OBITUARY
Ken Presley Coley, of San Angelo, passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 79.
Ken was born on October 30, 1946, in Houston, to parents Harold “Hal” H. and Martha Winona (Sheppard) Coley. The family lived in Conroe, Huntsville and Tyler, TX., and in Jena, LA. Ken lived in Jena, and in Longview and Fort Worth, TX. Ken moved to San Angelo in 2006.
Ken graduated valedictorian from Jena High School in 1965. In 1977 Ken received a B.S. in Science Education from Northwest Louisiana University in Monroe, LA. In 1982 he received an Ed.S in Secondary School Counseling and Guidance from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. In 1986 he received a M.Ed. Secondary School Counseling and Guidance from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.
Ken began his career in education in the LaSalle Parish School System in Jena, where he was a Counselor/Teacher. He also taught in the Longview Independent School District in Longview and the White Settlement School District in White Settlement, TX.
In 2002 Ken received an MLS degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas and transitioned to librarianship in the White Settlement School District. Upon moving to San Angelo, he became the Assistant Director of Tom Green County Library System until his retirement.
Ken was big brother to Karen and her protector during their growing up years, walking her to school and after school activities. Ken had a beautiful voice and worked as an announcer and program director in radio stations in Texas and Louisiana during his high school and college years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking; one of his favorite places was the San Angelo State Park. He spent many happy hours on its trails. Ken was a “born teacher.” He was also an Old Testament scholar and loved teaching Bible studies. He also enjoyed research and reading.
Ken served in the United States Air Force, Mather Air Force Base, Sacramento, CA, as a bombing and navigation specialist, from 1969 to 1975. He attained the rank of SSGT. Ken received an honorable discharge.
Ken is survived by his wife Evelyn Begley Coley of San Angelo; his daughter Monique Coley Bridges and husband Andrew; step-granddaughters Kristen Bridges, and partner Jeremy Treadway and Jessica Bridges and wife Mandy; and step-great grandson Luke Treadway, of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; his niece Ashley Allbritton Howard and husband Kyle and their children, Marion, Emma, and Daylon Howard of Jena, Louisiana. Ken was preceded in death by his Father, Harold “Hal” Coley, of Tyler, Texas, his mother, Martha Ainsworth, of Abilene, Texas, and his sister, Karen (Coley) Brunson of Jonesboro, Louisiana.
— From Harper Funeral Home
