Brett Howard Riley was born to Barbara Riley on May 5, 1962, in Dallas, TX and joined the presence of his Great Savior, Jesus Christ on June 12, 2025, in San Antonio, TX.

Brett spent his early childhood in Dallas, TX before moving to New Braunfels with his mother Barbara, his two older sisters Kelley and Casey, and grandparents Howard "Johnny" and Claire Johnston in 1968. A lifelong resident of New Braunfels, Brett attended Seele Elementary School and New Braunfels Junior High. He was a proud member of the New Braunfels High School class of 1980.

An outstanding athlete his entire life, Brett remains a record-holder in the Landa Park Dolphins Aquatic Club. His family has many fond memories of swim meets throughout the Central Texas region and especially at the Landa Park Olympic pool under the leadership of the late and legendary Bud Dallmann. Brett's commitment to athletic excellence continued; for every sport he tried, Brett earned varsity letters. He was a founding member of the Fighting Unicorn football team famously known as "The Swarm," and along with his teammates reached the Texas State playoffs in 1978.

After attending college at the United States Air Force Academy and The University of Texas, Arlington, Brett married his first wife Cindy Cantu in July, 1983. He worked from coast-to-coast opening many high-end hotels, and moved to Connecticut in 1985. In 1993, he returned home to New Braunfels, where his daughter, McKenzie Yvonne Riley, was born in September 1996.

In November 1998, Brett met his wife Lois Luciani at a National Karate Championship. After months of long-distance, Lois moved to New Braunfels and they were married on June 13, 1999. Brett's son Marcus Alexander Riley was born in February 2001, and his son Austin Thomas Riley was born in June 2003.

While in Connecticut, Brett discovered what would become his life's work when he began training in martial arts. He opened the West Haven Academy of Karate of New Braunfels in December 1993. Brett taught thousands of students – he promoted over three-hundred Dans (black belts), over fifty Certified Instructors, and over twenty Master Instructors. He won fifteen National Championships and two Master's Grand Championships, and his students won hundreds more at the National and International level. Brett earned his Cho Dan (first degree black belt) in November 1989, and still going strong twenty-seven years later when he earned the rank of Chil Dan (7th Degree black belt) in February 2016. In March 2023, Brett founded The Texas Academy of Karate system, including schools in Buda and Huntsville, TX. As a recognition of his lifetime of achievement and service to the martial arts, Brett was elevated to the title of  "Master Beyond Rank" by an international organization of Tang Soo Do Masters. In January 2025, he was promoted by his best friend SBN Tom Cox. His students describe that the relationships they formed with him and other students changed their lives for the better. He was not just a karate teacher, but mentor, father figure, brother and best friend.

An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Brett's love of football persisted throughout his life. He was famously obsessed with fantasy football since its inception; he was a member of ten different leagues and amazingly held winning records in them all. Brett was committed to fun and enjoying life, and he loved ocean cruises with his wife Lois and Disney trips with his family and friends.

In 2014, Brett joined the best festival in the world as a Kleine Opa in the Wurstfest Association. Brett was elevated to Opa in 2020. His time at Wurstfest with Opas, Omas, family, and friends was always filled with gemütlichkeit.

Brett, along with his family, was an active member of Oakwood Baptist Church. He was involved with small-group Bible study, taught fifth-grade Sunday school, and many other activities. He credited the leadership of the Pastors, love of the congregation, and phenomenal music at Oakwood for reigniting his faith.

Brett is survived by his wife Lois, daughter McKenzie, sons Marcus and Austin, all from New Braunfels, TX; mother Barbara Riley, a long time resident of New Braunfels, TX; sister Kelley Conway-Cobb of Chelem, Yucatán; and sister Casey Lohman and his brother-in-law Randy of Lake Ozark, MO, and his brothers Rick Riley and Scott Riley. Brett was a beloved uncle to Claire, Emily, Aaron, Molly, Casey, Adam, and Evan. Brett was preceded in death by his grandparents "Johnny" and Claire Johnston, his niece Caitlin Kaufman, and his brother-in-law Loren Cobb.

Visitation calling hours are 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home, 189 N Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Oakwood Church, 2154 Loop 337 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, June 20th, 2025, 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Stelzenhaus, 120 Landa Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130.