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Keith Plummer Obituary

Keith Plummer, 69, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on March 14, 2004 after a courageous battle against cancer. Keith was born in Sapulpa, OK to Clyde and Naomi Plummer on April 3, 1934. Keith graduated from Black-well High School in 1952 and joined the U.S. Navy. Keith graduated from East Central State University in Ada, OK obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Education. While enlisted in the Navy and East Central State, he played football, starting at the position of running back. He earned his Master of Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlaquah, OK. Keith taught and coached in Cushing, OK, Clarksville TX, and Scottsdale, AZ ending his career at Coronado High School in 1992. His most enjoyable years were spent teaching American History and coaching wrestling, football, and track. He truly loved his "kids," treating them with respect and encouraging them to be the best they could be. He enjoyed following the careers of his students and athletes and took tremendous pride in their accomplishments. Family and friends will always remember Keith for his quick wit and humor. Keith is survived by his wife Rosalie, two sons: Bob Plummer of Houston, TX and William Plummer and wife Teresa of Carlsbad, CA, grandson Kevin Plummer of Houston, TX, brother Eugene Plummer and wife Judy of Sapulpa, OK, nephews Jeff Plummer and wife Lorra of Sapulpa, OK, Bruce Plummer and wife Melinda of Sapulpa, OK, and Marshall Plummer of Norfold, VA, and many more beloved family members. Keith will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and former students. We invite those whose life he touched to a memorial service celebrating his life on Saturday, March 27, 2004, 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 2310 N. 56th Street, Phoenix, AZ, followed by a luncheon. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church or your favorite charity. Arrangements made by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 17, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Plummer

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Bob Moore

January 23, 2024

Keith was one of the finest individuals I ever knew. I never had him as a teacher, but my four years of high school wresting in the 1960's--and the modest success I had--was largely due to his coaching skills. Beyond that, he instilled a sense of brotherhood and community with my wrestling buddies. He did that by caring about our lives outside the gym. He didn't have to do that, but I'm convinced it changed a lot of lives.

Steve Abelein

April 15, 2023

Coached me in High School wrestling, the best coach I ever knew! Steve Abelein

Mark Levario

April 1, 2004

I have only the fondest memories of Coach Plummer. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. The world will miss a great person. He touched the lives of many people in a positive way.

Dena Willard

March 30, 2004

I just wanted to send my condolences to the Plummer family. I as my 4 brothers and sisters all had Mr Plummer as a teacher at Coronado and we all loved his class. He was a great teacher and one who you enjoyed learning from. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Linda (Clift) Griffith

March 28, 2004

My prayer go out to the Plummer family.

We all have been blessed.

Dan and Lisa Ramirez

March 26, 2004

Coach Plummer was a big part of my life at Coronado High School.

He was always keeping up with what I was doing in school and sports.

We send our prayers and heartfelt condolences from the entire Ramirez Family to the Plummer Family.

Coach Plummer will be missed by so many people.

Michelle Blanke (Willard)

March 26, 2004

I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Plummer at CHS and Mrs. Plummer at Supai. He was one of those teachers that you could rely on to be supportive and encouraging. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.



(class of '82)

Janet Oberembt (Willard)

March 25, 2004

As stated in so many of these comments, Mr. Plummer was a fantastic teacher. While most seniors do not enjoy going to class, Mr. Plummer had a way of making his class something to look forward to. I remember when I found out I did not get a scholarship that Mr. Plummer had nominated me for, Mr. Plummer was the first to console me and let me know he had faith in me that I would go on to college. He was such a supportive an encouraging mentor. Mr. Plummer was always in a good mood and it had a way of rubbing off onto his students. He was by far one of the best teachers I ever had the pleasure of being a student for. He will truly be missed.



Janet Oberembt (Willard)

Nancy Gaphardt Vance

March 25, 2004

Mr. Plummer was my history teacher when we had split sessions at Coronado (I was class of 1971), and at the o dark hour of 7am, he would start the class with movies - I'm not sure how many of us actually stayed awake, but I do know that he was a wonderful person and Coronado and myself were proud to have him teach. God bless him and his family.

Sam Womer

March 25, 2004

God has his way of talking to us, I know that he utilized Mr. Plummer to guide and mold me. Mr. Plummer gave me my very first swat, while he was my track coach at Supai School. (I suspect he didn't enjoy it any more than I did.) I had one regret when graduating from Supai, and that was leaving Coach behind, but alas he moved to Coronado, and the mentoring continued. Thank you Coach, you were the best. I look forward to seeing you again with our Father.

For the family I would offer this solace;

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. For the former things are passed away.

Jim Anderson

March 23, 2004

Mr. Plummer was a good teacher and coach, but most importantly he was a good man. He was a positive influence on my life from the time I was in elementary school attending summer recreation to the time I graduated High School. My prayers are with his family.

Robert Zuzu

March 23, 2004

-Coach Plummer-

It's hard to put into words, the kind of inspiration he was too all of his students. He was one of those teachers/coaches that when you seen him coming, it was a good thing. When he was coaching, he had great words of motivation, and while teaching, words of encouragement. It’s sad to know that such a good man is no longer within our presence, but good to know where he is now. God blessed his family, friends and students when he was here, and God will continue to bless us all for he touched us in his own way, and we will never forget him.

(Class of 1983)

Marshall Trimble

March 22, 2004

During my eight years teaching and coaching at Coronado High (1969-1977), Keith was my closest friend. He mentored me during my early struggles to teach history in a fun and interesting way. We shared many good times and laughs during those years and remained friends right up to the end. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a great teacher, coach, friend, husband, and parent. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rosalie, Bob, and Bill, along with all the other teachers and students who's lives were touched by this great man.

