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BORN
1945
DIED
2005
Bob Colon Obituary
By Bob Hersom
The Oklahoman
Bob Colon, a sportswriter whose long career was marked by accuracy, dedication and a passion for small college athletics, died late Saturday, shortly after filing his final story for The Oklahoman.
Colon died doing the work he loved
Colon, who was 60, died from a heart attack while walking back to his hotel room, after covering the Big 12 wrestling championships in Omaha, Neb.
"Bob was a quality person who represented us very well, whatever he covered," said Ed Kelley, the editor of The Oklahoman. "Bob covered just about everything that was to be covered for The Oklahoman and Times over the course of nearly 40 years, and he did it very well."
Colon, born Jan. 9, 1945, in Cushing, graduated from Oklahoma State in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He worked more than 37 years for The Oklahoman, joining the news copy desk on Aug. 7, 1967, and moving to the sports department on Oct. 1, 1968.
After serving nearly two decades as the sports editor of The Oklahoma City Times, and then The Oklahoman, Colon became the newspaper's senior sportswriter on July 3, 2001.
"He was just 100 percent dedicated to being a good sportswriter," said Frank Boggs, former managing editor and sports editor of The Oklahoman. "As far as accuracy, surely he must have made some mistakes, but offhand I don't remember any, not that got in the paper anyway. He just made sure of everything and got it right."
Kelley said, "A lot of the people on our award-winning sports staff are people who Bob hired himself, so his death is a real blow to our newspaper. His mark on our sports coverage since the late 1960s will live on for a long time."
Colon's favorite assignments through the years usually involved the small college teams in Oklahoma.
"Bob was a champion of the little guy, of small-town sports and events that don't interest ESPN," said Mike Sherman, sports editor of The Oklahoman. "He was the anti-pack journalist."
Boggs said, "He preferred writing about the small Oklahoma colleges more than he would about the New York Yankees."
And no one knew more than Colon about Oklahoma's state college sports scene.
"When it came to small college athletics he was incredible, an encyclopedia," said Justin Tinder, the sports information director at Southwestern. "He had a passion about the history of the sports in the small colleges. He kept the small colleges in the paper. He did a tremendous job."
For the last nine years, Colon spent many of his summer evenings at Oklahoma City 89ers or Oklahoma RedHawks games, as the official scorer.
"His decisiveness and his knowledge of the rules made him an excellent scorer," said John Allgood, executive director of the RedHawks. "He knew what to call right away, and yet if he made a mistake he was a big enough man to go back and make a change. And from a personal standpoint I always thought he was a very gentle and kind man."
Colon was a perfectionist in whatever he did, and that dedication showed not only in his occupation as a sportswriter but in his beloved avocation as a game official in several sports.
"His total dedication to the newspaper was matched only by his passion for officiating," Kelley said. "He was very well-known on the Oklahoma sports scene, no doubt after it, and we were the beneficiaries at The Oklahoman."
Boggs said, "He probably knew more about rules and regulations in football, basketball and baseball than any 10 sports departments put together."
Colon is survived by his wife, Jill; son, Michael Towery and wife Megan; and stepchildren Leigh, Jade and Jason.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at The Guardian Funeral Home, 5820 NW 41, Oklahoma City.
61 Entries
Agnes,Shirley, Desmond Jacobs
March 18, 2005
Jill & Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. " Trust in the Lord with all your heart "
Alfie, Carin, Jade, Jason Jacobs
March 16, 2005
Our prayers are with the family at this time of sadness. Entrust yourselves to his care.
SALA TAMPURI
March 13, 2005
I WAS SHOCKED AND SADDENED TO HEAR THAT BOB HAD PASSED AWAY.
MAY THE GOOD LORD SEE JILL AND THE FAMILY THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
John MKHIZE
March 12, 2005
JILL and the COLON Family,
Jackie and our family were shocked to learn about Bob's sudden death. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We'll keep you and Bob in our prayers.
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George Gresham
March 12, 2005
Bob was the son of one of my mother's sisters. He was a cousin. My mother's maiden name was Towery. I didn't get to meet Bob, but over the years heard good things about his sports interests. I am very sorry to hear about his passing on. It sounds like he left a great legacy.
George Gresham
Springfield, Oregon
Kirsten Chapman
March 12, 2005
Jill, you and your family are in our hearts and in our prayers with deepfelt sympathy for your loss. From Kirsten, Brennen and the Chapman Family.
Peter $ Alice Gubbels
March 11, 2005
Dear Jill and Family,
You are in our thoughts and payers.
May Bob's soul rest in perfect peace.
