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Billy Bookout Obituary
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at H-E-B Pennington Field Stadium, 1501 Central Drive, Bedford. A reception will follow at the stadium.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the H-E-B Sports Hall of Fame Memorial Fund in Billy Bookout’s name. Send to H-E-B Sports Hall of Fame, in care of Nelson Moore, 1849 Central Drive, Bedford, Texas 76022. Donations may also be sent to the Presbyterian Children’s Home, Box 100, Itasca, Texas 76055-0100 in Billy’s name.
Billy Paul "Book" Bookout left a legacy of his love of football through sports programs he set forth in place during his 47-year career in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD from 1961-2008. He began his coaching career in 1957 in El Paso and then moved to H-E-B to coach at L.D. Bell High School in 1961. In 1968 he started the football program at the new H-E-B high school, Euless Trinity, where he led the program for eight years. He continued teaching in H-E-B until he helped initiate and was th game operations manager of the new Pennington Field, which opened in 1987. In addition, he was a charter member of the board of directors of the H-E-B Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Bookout helped manage Pennington Field until Oct. 10, 2008.
Book began his football career at Wichita Falls High School (Class of 1950) and then played defensive back for two years at the University of Oklahoma under Coach Bud Wilkinson. He finished college ball and was the golf team captain at Austin College in Sherman in 1955. He hitchhiked to Green Bay, Wis., to walk-on as a running back and defensive back, where he started for two seasons. Outside of the stadium, fishing was Grandad’s recreational passion with his family and friends, as well as "havin’ coffee" with his buddies.
Survivors: Billy Bookout leaves behind his wife, Kay; children, Kyle Bookout and wife, Shawn, Kendra Day and husband, Chuck, and Keltie Lantzy and husband, Mark; grandchildren, Brad and wife, Amy, Stacy and husband, Lance, Josh, Bryan, Cody, Gunner, Bo, Brennan, Kylie and Westin; great-grandchild, Ariella and expectant arrivals in February and May; brothers, George and wife, Eva, Charles Ray and wife, Artie, and Johnny and wife, Naomi; and numerous nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Bookout
Sponsored by the Reynolds family.
Peter Brock
January 2, 2014
Apologies for my late discovery of Coach Bookout's passing.
Although I only knew him when I was on the Burges-El Paso team briefly in 1958, he left an impression on me that lasted for years and through the present. As a listless teenager and just a scrub "lineman" at the time, I was able to see an early demonstration of passion for the game -- and for life. And, later, as a man and human being. (It wasn't just having to run 25 laps for every lost fumble on Friday nights either!)He personified excellence and winning at football and in life. He was an inspiring teacher, a passionate leader, and a good example...
It is obvious he loved his family much and was loved much by them.
Respectfuly, and with appreciation...
Mark Sepulveda
November 21, 2008
Kay, Kyle, Kendra and Keltie,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Bookout. Like Dana mentioned below you guys were also second family to me. I am comforted in knowing "Boogie" is playing in and managing the most beautiful stadium ever built and is sitting by our heavenly Father. We will pray that He will give you comfort and understanding.
Kathy Atwell
November 4, 2008
To the Bookout Family, my deepest sympathies on your loss. I just heard of his passing this morning when I went to buy extra tickets for the Bell/Trinity game. Mr. Bookout was always so gracious, kind, and patient with me when it came time to buy my football season tickets. He always made time to ask about my sons who play(ed) football for Bell. It just wasn't the same today when I was at the Pennington office today. I was looking forward to chatting with him about this week's game. My sincere condolences to your family.
Dana Young
October 17, 2008
Dear Kay, Keltie, Kendra and Kyle,
You know how much I love your dad. Since I lost my own dad in 4th grade, I always thought of Keltie's dad as partly mine too. He always treated me like one of the kids. Maybe that was because I was always there! I will never forget his kindness to me and the godly man that he was. I laugh when I think about how he never knew Scott's name, but would address him as Ghandi! Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do to help. I love you all, Dana Young for "Ghandi, Nathan and Luke
Marc, Stacey, and Jordan Lindner
October 17, 2008
Kendra, Chuck, Gunner, and Bo
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Kendra, we didn't know your dad personally only met him a few times at Bo's practices. What a nice man.
It's easy to see that all who knew him, loved him and that he will be missed terribly.
Please know that we will keep your family in our prayers.
Sandra & curtis Burton
October 17, 2008
Prayers for the Family.
A great loss but the Lord welcomes him. he was a great and caring man that was always there to help in any way, we will miss him very much
Randy Reynolds
October 16, 2008
Kay and family- I cherish the honor and privilege of having known Bill Bookout as my Coach, co-worker, and most of all as a friend. There are few people in this life that have such a positive impact on so many lives. As a Coach he instilled respect, loyalty, friendship, and hard work. To his family and friends he was a rock that you could depend on in any situation. Bill will be missed by all who knew him, but he will never be forgotten. My memories of Book will always be as a fierce competitor, motivator, mentor, family man, and friend.
God Bless You!
