Keith Burl Wormsbaker

Keith Burl Wormsbaker
Keith Burl Wormsbaker

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Keith Burl Wormsbaker, 86, of Amarillo, Texas. He passed away on February 10th 2022 in the privacy of his own home.

Keith was born on December 16th 1935 to Richard and Irene Wormsbaker in Amarillo, Texas. After Keith graduated from Amarillo High School in 1954 he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Education with the primary focus of History at both Amarillo College and West Texas State University. While attending college he played baseball for both Amarillo College and West Texas before being drafted to play semi-pro baseball for the Cincinnati Reds organization.

After graduating from West Texas State in 1958, Keith enlisted in the United States Army and was discharged in 1961. Keith began his 34 year career in education soon after he served for our country. Keith started his career in education and took on the roles of principal and superintendent at Wildorado ISD in 1961. Keith then spent the majority of his teaching career at Amarillo ISD as a P.E coach and wrestling coach at Fannin Jr. High from 1965 to 1995.

Keith was well known all around the tri-state area as “Curley”, “Big Worm”, “Papa Worm”, and “Shaker”. Most of these come from his years playing fast-pitch softball, refereeing football, officiating basketball, and umpiring baseball for 35 years for both high school and college. Keith also taught driver’s education for 50 years.

In 1980, Keith was recognized by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Sports Committee for outstanding interest and support of sports in the Golden Spread Area. In 1991 he received the James Kile and Harlon Voyles Award from the Amarillo Basketball Officials Association. Keith also went on to become an Honorary Life member of the Amarillo Chapter Texas Association of Sports Officials in 2005.

In 1963 Keith married the love of his life, Jan Wormsbaker, and had four children: Shawna Thompson, Shannon Wormsbaker, Shayne Wormsbaker, and Shayla Scott.

He is survived by his four children Shawna and spouse Kyle, Shannon and spouse Jeni, Shayne and spouse Angie, Shayla and spouse Codie. Brother Gary Wormsbaker and spouse Kay Wormsbaker, brother-in-law Tom Potts and spouse Linda Potts. 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with one on the way, four nephews and one niece.

Visitation will be held at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd on Friday, February 18th 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by a private memorial for immediate family.

 

23 Replies to “Keith Burl Wormsbaker”

  1. My mom, Jean St. Clair, taught PE and Drivers Ed at Fannin from 1964-1974. She came home many times with wonderful stories of “Wormie” (that’s what she called him). He was a kind gentleman always quick to lend her a hand with anything. They enjoyed a happy friendship throughout the years. I met him several times while they were at Fannin and later as an adult with “aren’t your Wormie?” He knew I was Mom’s daughter immediately! He was always gracious, polite, kind to both my mom and me. He certainly left the world a better place than it was when he got here. Wormie, you’ll be missed. Prayers for your family…

  2. In the early 1960’s Mr. Wormsbaker was my teacher for Gym/Health at Humphrey Highland Elementary. Through the years I’ve held good memories of Mr. Wormsbaker, generated by his kindness and fairness of those grade school years. Thank you for sharing him with so many through the years. God bless you all….

  3. Mr and Mrs Wormsbaker were like my 2nd parents, as Shannon and I were always together spending the night together almost all the time. I’ll never forget, I was at Fannin Jr High in PE class and got into trouble and Mr Wormsbaker grabbed his ping pong paddle and warmed it up on my backside as he told me he had been waiting to light me up 🤣. The funny thing was Me and Jan were v close, she loved me for some odd reason 🤣, I was over at Shannon’s a few days later and Mrs Wormsbaker found out about Kieth giving the swats, she proceeded to chew him out Big time as I was around the corner laughing big time, a hilarious memory. Much Love To The Worm and His Fabulous Family, they all have a Special place in my Heart. I will be praying for each of ya, standing in the Gap for all ya during this time, only Remember, It’s a Wonderful Celebration of a Great Man, Dad, and Husband. Bless each of ya ❤️ Chin up, That’s what he would want.

  4. Keith officiated many of my basketball games in the late ‘60’s and ‘70’s’. He was a household name and we had the utmost respect for him. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family. Jan Keeling

  5. Sending prayers and love to the whole family. He really made a difference in many students and kids lives. May good memories comfort you!

  6. To all you Wormsbaker kids, I’m so sorry to learn of Keith’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with. I’ll always remember how much Jan talked about Keith when we worked together.

  7. Thank you for all the great memories. Also all the life lessons you Taught us . My condolences to the Wormsbaker family . Your dad made life fun.

  8. Called many football games with Shaker. He loved what he did for the youth of the Panhandle.Sorry for your loss.

  9. Had great memories of Keith as a friend and coaching Shannon in the YMCA baseball program.
    GOD has taken another Angel.
    Prayers to family.

  10. Sorry for your loss. Lots of good memories with Coach at Fannin JR High. He was a good man and always made sure to include a little fun into each day. He will be missed.

  11. What a great guy and wonderful family. Keith will be missed and he touched everyone that he met. The stories are endless…from watching him coach us, to watching him on the court, from watching him in the opposing side of the field… memories I’ll never forget. Always making us laugh and at times, he thought we were a little crazy too. Good times. Thanks to the Wormsbaker’s for sharing their Dad with all of us.

  12. My Drivers License teacher went to sleep in the back seat one time only Mr Wormsbaker slammed on his brake and told me no sleep in his car ever RIP Mr Wormsbaker

  13. Coach made a big difference in my life…had him at Humphry Highlands in early 60’s, had me leading calisthenics on Mondays, visited me in hospital after a severe accident…I’m 70 years old & can still remember the lessons he taught me…he truly cared about his students…sorry for your loss.

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