Kenneth Wayne Plumlee

Kenneth Wayne Plumlee
Kenneth Wayne Plumlee

Kenneth Wayne Plumlee, 73, of Panhandle, TX died peacefully surrounded by his family and his pups on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Panhandle with Josh Light officiating. Arrangements by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. The family is welcoming visitors at the home of Lee and Tara Ogletree, 1100 Maple in Panhandle, on Sunday, January 17, 2021, from 5: 00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

Ken was born on October 15, 1947, to Claude Earnest Plumlee and Dorothy Edwena Plumlee in Borger TX.  He graduated from Stinnett High School in 1966.  He was an extraordinary athlete competing in the state track meet in the sprint relay, 220-yard dash, and the mile relay.  His sprint relay team including Jimmy Wells, Guymon Phillips, and Denny Greer placed 4th.  This was the same track meet that his future bride won 5 gold medals her junior year.

Ken attended North Texas University where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1970.  He went on to earn his Master of Education and his Superintendent certification at Sul Ross State University.  Ken loved kids which is evident by his close to 40 years in education.  The first 20 years were spent in various coaching positions teaching biology.  He had stops in Amarillo, Snyder, Stinnett, Sunray, Lumberton, Post, Panhandle, Abernathy, San Saba, and Sanford Fritch.  While in Panhandle he was part of the 1984 coaching staff that made a playoff run ending up in the state final game.  In 1993 he joined Happy ISD as principal and later became superintendent until he retired in 2006.

On a very hot afternoon on July 5, 1998, Kenneth married Janie Sue, in Panhandle, Texas.  On that day he gained his kids Angie, Lee, and Jodi.  Ken and Janie both loved boxers and during their lives had various sets, that were always referred to as “The Pups”.  Ken was very proud of his grandkids and attended as many sporting events as possible.  As a coach, he loved the passion in which he saw his grandkids play the game.  Ken enjoyed golf, gambling, and lighthearted banter with friends and strangers alike.  Everyone was “coach” in every story he told.

Ken was a member of the First Baptist Church of Panhandle, where he made many friends always sitting in the same seat each and every week. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Janie Plumlee.

He is survived by his pups, Archie and Boom Boom; son, Lee Ogletree and wife Tara, of Panhandle, TX; daughter, Jodi Segura and husband, Rick, of Panhandle, TX; and daughter, Angeline Jo Hermesmeyer and husband Scott, of Goldthwaite, TX.  Ken is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Baylee, Tayte, Payton, and Kayson Ogletree, Koldyn, Dylan, McKinzy, and Riley Segura, and Drew, Cole, and Hope Hermesmeyer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made to the Square House Museum, Panhandle, Texas.

24 Replies to “Kenneth Wayne Plumlee”

  1. I loved Mr. Plumlee. He gave me my first head coaching job at Happy. I learned so much from him and appreciated how Janie and Mr. Plumlee treated me like family. Later in my career he would just show up at my games at a Tascosa. Great man and mentor. My prayers are with you and your family❤️🙏🏻

  2. So sorry to hear of the death of Ken. He was one of my favorite players, He truly was a great athlete that was a pleasure to coach. I so enjoyed my days with him while we worked together here in Decatur. No more suffering my friend. Rest in peace.

  3. Goona miss coach. He called me coach and i never coached but i knew where he was coming from. Lots of memories of a great man.

  4. God Blessed my life by putting you in it Kenneth Plumlee and I will always be grateful. You will always and forever be Special.

  5. Kenneth Plumlee was one of many good student role models in the Stinnett High School. He was good in scholarship, athletics, citizenship and friendship. I taught him as a student, then employed him as an administrator in Decatur ISD. He did his job well. He was a good educator. May His Soul Rest in Peace and let the Brothers and the Sisters look forward to that great Reunion in Heaven.

  6. Ken we had some great times. Proud to have called you my friend. Looking forward to that Great Reunion 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  7. I am saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. He and my brother Dave were very good friends in high school and beyond. They were quite a fun loving and ornery set of guys. My prayers for his family.

  8. I am a Classmate of Kenneth Plumlee. Graduating Class of 1966. I enjoyed knowing Kenneth all through our 4 years of high school! Stinnett High School had many great athletes, good friends with great morals and values. I saw that in Kenneth. I send my heart felt sympathy to his family for their loss!! I Will Pray for all of you. Grieving with you but more so glad he is no longer suffering!! God Bless All of You— family and friends!! Praying better days ahead as well.
    A Classmate and friend,
    Sincerely, Brenda Despain Shannon

  9. Rest In Peace my sweet PlumleeBug! I cherish our many memories growing up with you and Guymon. Love you and I’ll see you soon.

  10. The world lost a great man, but heaven gained a special angel! Prayers for Ken’s family, friends, and students….

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