The Lord welcomed home a true cowboy, gentleman, teacher, and friend. Charles Earl "Charlie" Riha passed away on June 1, 2026 in San Antonio, TX. Born on October 16, 1940, in the bedroom where he spent all his adult years, Charlie's life was rooted in family, faith, hard work, and service to others.
Charlie graduated from Carrizo Springs High School in 1959 before attending Uvalde Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Mary Price. Their love story blossomed, and they were married in 1964, beginning a partnership that would span 61 wonderful years.
Committed to education and agriculture, Charlie attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture in 1970. He later earned his Master's Degree in Agriculture from Texas A&M University while Mary completed her own degree. Together, they built a life centered on family, learning, and community.
Charlie and Mary made their home in Carrizo Springs, where they raised their three children and became deeply woven into the fabric of the community. For more than three decades, Charlie taught Agriculture and Biology at Carrizo Springs High School. His impact extended far beyond the classroom. As an advisor and mentor, he guided countless students through local, district, and state competitions, helping shape future generations of leaders, farmers, ranchers, and citizens.
Teaching was more than a profession to Charlie, it was his calling. He never met a stranger, and no matter where he traveled in the United States, he was almost certain to run into a former student whose life he had touched. The relationships he built throughout his career remained a source of pride and joy for him.
Charlie was known for his generous spirit and unwavering kindness. Whether delivering a sack of oranges, sharing a plate of homemade cookies, fixing something that was broken, or lending a helping hand, he was always thinking of others. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. He was also legendary for his bargaining skills and firmly believed that paying full price was simply unnecessary. His quick wit, practical wisdom, and willingness to help made him a treasured friend and neighbor to many.
Above all, Charlie was devoted to his family. He took great pride in their accomplishments and cherished every moment spent with them.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Price Riha; his daughters, Vonda Pelton of Carrizo Springs and Heather Blewett and husband Kevin of Kingsbury, Texas; August Bo Linnartz and wife Mary, whom he loved and considered a son; his grandchildren, Harrison Price Kimble and wife Brooke of San Marcos, Texas, and Kalli Elizabeth Kimble of Amarillo, Texas; and his sister, Dawn Riha Marburger of Red Rock, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Viola Riha; his brother, George Riha; and his son, Charles Russell Riha.
Charlie Riha leaves behind a legacy of service, generosity, education, and love. The lessons he taught, the lives he influenced, and the friendships he cultivated will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Though he will be deeply missed, his family and friends find comfort in knowing that his boots have finally been set to rest and that he has been welcomed home by his Lord and Savior.
A life well lived, a teacher well loved, and a cowboy never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church in Carrizo Springs, TX on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 2 pm.