Kenneth Kershaw

Two years since the world lost one of the greatest educators I have ever known. I still remember the days where we would switch between US History and Texas Barbecue during our class, which made it all the more entertaining. You influenced my decision to go to TCU and where I became a Frog for life. You still live vicariously through all of the lives you touched and we miss you so very much. RIP Coach K.

I can't believe it has been one whole year since we lost you. Lost...but never forgotten. This is the impact you had on your students. Thank you for being who you were so we could be who we are. We will always love you.

A year has passed...... Time may heal the pain but it will not take away the memories. You are dearly missed, Ken. We feel your presence, your strength, and we're doing ok. Not where we thought we'd be right now but we are...and we will live our lives knowing you are with us, just in a different way. Love you, Sara, Kristine & Kurt

Several months ago, a friend of mine told me that Jan. 8th was her son's bday. I said, "he shares it with Elvis Presley"! She was surprised that I would know when Elvis's birthday was, so I let her know the reason I know this is I had a boyfriend in college who also shared his bday, Kenny Kershaw.

This conversation sparked an interest in looking for Kenny online via Facebook. So, I proceeded trying to find him, but nothing. Then I decided to search for him on Google. I was SHOCKED to read the results.

News headlines, "The town of Crowley mourns the death of Ken Kershaw". This in NOT what I expected to see. I immediately felt helpless and devastated for his children and wife. Having two small children of my own, I immediately paralleled my life without my husband. I hope that Sarah and her children are doing well.

Kenny, you were an important part of my life and were definitely taken too soon. You have positively affected so many lives and I am honored to have known you and have you in my life. I hope you have a HAPPY Birthday in heaven today...

This is from Doug Anderson's Texas High School football blog site (http://www.pxpdoug.blogspot.com/). A portion of this was broadcast on Channel 21 in Dallas on Thursday night as part of their high school football coverage.

Texas high school football lost one of its biggest fans and greatest supporters when Kenneth Kershaw passed away on April 19th of this year as the result of an automobile accident. Coach Kershaw was a Texan, born in Brownsville, and he was passionate about all things Texan, especially hunting, BBQ, and high school football.

Coach Kershaw earned a Masters degree from TCU in 1988 and spent his entire adult life teaching and coaching on the high school level, first at Fort Worth's Western Hills, then on to Marble Falls in the Texas hill country. After that is was back to Fort Worth and stops at Pascal and Southwest high schools before finally settling at North Crowley in 1999.

He was a successful coach, helping to lead baseball and football teams to winning seasons…the ultimate athletic prize came his way in 2003 when, as an assistant football coach, he was part of the magical North Crowley run to the 4A DI State Championship..

Athletics was only part of the Ken Kershaw story though…a beloved and respected educator, he was named North Crowley teacher of the year in 2003 and 2004 and Educator of the year in 2005. His students marveled at how he knew the mascot for every high school in Texas, and how he could tell them about the best barbecue restaurants in any small Texas town…he pushed his students to excellence, and they loved him for it.

Coach Kershaw loved what he called “small ball” high school football on the 1A and 2A level..so its fitting that his family and friends are celebrating his life tonight at Waco ISD stadium where Bosqueville and Bartlett are squaring off in a “Battle of Bulldogs”.

Ken Kershaw absolutely adored the sport of Texas High School Football, so let me say this final thought in a way I think he would appreciate…On the scoreboard of life the points are not given for fame, money or possessions…rather they are earned by faith, the lives you touch, and the good that you do…by that measure Coach Ken Kershaw didn't just light up the scoreboard, he blew it up. I know I speak for his wife Sara, his kids Kristine and Kurt, and countless other members of his family and his friends when I say Coach, you are loved, and you are missed.

Doug Anderson - Play by Play

Thursday night, friends and family of Coach Ken Kershaw gathered at Waco ISD Stadium to watch a Class 1A Kickoff Classic between Bosqueville and Bartlett.

As we finish this week of teacher in-service training and begin the new school year, I've been thinking a lot about Ken. There is a definite hole left behind by his passing and it just goes to show how much of a presence he was at NCHS. I know he's in heaven but here on earth I still get a little sad knowing it will probably be awhile before we meet again. I miss him.

Sara, Kurt, and Kristine: He's touched too many people to ever be fortgotten. I pray God continues to give you the strength to meet each day with the hope of possibilities.

