In Loving Memory of Bobby Jack “Bob” Crill

June 23, 1944 – June 21, 2026

Bobby Jack “Bob” Crill, lovingly known as “Bodge” by family and friends, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, and the cowboy way of life. Born on June 23, 1944, at the Crill Homestead in Baca County, Colorado, Bob was the third son of Jack Crill and Inez Irene Hickey Crill. The Crill family ranch, established in 1886, remained a treasured part of his heritage throughout his life.

When Bob’s older brothers, Jerry Pat and Dickie Jim, came home after his birth, they were told their new baby brother had arrived with the baby chickens. It became one of many family stories shared and cherished for generations.

Bob attended grade school and high school in Walsh, Colorado, where he developed the determination, work ethic, and love for the outdoors that would define his life. He excelled in athletics and attended Lamar Junior College on a basketball scholarship. However, rodeo soon captured his heart. While at Lamar Junior College, Bob attended one track meet and pole vaulted and qualified for Nationals. However, he never went to practice because he was always at rodeo practice and the coach refused to let him go. Bob chose the rodeo arena over basketball and track, setting the course for a lifetime devoted to the sport he loved.

A true cowboy through and through, Bob became one of the finest saddle bronc riders of his generation. While attending Panhandle A&M and Eastern New Mexico University from 1965 to 1968, he was named Southwest Regional Bronc Riding Champion three times and runner-up once. He earned his RCA permit and card in 1968 and continued competing professionally until 1980.

Throughout his rodeo career, Bob traveled extensively across the United States, competing in rodeos throughout Texas, the Midwest, the South, and the Northeast. He won or placed at many prestigious rodeos, including Montgomery, Alabama; Bonifay, Florida; Fort Madison, Iowa; Phillipsburg, Kansas; and the San Angelo Rodeo in 1978. His talent made riding saddle broncs appear effortless, though fellow competitors knew the extraordinary skill and courage it required.

Bob also gave back to the sport he loved. From 1975 to 1978, he served as secretary of the Lone Star Circuit, helping organize awards banquets and assisting with the inaugural Lone Star Circuit Finals Rodeo in Abilene, Texas.

In 1968, at a rodeo dance at Eastern New Mexico University, Bob met the love of his life, Carolyn Lee Hays. They told each other they loved each other that night. They married that same year and built a beautiful life together in San Angelo, Texas. Their marriage lasted an incredible 55 years, filled with devotion, laughter, adventure, and unwavering commitment. Bob often joked that surviving 55 years with Carolyn proved he was one tough man, but everyone who knew them recognized the deep love and partnership they shared.

Together they welcomed two children: daughter Bobbi Lee Crill and son Cody Patrick Crill. Bobbi married Mike Padgett, and together they have two children, Reid and Grace. Cody married Kendra Thomas, and together they have two daughters, Cathryn and Kaylee. Bob was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

Following his retirement from saddle bronc riding, Bob turned his competitive spirit toward team roping. He spent years roping and training horses and racing mules, with Dakota and Belmont winning more than 40 races between 1982 and 1988. Eventually, an accident while team roping led to an eight-day hospital stay and brought his roping career to an end. Bob was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his contributions to rodeo and cowboy heritage.

Never one to sit still, Bob found a new passion in competitive shooting. As a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, he traveled extensively and earned the respect of fellow competitors with his skill and sportsmanship.

Outside of competition, Bob was known for his generous heart. He loved animals and seemed to have a special connection with them. Whether working with horses or caring for family pets, animals trusted him, and he understood them in a way few people could.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was famous among local football players for preparing spaghetti and pizza bread every Friday before home games, making sure the team was fed and encouraged. His nieces and nephews adored him because he always had time for them, whether sharing stories, lending a hand, or simply making them feel important.

One of the most influential people in Bob’s life was his Uncle Jim Crill, who lived with the family for many years and helped shape the man Bob became. Family remained at the center of Bob’s life from beginning to end.

In addition to his rodeo accomplishments, Bob built a successful professional career. In 1979, he joined Texas Test Fleet, Inc. as a night driver. Through hard work and leadership, he advanced from dispatcher to personnel manager and eventually branch manager within two years, a position he held for many years.

Bob also enjoyed mule racing, traveling, and spending time with the many friends he made throughout his life.

Those who knew Bob will remember his loyalty, his sense of humor, his determination, and his willingness to help others. He was the kind of friend you could always count on, the kind of husband and father who put family first, and the kind of cowboy whose legacy will live on long after the final ride.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Inez Crill; his brothers, Jerry Pat Crill and Dickie Jim Crill; and other beloved family members who welcomed him home.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Crill; daughter Bobbi Lee Padgett and her husband, Mike; son Cody Patrick Crill and grandchildren Reid, Grace, Cathryn, and Kaylee; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A life well-lived leaves a lasting trail. Bob Crill’s trail is marked by courage, hard work, loyalty, laughter, and love. He rode boldly, loved deeply, and left this world better than he found it.

A cowboy’s journey never truly ends; it lives on in the stories, memories, and hearts of those who loved him.

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.