Marshall Trimble

Arizona State Historian

Chris Campasano

March 22, 2004

It was a shock to hear the news of Mr. Plummer. He was one of my favorite teachers at CHS. Even though I left Scottsdale after college, whenever I would return to AZ and would see him around town, he would always go out of his way to say hello and to see how things were going for me. He will be greatly missed and was one of the best that Scottsdale education had to offer. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Caroline (Clark) Strasser

March 22, 2004

I always enjoyed your history class and thought you were such a doll. What an impact you made on my life-long love of learning and reading. Rest in peace Mr. Plummer.

Lisa Barnard

March 22, 2004

I am saddened to hear that Mr. P has passed away. He was the sole reason that I majored in History. He was the best. My prayers go out to his family, and those fellow students whose hearts he touched.

May God Bless the Plummer family.



Lisa Canning-Barnard

Class of '88

Gary Brennan

March 21, 2004

Coach, Keith "Ali" Plummer was very influential in my life. I owe him a lot for all he gave to me in football, wrestling, the clasroom and life. He stuck with me after High School, stopping by my work to check on me and inquire about my plans for college and life. He always imparted some snippet of wisdom and shrewd advice. I actually used some of it. "Ali," by the way, was a nickname awarded him by our 1968 wrestling team. We were a "band of thieves," stealing matches whenever possible for "Ali Plummer"

Leslie Callaway-Hofer

March 21, 2004

Mr. Plummer was the man. He was our Mat Maid sponsor and a terrific teacher; his American History class was most interesting...the multiple choice pop-quizzes with Fatty Arbuckle and Marlene Dietrich made the day brighter. This man was gifted as a teacher and coach and will be sorely missed by all who have known him. God Bless the Plummer family always.

AJ Rios

March 21, 2004

Mr. Plummer was one of the nicest men I ever knew. I knew him since I was born and he was always very friendly and caring to me and my family. I used to love getting to see him and talk with him when I visited my grandparents. I loved the stories my dad tells me about when Mr. Plummer was his football coach. I always wished he could have been mine. He had a awfully big heart and I will miss him very much. Love, AJ

Scott T. Schlief

March 21, 2004

Mr. Plummer was my favorite teacher that I had back at my high school days at Coronado. I'm from the Class of 1973. He sparked an interest in me for American and world history that continues to this day. I have a passion for reading, and studying history from all time periods, and Mr. Plummer is the reason for that. I even give him credit for my love of watching The History Channel. Thank you very much Mr. Plummer. I know one of the greatest things for a teacher is when a student remembers them decades after high school, and acknowledges the impact that they had on their lives. May you rest in peace sir.

Tawney Tumulty

March 21, 2004

Mr. Plummer was one of my favorite teachers at Coronado. He really made History exciting and cared deeply about his students. This is one man who really loved his job and showed it through his teaching and concern for his students. Mr. Plummer will be a teacher that will be dearly missed. God Bless him and his family.-Tawney Tumulty (Bowser)

Jacque Fox-Thomas

March 21, 2004

I was very saddened to learn that Coach Plummer had passed away. He was a great coach, teacher and always made the kids smile. My prayers are with his family and he will be remembered forever.

Michele Rios

March 19, 2004

Mr. Plummer touched so many lives in wonderful ways as he was such a loving and caring man. I had the privledge of being in his History class at Coronado but got to know him even better after marrying my husband as he lived across the street. He always had a smile to share no matter how he was truly feeling. I feel blessed for having the chance to have him share in the joys of my own life. He and Mrs. Plummer are truly folks that are one of a kind. Our love will remain forever with you and your family Mr. Plummer. God Bless you all.

Chris Rios

March 18, 2004

"Mr. P" was not only my coach and neighbor...he was my friend. He practically saw me grow up. From moving in to the house across the street from you, attending Tonto Elementery to being one of his students and players at Coronado High to watching me marry and be there when my kids were born. He always told me to be strong in whatever I do and never stop believing in myself. If I did that I could accomplish anything. I will miss seeing you perched in your picnic chair across the street when I picked up my kids from my parents and waving hello. My oldest AJ will miss you deeply. I do know the one thing I could never get away with was missing curfew during football season. Since I lived across the street from you, you always said you knew when I was coming and going. And you did...I will miss you Mr. P, thank you for being a part of my life...

Keith MacPherson

March 18, 2004

Coach Plummer was a genuinely decent, kind coach & teacher. I know he'll be missed by many.

I remember him well on the field as well as the classroom.

You were a class act, Coach.

God bless.

Dayna Hart - Haydon

March 17, 2004

Mr. Plummer was the bright spot in your day. Whether you were up, down or sideways, he could get you going. It did not matter if you needed a boost in school, sports or life, he was your guy! I have carried his "pearls of wisdom" with me as I raised my own children. I would visit with him as an adult and admired him as I had since I was his student. He could spin a yarn! He was one of the most giving people I have ever met and he will be missed.

Janice White

March 17, 2004

Mr Plummer was a great teacher. Both my sister Barbara and I have fond memories of him growing up. The loudest memory we have is of him yelling at Bobby from the stands "cut!" "cut!" at every football game. He contributed much to many, many students lives. Even though it is rarely said, it is always appreciated.



Janice White

Corwin L Ellsworth

March 17, 2004

I knew Keith as a great support to his Wife Rosalie and to his sons. He was very supportive of her and always had a smile on his face and a good comment to make. He was a positive force to all who knew him. A man of principal and courage. His effect on his students and fellow teachers is legendary. We send you our love and sympathy at his passing. Corwin & Linda

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