Edward Ray Poehls

Coach Edward Ray Poehls, 83, went to be with his heavenly father on November 7, 2023.

He was born in Runnels County on September 6, 1940 to Mildred Murphy and Edward Gus Poehls. He grew up outside Winters, Texas and attended Norton schools where he graduated from Norton High School in 1959. He married Joan Webb on June 1, 1957 and they lived on the farm in Wingate while he put himself through college playing baseball at San Angelo College while farming and teaching and coaching in Blackwell ISD. They were married for 60 years before Joan passed away in October of 2017. He later married Karen Parrish Poehls who quickly became part of the family. They traveled to many games, track meets, and stock shows watching his grandkids.

Ed was an All-American catcher at San Angelo College. He taught and coached in Blackwell from 1966 to 1979. Where Terry and Lana graduated from high school. In 1979, he moved to Robert Lee where he coached for 20 years. Stephanie graduated from Robert Lee High School. Some of his fondest memories were while coaching the Blackwell Hornets and the Robert Lee Steers. He poured his heart and soul into coaching and working with young people; however, he always found time for fishing and hunting with family.

Upon retiring from Robert Lee ISD in 1999, they moved to Wingate where he was able to go back to some farming and gardening. He worked at Winters ISD after retirement as a teacher and coaching softball and junior high girls' basketball. After retirement, he had time to go watch his kids and grandkids at their events and loved seeing them compete.

On April 20, 2005, Edward became a Master Mason at Wingate Masonic Lodge 1042. He was a Past Master in 2009, 2018, and 2020. In 2015, he was presented with the Golden Trowel Award. He was proud to serve with his fellow Masons and his grandson, Brandon Poehls.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Parrish Poehls, his brother, Ronnie Poehls and wife Gloria, children Terry Poehls, Lana and Ken Snow, and Stephanie and James Howard, Kei Laliberte, Rob Cunningham, five grandchildren, Michelle Burton, Brandon and Amanda Poehls, Dustin Burton, Raeley Howard, and Corley Howard, six great grand-children Madison, Ninet, Andrea, Hannah, Dylan, and Caroline, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Joan Poehls, and his parents Mildred and Edd Poehls.

The services will be at the Winters Baptist Church on Sunday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. with graveside services following at Wilmeth Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, November 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Winters Funeral Home.