Robert Edwin Coltrin

Robert Edwin Coltrin, 80, of San Antonio, TX, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. He was born on August 20, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Marion and Gladys Coltrin. His family later moved to Virginia, where Robert attended school, graduating from J.E.B. Stuart High School before earning his degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

While at Virginia Tech, Robert was a member of the Corps of Cadets, where he met Cheryl Yung. They were married on September 9, 1967. After graduation, Robert joined the Army and was stationed in Korea. Upon returning to the United States, he was assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana — a place he jokingly referred to as the “armpit of America” — where he and Cheryl welcomed their first son, Michael. After three years of service, Robert transitioned to a civilian career with the Department of the Air Force, following in his father’s footsteps.

The family’s journey took them from Louisiana to Los Angeles, then to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their second son, Brian, was born. They later moved to England, followed by Colorado Springs, before ultimately settling in San Antonio. At each stop, Robert demonstrated an innate ability to lead and deliver results, often working at the forefront of change in civilian personnel and playing a key role in the startup of new organizations that helped shape the future of the Air Force’s civilian workforce. After a distinguished 32-year career in Air Force Civilian Personnel, he retired in May 2001.

Bob’s strength was perhaps felt most deeply in the Al-Anon community he joined in the early 1990s, where he found purpose, healing, and a calling to help others. Over more than three decades, he became a steady, compassionate presence — someone who listened without judgment, offered wisdom without ego, and showed by example what resilience and grace could look like. His dedication touched countless lives, and many found comfort, clarity, and hope because he chose to show up week after week. Alongside his Al-Anon family, Bob was active in his church, enjoyed time with his golfing buddies, and built lasting friendships with many he met along the way.

Robert was predeceased by his wife, Cheryl. He is survived by his sons, Michael Coltrin and his wife Karen, and Brian Coltrin and his wife Christi; his grandchildren, Caroline Coltrin and Marshall Evans; his sister, Sallie Coltrin; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Fowler, her husband Roland, and their children, Mark and Karen.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 6, at Coker Methodist Church (231 E. North Loop Road, San Antonio, TX 78216), beginning at 10:00 a.m.