Fred Nuesch
March 11, 2005
The Family of Bob Colon
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. I have known Bob for most of his 38 years with the Daily Oklahoma. As the sports information director at Texas A&I and Texas A&M-Kingsville, I have worked with Bob as he covered the Oklahoma college division schools, and also visited with him when our teams would be in Oklahoma. I have most recently served with him on the College Football Hall of Fame NAIA Court of Honor. He was a true gentleman and a friend of the "small college" programs. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Alphie and Doug Penisten
March 10, 2005
Dear Jill and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Alphie and Doug
Robert Breedlove, MD
March 9, 2005
When I picked up the Daily Oklahoman Monday morning and saw Bob's photo on page 1, I literally had to sit down on my sofa. I quickly turned to the sports section, and read the news story of his life/death, and the great personal column by Barry Trammel. I will save them.
My relationship with Bob goes back about 40 years. I received my B.S. in news-editorial journalism from Oklahoma State in May, 1969, Bob's area of education, also, and, also, his alma mater. He being from Cushing, we also had Payne County (I'm from Stillwater) in common. In the summer of 1967, I worked as an reporter intern for the Oklahoma Publishing Company, and became even better aquainted with Bob. He really was a totally unique individual, and sported an interesting personality as Monday's newspaper articles accurately captured on print.
Probably the most we were alike, however, was our absolute love for athletic officiating.
I began in 1967, and this fall will mark my 39th year for football. I LOVED the large photo of him in the Monday edition wearing his football stripes. I did basketball for 29 years and baseball for 7, two other sports he worked, too.
Even though my professional career is medicine and Bob's journalism, I have always thought we were sort of attached at the hip as is the case of most former or current journalist with each other.
Bob Colon, may you rest forever in peace in the big athletic venue in the sky, making sure all the important rules are definitely enforced!
Sincerely,
Robert Breedlove, MD
Stillwater, America
Keith Ponto
March 9, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
John Allgood
March 9, 2005
"It's about the game". How many times did we hear that in the RedHawks press box? Many times as Bob would always encourage banter among the press box denizens. I worked with Bob for nine years through the 89ers/RedHawks and I always enjoyed his interest as the editor with the obscure stories in minor league baseball. Bob loved the players that were somewhat under the radar including Johnny Cardenas (a back-up catcher) and Rene Gonzales (a journeyman player). Out of the blue, Bob would ask, "Say, have you heard from Johnny Cardenas" knowing full well that I had not. But it always made me laugh.
He also loved to talk about the "A" ball clubs he had seen in his bike rides in the northeast. Bob would get a press pass to the Vermont Expos and go on for days about his experience.
Bob was by far the best official scorekeeper in the league and deserved the chance to work all the major events at the ballpark. Further, he was as professional and knowledgeable as it came to the game between the lines.
Bob will sorely missed in Oklahoma City, specifically in the ballpark pressbox. Yes, it is about the game, Bob, and I am glad you lived a life that seemed like a game to you. You lived and worked your passion which we all hope to do in our lifetime.
The RedHawks send out best wishes to your family and we will be forever grateful for your professionalism and personality over the last nine years.
Ed HAZELTON
March 9, 2005
MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF BOB COLON, WHO I KNEW AS AN OFFICIAL AND FOLLOWED AS A WRITER WHEN I COULD. I MET BOB IN THE EARLY 60'S WHEN HE WAS CALLING CITY LEAGUE GAMES AND I WAS RUNNING THE SCORER'S TABLE IN STILLWATER. I LATER HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING A FEW GAMES ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD WITH HIM AND WAS INFLUENCED BY HIS KNOWLEDGE AND DEMEANOR. SOLID AND DEPENDABLE, AS I'M SURE HIS CO-WORKERS AT THE OKLAHOMAN FOUND HIM. THE STATE HAS LOST A FINE PROFESSIONAL
frank zachor
March 8, 2005
jill i am so sorry for your loss.
Pat Pinson
March 8, 2005
The Catlett family would like to extend our sympathy to the Colon Family. We lived across the street from Robert in Cushing,Ok when we were children. We are saddend to hear of his passing. I always read his sports articles and was proud that I had known him.
Juna Albertus
March 8, 2005
Condolences to our dear friend, Jill, for the loss of your beloved husband. Although we have never met him, but because of you we always had a special bond with him. Jill, you and your family will always be in our prayers.Remember God will take care of you. From your longstanding friends, Juna and Margie.Cape Town, South Africa
Michelle Adamson
March 8, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with the Colon family during this difficult time. My God comfort,guide and strengthen you and give you His peace that passes all understanding.