This was sent to me by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Jeff Nelson. Jeff met Ken when we served together in San Antonio, attended a few playoff games with us and a goose hunt at Eagle Lake. As you can tell, Jeff is no stranger to the phenomena of Texas High School Football, playing for Cypress-Fairbanks on the northwest side of Houston in the early 80s. Jeff forwarded this to the editor of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine but I wanted to include it on this memorial page.
----------
This year has served to make us ever more mindful of the fragile nature of life. It reminded us of the positive influences that facilitate our personal growth and provide us the inner strength necessary to meet and overcome our personal challenges. It reminded us to be thankful for those that live selflessly, serve as great examples to their communities and help make a difference everyday. Former Educator and Coach Ken Kershaw from North Crowley High School was tragically taken from us in an automobile accident; he passed on 19 April 2012. He was not my coach, but I knew Ken through my military service with his brother, COL Mike Kershaw. Ken was an astute Texas High School Football historian and an avid reader of DCTF - perhaps something can be mentioned in the DCTF magazine honoring Coach Kershaw's past contributions.
I wrote a short tribute below to convey my gratitude for the leadership and mentorship provided by Coach Kershaw; it is an expression of respect to the very positive impact of his career and to the very positive impact of the careers of all Texas High School football coaches on the current generation of players and generations to come.
_______________
In Texas, football is seen as part of the community. It is part of a young man's education. It is a rite of passage. For many males in the state, high school football is their defining moment; it provides the lifelong, unheard voice of inspiration, commitment and tenacity when situations and circumstances get tough.
I think the reason that high school football is so popular, besides the decades of community entrenched tradition, is that the ultimate team venue is provided the definitive "level playing field". Poor kids from the left side of the track get the chance to prove no one is better; rich kids from the right side of the track get the chance to prove that they can be as tough as anybody else. Year in and year out, in big cities and small towns, in the fall on any given Friday night, it is easy to see; nowhere else in the country are football and community so intertwined than in the great state of Texas.
At the center of this Texas phenomenon is the high school football coach. Weathered by years of competition, countless hours of labor in the sun, weekends away from the family watching film and developing game plans, motivating and conditioning kids year round to be bigger, faster, and stronger, inspiring confidence and building discipline; they underwrite the great investment Texans apply to this unique institution. In the communities they coach, the commitment and resolve to achieve the full potential of the players in their programs, developing those players into a brotherhood that can meet any hardship, serves well to fuse those communities together and enrich the lives of its inhabitants.

In this game, this great life experience; the Texas high school football coach becomes the care-taker, mentor, and educator for a broad, diverse array of sons, grandsons, and nephews. Listen closely before the start of any fall contest, from a six man football scrimmage through a 5A Division 1 State Championship; you will hear the Coach's inspiration through the ageless echo of players present and past:
- I will not waste the "unforgiving minute"
- I will thoroughly prepare for my future battles every day;
- I will never quit - never give up and never give in;
- I will give everything on every play to not let my brother down;
- I will face any adversary and fight to the last second of any game; then shake hands with my opponent and then thank God I am able to participate in this greatest of all competitions.
To the Texas high school football coach: Your efforts to shape the character within those fortunate enough to have participated in this Texas tradition, will forever live on in their sons and daughters. Future generations will be greatly influenced by your words, your deeds, your guidance, your coaching. That is what you leave on the field - your tireless endeavors, year-in and year out, and the great dedication to the brotherhood of players entrusted to you, will ensure the commitment of future generations to be better football players, better husbands, better fathers, ...to be better men - that is Your Lasting Legacy.
Thanks,
Jeff Nelson

Happy Father's Day, Ken - Kristine, Kurt and I miss you so much. You were the light of our lives. I know we will proceed without you, but the world is just not the same. I love you so much and will until I see you again.

The world has lost a amazing man with an extrordinary heart in the passing of Kenneth Kershaw. I can remember sitting in class with Coach at North Crowley in study hall before the football team would go to the gym for workout sessions. One thing that is not in his obituary is that he knew the mascots of every high school football team in the state of Texas. At the end of each class, we would play "Stump the Coach" passing around a magazine with all the teams picking a city at random and he never got a mascot wrong, then he would tell us what BBQ restaurants where near each town. Coach Kershaw taught me how to push myself to accomplish more than what was required and help me believe that I could accomplish great achievements if I worked hard and never gave up. When I learned of his passing from a former teammate I was shocked beyond belief. I will never forget the positive contributions Kenneth Kershaw made in my life and I will always remember him.

