Robert Forrest Raikes passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at the age of 90 in Louisville, CO.
Bob was born on June 1, 1932 in Ashland, NE, the third of four children to Forrest and Glendora
Raikes. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marcella; daughters Susan Raikes (Wes Dye), Jim
Raikes (Marie), Jean Raikes (Tom Frew) and Jeff Raikes (Dale Wilsher Raikes). Bob had 4
grandchildren, Michael McCain, Kirk Raikes, Devyn Raikes, and Alex Raikes and brother Jerry
Raikes of Lincoln, NE.
Bob grew up in Ashland, NE, where he attended Ashland High School. Known for his speed, Bob
earned the nickname “Bullet Bob” as a star athlete on the football, basketball, and track teams.
He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) where he studied history and
education and played basketball. His college studies were interrupted by a draft notice from the
Army during the Korean War. Because Bob had an athletic background, the Army recruited him
to play basketball with the USO Services which took him on a three-year tour through many
parts of Europe. He went on to graduate from UNO after his discharge from the army.
He began his teaching and coaching career at Ashland High School in 1956 but due to his wife’s
health concerns, it was necessary to move and relocate his wife to a dryer climate. This meant a
move to Boulder, CO where he finished his Master’s degree at University of Colorado. Bob then
coached and taught at two Boulder Valley high schools (Louisville and Boulder). He led Louisville to
a state football championship in 1961. Due to his love for helping youth, he also started the first
and only AAU track team for female athletes in Boulder. He later transitioned to Boulder TEC
where he lived his passion for helping students, and later adults, through the Christian Career
Counseling Center of Sacred Heart of Mary, achieve their career dreams.
Bob will be remembered for his cheerful nature and big heart. He was a wise and loving father,
devoted husband, and his compassion and empathy for others had no bounds. Wherever he
walked in this world he uplifted people and helped them to succeed by teaching self-
confidence. He was a model human being of high integrity. He lived by his motto, “Be kind! It
will come back to you multiple fold” and “Every day’s a holiday if you let it be”. Bob’s spirit lives
on in the lives of those who had the honor of experiencing his genuine love and generosity.
Visitation and Rosary will be held at Greenwood & Myers Mortuary, 2969 Baseline Rd, Boulder,
CO 80303 on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 beginning at 3 p.m. A funeral and burial Mass will
be held Thursday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church followed by
a reception. Condolences and flowers can be sent to the family at Greenwood & Myers
Mortuary. Donations can be made to Boys Town, Omaha NE. Checks can be mailed to Boys Town at 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Raikes, please visit our flower store.
Bob was born on June 1, 1932 in Ashland, NE, the third of four children to Forrest and Glendora
Raikes. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marcella; daughters Susan Raikes (Wes Dye), Jim
Raikes (Marie), Jean Raikes (Tom Frew) and Jeff Raikes (Dale Wilsher Raikes). Bob had 4
grandchildren, Michael McCain, Kirk Raikes, Devyn Raikes, and Alex Raikes and brother Jerry
Raikes of Lincoln, NE.
Bob grew up in Ashland, NE, where he attended Ashland High School. Known for his speed, Bob
earned the nickname “Bullet Bob” as a star athlete on the football, basketball, and track teams.
He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) where he studied history and
education and played basketball. His college studies were interrupted by a draft notice from the
Army during the Korean War. Because Bob had an athletic background, the Army recruited him
to play basketball with the USO Services which took him on a three-year tour through many
parts of Europe. He went on to graduate from UNO after his discharge from the army.
He began his teaching and coaching career at Ashland High School in 1956 but due to his wife’s
health concerns, it was necessary to move and relocate his wife to a dryer climate. This meant a
move to Boulder, CO where he finished his Master’s degree at University of Colorado. Bob then
coached and taught at two Boulder Valley high schools (Louisville and Boulder). He led Louisville to
a state football championship in 1961. Due to his love for helping youth, he also started the first
and only AAU track team for female athletes in Boulder. He later transitioned to Boulder TEC
where he lived his passion for helping students, and later adults, through the Christian Career
Counseling Center of Sacred Heart of Mary, achieve their career dreams.
Bob will be remembered for his cheerful nature and big heart. He was a wise and loving father,
devoted husband, and his compassion and empathy for others had no bounds. Wherever he
walked in this world he uplifted people and helped them to succeed by teaching self-
confidence. He was a model human being of high integrity. He lived by his motto, “Be kind! It
will come back to you multiple fold” and “Every day’s a holiday if you let it be”. Bob’s spirit lives
on in the lives of those who had the honor of experiencing his genuine love and generosity.
Visitation and Rosary will be held at Greenwood & Myers Mortuary, 2969 Baseline Rd, Boulder,
CO 80303 on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 beginning at 3 p.m. A funeral and burial Mass will
be held Thursday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church followed by
a reception. Condolences and flowers can be sent to the family at Greenwood & Myers
Mortuary. Donations can be made to Boys Town, Omaha NE. Checks can be mailed to Boys Town at 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010.
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