Randy Reynolds
Glenda Johnson
October 16, 2008
Dear Kay, Kyle, Kendra, and Keltie and other family members,
My sincere condolences and sympathy with the passing of Bookout. H-E-B sports and our community has lost one of our best assests. One of my very fondest and happiest memories is in the 1970's teaching at Trinity High School while your dad was coach, and I had the pleasure of having Kyle and Kendra in my English classes. You are both outstanding living memorials to your dad in the way he and your mom raised you. Bookout had a lightheared and humorous exterior but a heart and soul of solid gold; therefore, to Bookout, "Goodnight, sweet prince, and may angels sing thee to thy rest." (Hamlet, V, ii)
Lloyd Stone
October 16, 2008
It was always fun for me to sit on the sidelines and watch Billy, Nelson Moore,Poochie Reynolds, and Bill Engle play gin afer school. He was a great guy, a good friend, and someone always pleasant to be around. He set the bar for the kind of person we get to know but once in a lifetime and will truly be missed.
Kenneth Jordan
October 15, 2008
I will never forget the friendship I had with Billy. We were not close friends, but he was always a person I could depend on to help , if I needed it. As a former school board member, I knew I could depend on him to have the best interest of the students in mind. He will be missed.
Lisa Gillum-Wells
October 15, 2008
Keltie, so sorry to read of your father's passing. May the Lord Strengthen and hold your family close to HIS heart during the days to come. From a former classmate............
Linda(Middleton) Bennett
October 15, 2008
Coach Bookout - He was a wonderful man and a great teacher. I had him at Bell and he would always tell me I was his pet - he was a very kind and caring person to everyone he knew. He will truly be missed.
Debbbie Gentry
October 15, 2008
I had the honor of working with Book, and having him as a personal friend, confidante and fishing buddy outside of work. He was the most amazing ball of energy I have ever encountered! He could make me laugh so hard I'd lose my breath and make me mad enough at him to cry, all at the same time! I loved him, respected him and will cherish the memories forever. He left his carbon footprint on my heart and I wouldn't have missed it for the world! Kendra, Kelty and Kyle, my heart goes out to you and your families. Be comforted in knowing he touched the hearts and minds of so many people and truly made a difference in every life, including my own.
Mike Garrison
October 15, 2008
I will always be thankful to Book for giving me my 1st HS Football job at Trinity. He was a good man who I enjoyed working with and knowing all these years. He is my prayers. Mike Garrison
Nancy Schellhouse-Weaver
October 15, 2008
My sincere condolences to all of Coach Bookout's family. Coach was my Civics teacher in HS-laughing with you one minute and the next telling you to open to page ? I never forgot him. Bell HS-Class of 1963
naomi jean bookout
October 14, 2008
uncle billy we love you an miss you so much wish you was still here with us but you up threer with granny now an she would love that tell her we all said we love her an miss yal both may god be with us all an rip uncle billy loves to ya
Gary Watts
October 14, 2008
Bill Bookout was a great man for the kindness he showed everyone he meet. He didn't just coach he mentored and over the years he didn't forget anyone he taught and he was always there to continue that mission, even after 40 years he always was available to help anyone that asked for his help or advise.
Kim Shultz-Rainford
October 14, 2008
Although our paths only crossed a couple of times up at the lake, it seems like you were always there in spirit. I am so thankful for the positive influence you had on my nephews and niece (Christopher, Eric, and Ashley Reynolds). You were the granddad they needed after Poochie's passing. I sincerely thank you for that. I wish your family strength during this time, and the ability to understand how much of a difference you made to so many people.
Alice Johnson
October 14, 2008
I have know this great man since I started working at pennington. He has been a good friend, and i will miss him very much.
Keigh Martin
October 14, 2008
Kendra, Chuck, Gunner and Bo: our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God sustain you with all the wonderful, lasting memories!
In His Grace,
Keigh and Van Martin
Tara Holland
October 14, 2008
Keltie and family,
My heart goes out to you. I know it hurts in ways you didn't know were imaginable. You have my thoughts and prayers. Know you are not walking alone.
Sincerely,
Tara Holland and family
Ray DeBord
October 14, 2008
I am sorry for the lost of a GREAT man. He was a legend, but most of all he was a friend to all of us. It was my privileged to know and work with coach. I will always cherish the memories, the stories, and his friendship. He wiil be miss, but I look forward, to seeing him again. God's blessing, Ray DeBord
Doyle Lee
October 14, 2008
To Book's Family.....I coached with Bill at L.D. Bell in the mid sixties. I want you to know that I really enjoyed working with him. He was a fine gentleman and an outstanding coach. Over the years, I was occasionally in contact with him in the community and I will cherish the accidental meetings because he always seemed genuinely interested in my interests and well being. Our communities have lost a truly remarkable man.
Dee Helm
October 14, 2008
Kay and children, Billy was a fine
man and we are thinking of you and
all the times we had together. He
will be missed by many.
With love, Dee and Bobby Helm
Jenice Garrison-Duvall
October 14, 2008
Mr. Bookout was my favorite teacher at Central Junior High. I had him for 7th grade Texas History in 1980. I have never forgotten him and was even telling my Sunday School class a couple of weeks ago about how much I enjoyed having him as a teacher. He certainly left a lasting impression on me. I am sorry for your loss.