Phillip Baeza
March 8, 2005
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bob's passing.
Bob was a unique character and a joy to speak to.
Many of my fondest memories of covering Northeastern State athletics involve conversations with Bob in the press box or along the scorers table.
His voice, within the pages of the Oklahoman, will be missed.
Matt Nichols
March 8, 2005
Bob was my Sunday School teacher back in the day and I will certainly miss him. All my thoughts and prayers to the Colon family.
Bill Layton
March 8, 2005
I met Bob in 1964, when as a result of the vagaries of student housing assignments we found ourselves residents on the 4th floor of West Bennett Hall at OSU. Years later I was pleased to see that he had realized his goal of becoming a sports writer, and I've followed his career as time and distance would allow through his bylines in the Daily Oklahoman.
I remember thinking at one time that Bob’s talents were being underutilized, that based on merit and ability he deserved a larger role in the smorgasbord of sports reporting. But he continued to write what some might see as the “small” sports stories, covering high school and small college events, non-revenue sports at the major college level and so forth, events that might otherwise have gone unreported or not reported nearly as well. Whatever the sport or the subject, Bob always treated the assignment with the dedication, professionalism, and respect afforded a “major” sporting event.
He never gave the impression of one just going through the motions or that he believed the subject in any way to be unimportant or unworthy of coverage. In the final analysis, in looking over the body of work, to employ an overused phrase, we must conclude that he really did believe these stories were important. The irony of it is I suppose, is that in no small part, Bob Colon made them important.
Carol Cole
March 8, 2005
I will always be grateful to Bob for his encouragement when I decided to go back to school to become a journalist, although I think he thought I was a little bit crazy. When I met him, I was selling real estate to get through school and he was looking for a house. He came into one of my open houses and we struck up a conversation. I told him how much I love sports and out of the blue he says, "So who's Harry Carey?" I shot back, "Voice of the Cubs." And that was the start of a great friendship. Goodbye Bob. I'll miss you as you ride your bike into the sunset.
Brenda Jacobs
March 7, 2005
Our sincere condolences to the family. Our Thoughts are with you.
From The Jacobs Family
Ben Scott
March 7, 2005
I used to cover sports for The Oklahoman as an intern. Bob Colon was the sports editor. While covering an 8-man football game in Corn, Okla., I used the antiquated cliche that the stormy weather in Corn that night was "the 12th man." Colon was the only editor that realized, if it was 8-man football, there couldn't be a 12th man. And he made sure to point it out. I think of that when I think of Bob Colon. Accurate. Observant. And a champion for the Corn Bibles and Panhandle States.
Cochran Valerie
March 7, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jill and her family during this difficult time. Valerie Cochran
Cheryl Johnson
March 7, 2005
My very deepest condolences to Jill and family on the sad loss of your loving husband Bob. Even though I have never met you Bob, I am a long time close friend of Jill and she always spoke very fondly and lovingly of you. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Hold onto your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness. Jill, you are in my thoughts every step of the way. I cannot take away your pain, but I am always here for you. Your best friend, Cheryl.
mary lou Moad
March 7, 2005
I didn't know Bob well, but I know his son, Michael, and I know Bob raised one heck of a young man! Bob will certainly be missed by our family, as I'm proud to say Michael is my son-in-law. Thank you, Bob. I know you'll continue to watch over our children along with us! Mary Lou Moad.
Russ Phillips
March 7, 2005
Having moved out of state, it has been difficult to passionately follow OSU athletics, with emphasis on wrestling. Bob answered many questions about wrestling and he always responded to a question or issue, regardless of how busy he was. I am very grateful for his answers, as it has made me feel like I am not so far away from the sport after all. Thanks Bob--
Murray Evans
March 7, 2005
The news of Bob's passing caught me off guard, as it did all of us. I'll remain forever grateful to Bob for hiring me when I was still a college student and for giving me my first full-time job in the journalism business. I'm also grateful he handed me his treasured small-college beat for a few years and was patient with me as I learned the ropes of writing. Bob was a one-of-a-kind character, and those of us who worked with him always will have a lot of funny stories to tell. I'm also not surprised that he was working and filing stories up until the very end. That was just like him -- quietly doing his job. And knowing him, he'd want all of us to do one thing now that he's gone: "Play on!"
Phillip Warford
March 7, 2005
Ihave known Bob well since 1990, we have worked many football games together, he as a referee and I was the public adress announcer,when you saw him work you could tell he loved what he did. I also got to know him really well here at the Oklahoman, Bob I will miss you.
