Coach Robert Gene Bristow

On February 23, 2021, Coach Robert Gene Bristow of Jefferson, Texas, said farewell to the pain and suffering here and was welcomed to his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sadly, leaving Ashley, his wife of 21 years and their two precious children, Maddie age 18 and Mason age 9.

Robert was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and ironically went back to Louisiana for treatment and passed away in Shreveport. Although his family is originally from Texas, the ministry moved them and Robert had many great memories of growing up in Louisiana and Arkansas, making friends there that lasted throughout his life, he returned to Texas during his Junior year and graduated from LaPoynor High School in 1993. He then joined the United States Air Force, at that time he began his college education. He married in 2000 and continued working toward his degree, he was currently 1 class away from completing his Masters, after earning his BA in Education to begin his dream job of coaching and teaching. Rob loved working with students, encouraging them in the classroom as well as on the court or field. Students, I challenge you to think fondly of Coach Bristow and when life gets tough, as it often will, dig deep inside yourself, overcome your fears and push to succeed.

Robert is survived by his wife, Ashley Julian Bristow, and his two children Madison and Mason Bristow. As well as his mother, Bobbie Bristow of Brownsboro, Texas. His brother, Danny Bristow, and wife Rita; their children; Jiffy and Sam Hardin, Jessica and Matt Kerr and Sami and Marc Caskey; his sister Kim Hardy, her children; Kaleb and Kyla Hardy, Brady and Shelby Hardy, all of Brownsboro; his sister, Paula McDonald and husband Jeff, their daughter Jerrika, of Richwood, Texas; brother, Josh Pruitt and wife Janell; their children, Emma, Trent, Molly, and Sarah Grace of Robins, Iowa; brother-in-law, David Pruitt, and wife Donna, of Jonesborough, Tennessee. He also leaves numerous; in-laws, great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, fellow coaches, and many dear friends. 

Robert was preceded in death by his dad, Bill Bristow of Brownsboro, Texas; special sister, Pam Pruitt of Gray, Tennessee; niece and best friend, Tracy Bristow Johnson of Decatur, Texas.

A time of Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 1st, 2021 at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Rockhill Cemetery in Brownsboro, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Coach Bristow's name to the Jefferson Athletic Booster Club at Jefferson High School, P.O. Box 1084, Jefferson, Texas 75657.

Robert was loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed! 

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