David Jones
October 14, 2008
Coach Bookout was a mentor to so many of us kids while attending Central Junior High. It would be an understatement to say that he influenced a FEW student athletes to do the right thing in life. He talked the talk and walked the walk and lead by example. He was a joy to be around and he was always so encouraging to the younger generation. He taught most of us in History Class but he was really teaching us valuable life lessons along the way. He was a true role model and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Cynthia Lovin
October 14, 2008
Book will be truly missed! He was a true gentleman and kind to everyone. I've worked at Pennington Field for several years, every Friday night, and every playoff game - he was there. Doing what ever needed to be done. He always came into the announcer's booth at least once a game to check on things. He loved what he did. He would have loved that the last game was a sell-out! He will be missed. We will ALL miss him. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts will be with your family.
Gerald Streater
October 14, 2008
To the Bookout family,
What a terrific man Bill Bookout was! I will never forget him because he always treated me with the utmost respect and dignity. When 'Book' told you something, you could take it to the bank. He was man of integrity, candor and honor. Books 'promotion' leaves a huge void in HEB ISD Athletics, Pennington Field Ops. and the entire HEB Community. "Well done good and faithful servant. Welcome Home."
Ron Stepp
October 14, 2008
God bless all members of Billy's family. I remember him most as an outstanding two-way player for the Coyotes, and heard down thru the years that he was admired as a coach, friend, and family man.
Jim Broyles
October 14, 2008
I grew up in the neighborhood with the Bookout brothers where Billy was a legend. In addition to his personal accomplishments as an athlete, I always admired his wonderful coaching career. We celebrate a life well lived and will cherish the memories forever.
Heidi Gorbenko
October 14, 2008
I am truly sorry for your loss of such an awesome man.
I was privileged to be able to work with Book for about 6 years at the stadium taking tickets. He was a wonderful man to work with and I really don't know how they will get along without him but I do know it will never be the same without him.
My heart and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow.
Robin Moore
October 14, 2008
Coach Bookout was a very special man. He has touched the lives of many. He is family by choice and an adopted grandfather to Joshua and Amanda. Joshua will always cherish the special memories of playing cards with him and Duke.
Tom Hust
October 14, 2008
Kendra, Chuck, Gunner, and Bo,
We are so sorry for your loss. We pray that God will sustain you and comfort you. Let us know if we can help you in any way.
With sincere sympathy,
Tom, Minda, Taber, Brody, Macy, and Rylan Hust
Tom and Minda Hust
October 14, 2008
Kendra and family, our hearts and prayers go out to your family during this hard time. I met your dad only on a couple of occassions, but he made me feel like family.
Meg Bookout
October 14, 2008
Uncle Billy is walking with the Lord now, and though he is not physically with us, his memory will always be strong.
with love,
Billy's nephew Tom Bookout and wife Meg
Jennifer Huie
October 14, 2008
Kendra,
You are so incredibly blessed to have had such an amazing man as your father. Your daddy was an inspiration to all. I know you will miss him terribly everyday, but his legacy lives on through you and your children.
All our love,
The Huie Family
Terrie Brooks
October 14, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to your families. Landamerica-American Title Co. - Keller, Tx
Hal Bozarth
October 14, 2008
I coached and taught with Bill for over 25 yrs. He will be greatly missed.
Bobbie Clements Brady
October 14, 2008
What a terrific man! I had the priviledge to get to know him well over the last 4 years and enjoyed every minute spent with him. He will be missed by all. What a legacy he leaves...so take comfort there.
Mark Ball
October 14, 2008
Coach Bookout was always so kind and gracious to me when I was coaching and teaching at L.D. Bell. He and I were from the same hometown where he was and still is a football legend and we spent many Saturday mornings during the season talking football before I went to work. As my career moved on we were able to make contact on occasion and I will never forget when my team had a playoff game at Pennington in 2004 and the special attention I received from Book and Nellie. I went to Wichita Falls the night he was inducted into the Oil Bowl Hall of Fame. He was a man of great character and high integrity and he will be greatly missed.
Brad and Pam Wieland
October 14, 2008
To all the Bookout family Pam and I express our most sincere thoughts for you in this difficult time. Coach Bookout helped me so much years ago by inspiring me to go to Austin College, and later hiring me as the first basketball coach at Harwood Junior High in the fall of 1972. I am forever grateful to this wonderful man and mourn his passing.
Walter Moores
October 14, 2008
Sorry to learn of Coach Bookout's death. I taught at Central when he was there. He was a good coach and teacher.
Mitzi Rodriguez
October 13, 2008
To The Family,
Your husband/father/grandfather/ great-grandfather was greatly respected and will be greatly missed in this community. My family was so sad to hear of his passing. We are happy to know that he is now with Jesus. "Book" was someone that people looked forward to talking with whenever they had business at Pennington Stadium. He coached and lived his life with integrity and humility and is a great legend in HEB-ISD.
Our prayers are with you during this time.
Sincerely,
Mitzi and Bobby Rodriguez and Sons
(parents/students in HEB-ISD)
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