David Fisk
March 7, 2005
I have known Bob ever since I began work at The Oklahoman almost 26 years ago. I was saddened to hear of his death. I will miss the many conversations we had, mostly about baseball, which I know was one of his favorite sports. Bob I am sure has found a spot in the heavenly sports hall of fame.
Steve Veal
March 7, 2005
I am saddened to hear of the death of Bob Colon. I knew Bob from my 14 years with the NAIA National Office and always enjoyed his coverage of small college athletics in Oklahoma. He was one of those rare sportswriters who was able to find the stories behind the stories. Sports and sportswriting is a little poorer today because of this loss.
Toni Waggoner
March 7, 2005
My husband and I were saddened to read of Bob Colon's death. My husband is a long time Oklahoma sports' official. He remembers calling many football games with Bob years ago. He said he can still hear Bob saying, "Let's just do it for the kids," before beginning the games. Our condolences to his family and friends.
GAYLE BROWN
March 7, 2005
HIS ARTICLES WERE ALWAYS INTERESTING, FAIR AND ACCURATE. I WILL MISS READING HIS SPORTS UPTAKE. GAYLE BROWN
Joel Reagan
March 7, 2005
I had the privilege to work for Mr. Colon in the late 90s at The Oklahoman. The state has lost a champion of state college athletics and small school high school athletics. My prayers and condolences to his family and to The Oklahoman staff.
Randy Krehbiel
March 7, 2005
I'm not surprised Bob died with his boots on. He was the hardest-working, most dedicated newspaperman I ever knew.
R Tyler
March 7, 2005
Bob was a classic in everyone sense of the word.They don't come along like him anymore.
Jeff Mullin
March 7, 2005
I knew Bob as a colleague when I was a sportswriter for the Enid News & Eagle. Bob was hard-working and well-respected by all who knew him. He knew small-college sports in Oklahoma inside and out. He always cared about the teams and athletes he covered. He also went about his work with a sense of humor. He will be missed.
Beverly Davis Guthrie
March 7, 2005
I did not know Bob personally but my late husband was a huge Bob Colon fan and worked with Bob at The Oklahoman for almost 20 years. Chuck Davis' passion was sports and he was an Oklahoman sports stringer while still in college at OU in the early 70s. Chuck went on to cover Oklahoma sports for several years afterwards. Regrettably, Chuck passed away too soon as did Bob. But I am sure Chuck was standing just past the Pearly Gates on Sat. evening urging Bob to hurry up, get in and give him a play-by-play of the State Wrestling tourney! May God bless and keep Bob's family.
Lance Hall
March 7, 2005
I played high school basketball at Norman High School but played non-scholarship, Christian college basketball in Missouri. If you're looking for a comparison, it's a step below NAIA division II basketball. "Bottom of the barrel" in most people's eyes. Not to the little guys who played, however, and not to Bob. He wrote a story in The Oklahoman about the colleges around Oklahoma City that are in that division. There probably weren't a hundred people who cared about that article. But Bob did. I appreciated it so much. Bob's heart didn't fail him. More likely it was just filled with too much love for those short on talent but long on effort. I didn't know you, Bob, but I'll miss you.
Randy Kemp
March 7, 2005
I'm saddened to hear of Bob's passing. His voice from the scorer's mic in the RedHawks Press Box will be sorely missed!
Charles Carpenter
March 7, 2005
Whether it was in black and white on the printed page or the black and white of an offical's shirt, Bob was always a man of integrity. When I became the head FB coach at Mustang, he was the first to congratulate me and wish me success. I will miss him.
Jack Ward
March 7, 2005
Obviously a great man and a great writer. Oklahomans will miss his coverage of the sports and stories we all love. Few can say they trully love Oklahoma Sports as much as he did.
Brad Calip
March 7, 2005
I was very shocked and sadden to hear of Bob Colon's death. He was a very proud Oklahoman and as another guest has stated, he was very supportive and fought for small college athletics. I got to know Mr. Colon on a more personal note about 10 years. He began to fight for me to be inducted in the National College Football Hall of Fame. As a result, we would visit on several occasions in reference to my career, the induction and his promotional efforts. In the spring of 2003, I received a phone call at 11:37A. The previous five years, I would receive a phone call from Bob in reference to the ballots, however, this particular call had come at an odd time. "Brad, this is Bob Colon, how you doing? Well, you made it, you've been accepted into the National College Football Hall of Fame." At the time he understood the significance of the honor, I could hear the excitement in his voice. After the initial shock, and as I began to reflect on the what had just occurred. I began to understand and appreciate the magnitude of his persistance and the magnitude of such an honor. I know to this day, that if it were not for his efforts, his determination, his persistance and his love for Oklahomans, I would not have received his prestigious honor. Thank you, Bob, you will be missed.
