Charles Robert Kelly

Charles Robert Kelly, known as Bob, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2025 at the age of 92.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Bob was born on October 14, 1932, to Thomas A. Kelly and Helen L. Kelly in Golden, Colorado. He lived in Colorado with his family of two brothers, Tom and John Kelly. He studied at the University of Colorado and later earned his doctoral degree at Oklahoma University. His dissertation researched the water system currently used in much of the Texas Panhandle, including the construction of water transfer from Lake Meredith to Amarillo, TX.

Bob served in the United States Air Force between 1951 to 1955, working as a Long Intercept Operator while stationed in Turkey. During the time he was at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he met Helen Lynn, and they married in 1955. They were married 64 years before her passing in 2019.

Together they had five children and lived in Ada, Oklahoma from 1966 to 1994. He taught many classes in the geography department of East Central University. He also taught Russian; however, one of his major accomplishments included being credited with starting one of the first Cartography programs available in the United States. He worked in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey in Rolla, Missouri, to establish a co-op program for graduates. During his time at East Central University in Oklahoma he was awarded numerous recognitions for his teaching excellence.

Bob enjoyed traveling the United States and most of Europe and would often help organize group tours to Russia and China. His interest in global cultures extended to his home, where he and Helen hosted foreign exchange students and supported others in securing university sponsorships for international study.

Following retirement, Bob moved to Amarillo, Texas. In Amarillo, he volunteered his time with several organizations. He was also able to participate with the Texas Panhandle Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Bob is survived by his children: Kathy Bowser, married to Travis Bowser, and Karen Solis, married to Larry Solis, all who still reside in Amarillo; sons, David Kelly, married to Jan Kelly of Las Vegas, NV and Tom Kelly of Duncan, OK, and preceded in death by his son, Robert Kelly II, who is survived by his wife, Debora Kelly, of Rolla, MO; nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.