Coach Ken Fannon

Kenneth Wayne Fannon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and coach, passed away at 83 years old, on Sunday May 6, 2018 at his home on Lake OH Ivie, near Paint Rock, Texas. A true west Texas boy, Ken was born in O’Donnell, Texas on October 20, 1934 to Nola and Clyde Fannon, and remained in the San Angelo area throughout his life. Ken’s 40 year career in athletics began at O’Donnell High School where his talent in the high and low hurdles earned him the title of State Champion, and a full scholarship to Abilene Christian College. During this time, he received several state titles and formed a brotherhood with his teammates. In 1956, he qualified as an alternate for the Melbourne Olympics. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, a Master’s degree in Counseling, and a degree in Administration. Ken took great pride in his coaching career and maintained a lifelong bond with the athletes he mentored during his time at Kermit High School, Odessa Permian, San Angelo Central High School, and Angelo State University. Prior to becoming the Athletic Director in San Angelo, he masterminded the well-known San Angelo relays. He remained there until his retirement in 1995. In his free time, he enjoyed many hobbies, such as gardening, raising pecan trees, hunting, fishing, shorthorn cattle, 5-10 mile runs, and especially loved watching his grandchildren's sports events and activities. His favorite hobby, however, was spending time with his beloved wife of 63 years, Carolyn, at their home on the lake. They have been a part of Bayith Sunday school class at First United Methodist Church for many years and enjoyed hosting them for fish fry’s and fellowship. In his last years, every Friday night, you could always find Ken listening to the Bobcats and the Chiefs on the radio. In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Ken installed major invitational tournaments or meets in all sports. He was inducted into the Abilene Christian College Hall of Fame, the Kermit High School Hall of Fame, and the San Angelo Central Hall of Fame. He will be dearly missed and remembered by his family for his love, wisdom, and cute sense of humor. Ken was preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Enderli, his parents, Nola and Clyde Fannon, and three brothers and one sister. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn, his daughter, Jill Enderli and husband Darrow, his son, Jack Fannon and wife J'Laine, his grandchildren, Brittany Baker, and husband Rusty, David Fannon and wife Randi, and Heather Fannon, and his Great Grandchildren, Hunter Fannon and Mason Fannon. He is also survived by his sisters Pauletta Crawford and Nadine Lockwood, and many dear in-laws, nieces, and nephews. The family will gather together to receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 9th at Harper Funeral Home. Ken's Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 10th, at First United Methodist Church at 35 East Beauregard in San Angelo. Graveside Internment will precede the funeral service at 10:00 A.M. at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens on Thursday morning. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church in San Angelo or a charity of your choice. We would like to thank Dr. Jack Sun, Dr. Joe Kasberg and his wonderful nurses for all of their great care.