Brad Calip Family
bob holladay
March 7, 2005
I knew Bob as a refree and a writer.
As a high school coach and school administrator I always appreciated his abilities as a writer and football official. Oklahoma will miss this outstanding man. Bob (Doc)
Holladay
Luanne Peterson
March 7, 2005
i am a personal friend and co - worker of bob's wife Jill , my heart goes out to her and to his family and friends
Craig Dawkins
March 7, 2005
Bob was a special reporter. He wrote many, many articles about sports that were more interesting than the "higher powered" writers who played follow the leader. Bob was definitely not a "me too" writer. He stood alone in pursuit of excellence. Anytime he wrote a column, I made a point to read it. He was able to draw out the relevant angle when he wrote stories. I, for one, will miss Bob. God speed Bob.
Jonathon Ishmael
March 7, 2005
I will miss someone I never knew personally. I'll miss Bob because he was in my life everyday I opened the OK Sports. Everyday for thirty some-odd years and now he's gone. I'll miss you -
david browning
March 7, 2005
I first met Bob Colon in 1967, he was my little league basketball coach. He was just out of college and didn't have any reason to volunteer except that he just liked sports and kids. He was beginning his career as a news reporter at the Oklahoman and had worked in the sports information department at OSU. Thats where he acquired his wrestling and basketball knowledge while covering both sports in college. He was an outstanding coach who played everyone who suited up and managed to guide us to second place in the state church league tournament. This took a lot of time and he was not compensated for his time. But, thats what Bob Colon was all about. He would give anybody the shirt off his back.
You can't say enough times that he was a stickler for detail. He would go back and research a wrestling match that happened years ago and tell you what happend in his stories. He touched thousands of lives and he will be missed greatly.
david browning
oklahoma city
Scott Christian
March 7, 2005
My heart goes out to Bob's family. I never had the chance to know him but I know that he is in a better place with one of his good friends, my dad, Fred Christian.
Jack Herron
March 7, 2005
Bob was in college with me. We remained great friends through all the years. I was saddened to learn of his death. He was a great person and obviously was a super sports writer. My best to his family.
Jack Herron
Gene Smith
March 7, 2005
I'm very saddened by the passing of Bob.I enjoyed the coverage of small college sports and his drive to keep them relivant.He will be sorely missed by all.
Chuck Robinson
March 7, 2005
Bob wrote many nice stories about my family and sons. I watched him in Omaha, NE, walking up to interview Teyon and Sam before the finals. I watched him working away on the press desk all day long on Saturday. I am shocked and am sad for the family. May God bless you in this time of loss. He was a great man and wonderful sports writer. The sport of wrestling will miss his pen!!!
Kenny Morrison
March 7, 2005
Tremendous dedication, love and passion for what he did made Bob great at what he did. He will be missed. May God richly bless his family with peace and strength.
John Hoover
March 7, 2005
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Berry is right, he's an Oklahoma original. Bob's quirks were many, but lovable. The press box at The Brick will never be the same. All of us at the Tulsa World will miss Bob's warm kindness and his sharp wit.
Keith Filippo
March 7, 2005
I never knew Mr. Colon outside of his writing, but I will never forget him. I always enjoyed reading his articles. It will be odd not being able to read his work any more. Thank you, Mr. Colon for your years of dedication and hard work.
lance weeks
March 7, 2005
I had the privilige of meeting Mr. Colon a few years back as he did an article on my basketball team. At the time I was at Dustin, a small Hughes County school with big basketball dreams. That article really put Dustin and me on the map. He spent much of a day with me and we just talked for the most part. He was a very genuine and kind man. I feel honored to have had the chance to spend a little time with this man. He was truly a great Oklahoman. He will be missed.
Don Brewington
March 7, 2005
The sports writing world lost a great one in Bob Colon,have known him for many years dating back to the 1970's,always the consummate writer.
Karen Canez
March 7, 2005
I am sorry to hear that he died, I never knew him but he is in a better place now with God. May he rest in peace.
Rob McFall
March 7, 2005
When I was baseball coach at Cashion, Bob used to umpire our games. You would of never knew what he did for a living. He always carried himself with humbleness and honor. He was a good man.
greg leach
March 7, 2005
I have enjoyed reading Bob Colon's columns for years now. I moved out of Oklahoma 8 years ago but thanks to the internet I have been able to continue to read and follow Mr. Colon's writing as well as the rest of The Oklahoman's reportings. We'll miss you in Missouri, Bob!!
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