love of his life, Carol Coldwell, at Abilene Christian College. They married in 1968 and built a beautiful life together filled with Christian service for 49 years. Together they raised two sons, David and Steven, and Bob enjoyed time with his family, serving as Cub Scout Master, creating memories at the holidays, and supporting his boys in their endeavors. He and Carol later welcomed two daughters-in-laws’, Erin and Deb, and four cherished granddaughters, Madison, Brynn, Ella, and Tessa, who lovingly called him “Papa Bob.” Carol passed peacefully in 2017 with Bob and her boys by her side. Bob was baptized March 28, 1954 at the Ninth and Elm Church of Christ in Orange, TX and was a devoted member of the Church of Christ. He loved to sing and worship and for nearly five decades, Bob was an integral part of the Broken Arrow Church of Christ. He taught first-grade Bible classes for more than 20 years, served as a deacon, prepared communion, volunteered in the clothing room, and served in the Welcome and Information Center. His gentle humor, warm heart, and steadfast faith touched countless lives. As a lifelong learner and traveler, Bob had a deep appreciation for God’s creation. He visited all 50 states, culminating with a memorable trip to Hawaii in 2019. Many of those adventures were shared with Carol and their boys in the family’s beloved Mini Motorhome camper, exploring National Parks and creating amazing memories. The Arledge family loved to visit family and friends across the country and create memories that would last a lifetime. Bob was an avid gardener, with a bounty of tomatoes and cucumbers. He enjoyed swimming laps in his backyard pool, spending time in the water with his beautiful wife and teaching water aerobics regularly with a group of friends. Above all, Bob will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love of family, his boisterous laugh, and his quiet example of service. His life reflected his own father’s advice—a philosophy he lived by and shared with others: “Study the Word of God. Be governed by it. And be a good example.” Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his parents, James and Ruth Arledge; his brother, James “Jim” Arledge; his sister, Marjorie Ann Strawther; and his granddaughter, Madison Paige Arledge. He is survived by his sons and their wives’, Dr. David and Erin Arledge of Ballwin, MO, and Steven and Deb Arledge of Broken Arrow, OK; his granddaughters Brynn, Ella, and Tessa; his nieces and nephews; Katie and Sarah Coldwell of Dallas, TX; Cathy (Tim ) Johnson of Carrolton, TX ; Cindy (Dave) Short of Rockwell, TX; Jeff (Debbie) Arledge of Richardson, TX; James (Jennifer) Arledge of Mt. Pleasant, TX and Dr. Philip Strawther of Cornelius, NC. There are many extended family members and dear friends who will have fond memories of the times that they shared with Bob. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Broken Arrow Church of Christ on Wednesday, October 29, at 1:00 p.m. where his friends, community and family will gather to honor a lifelong Christ follower and a man with a heart for the Lord. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Robert ‘Bob” Arledge may be made to Broken Arrow church of Christ Missions Fund, Hope Harbor Children’s home, Abilene Christian University, or In Search of the Lord’s Way.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" Arledge

November 18, 1940 - October 26, 2025