Betty, I really don't know what to say except it is just so very sad for everyone. Such a shock for such a fine family and the wonderful life you have all had. I would love to talk to you when you have time to give me a call. So many years have gone by but always have the memories of our taking the children to the beach the entire summer and so remember the boys then. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Adele

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. God bless you.
Lisa, Lee and Sam Wills

Sara, May God continue to wrap His loving arms around you and the children. I worked with Ken 7 years at NCHS. He was so proud of his family. Ken was a true Gentleman in every sense of the word. He always made you feel that you were the most important person he was speaking with at the time. I will always remember his kindness and love of his profession.
Debbie Walker

We are praying for you all during this grievous time. I hope that you will feel God's love through friends and family, and even in the little things. Love to you and the kids!

Its been eight years since I taught with Ken at North Crowley and about as long since we had a chance to speak. I will never forget how he cared about his students and showed all others great support. A true professional, a true gentlemen and a great loss for us all. My prayers and thoughts are with all the family.
Dennis Krishka (Fort Worth)

Dear members of the Kershaw family:

I am extremely sorry for your loss. My deepest and most heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to you, and especially to Coach Kershaw's children. I graduated from NCHS in 2008. Coach Kershaw was my history teacher in 11th grade, and I also worked under him as an athletic trainer in 10th grade. I would describe Coach Kershaw as an incredibly vibrant person. I always loved his thick Texas accent. He seemed to me like the quintessential football coach. As a trainer, the football coaches could be very intimidating, always running around the field and yelling. However, Coach K was always incredibly nice, and very funny as well. As a history teacher, it was obvious that he had a genuine love of teaching and of history. He put a lot of effort into his lessons. In high school I was a bit of a rebel without a cause, and as Coach K's class was my first class in the morning, I was usually late every single day. I'd wander into class with a tardy slip pretty much without fail every morning, usually about 15 to 20 minutes late. Coach K was, needless to say, not amused by this. I'm proud to say that Coach Kershaw was the only teacher of mine I was afraid of (maybe it was the fact that I saw how intimidating he could be on the football field...), and I always felt bad for disrupting his class. Despite my chronic lateness, Coach K was always nice to me in his class, and even turned my lateness into a running joke with the class. He would say things like "Ok class, don't forget, test on Friday, be here on time...REAL time, not Chelsea time." It was really funny, and he was nice about it. Ken Kershaw was a great teacher, a great football coach, and a great person. He will be missed.

Coach was my daughters favorite teacher - he is the reason she became a teacher. Both of my girls loved his class and his love of teaching and making sure the students really learned. He will truly be missed. His legacy will carry on through the many students he touched and the lives they will touch and teach. Our prayers are with your entire family.

Sara and family, I want you to know that the vigil was the most moving tribute I have ever attended and certainly was appropriate for Ken. I sent an earlier email but wanted to let you know how wonderful the vigil was. You are a courageous young Christian and Ken loved you very much. He will forever be in your heart and I know he will always watch over you and your precious children.

Praying for you Sara that you feel God's arms wrapped around you, Kristine, & Kurt. It saddens me that I never really knew Ken. Oh to leave a legacy like he has. Definately a man of God and did what His will was for him to do on Earth. Love and prayers and please call if you need anything.

The world lost a good person, but heaven gained an angel.

My sympathy to Sara and family....Ken was a fine gentleman who adored his family. He worked with me to add training for his students and was so caring and positive. He was a truly dedicated educator and that legacy will live forever.

Our thoughts and prayers to the Kershaw family.
Keith,Sylvia,Travis,Matthew and Alyson Tidwell

My deepest sympathies are with the Kershaw family. Coach Kershaw was an exemplary man who aff
ected the lives of my children as an educator, coach, mentor and most humbly as the caring Christian man that he was. He will be greatly missed. I pray that you can find peace, comfort and healing in the arms of our lord and savior. Your family will constantly be in my thoughts and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with Sara and the entire Kershaw family.
- Laura Stokes (Fort Worth, TX)

Coach Kershaw was a hero in the eyes of many of our NCHS kiddos. He was always there for them, no matter the situation or the circumstance. He was truly loved by all. May his family and friends find peace and comfort in time, knowing that he awaits for each of you, with open arms. May he now Rest in Peace with our Lord. Amen.

~ The Epps Family ~

Ken Kershaw didn't just teach and coach students, he also taught and coached those who were blessed to work with him. I admired his calm demeanor while handling difficult people and situations, and have strived to follow his example as to what kind of teacher I should be.

Our loss is God's gain. God takes the good ones, however this time He took a GREAT one.

I'm sure when Ken reached the gates of heaven, St. Peter shook his hand and said, "Well done Ken Kershaw, well done."

My prayers go out to the Kershaw family and to all those who celebrate his life.

Praying for the Kershaw family. Rest in peace Coach. God Bless

My condolences go out to the entire Kershaw family and current NCHS student body. I and my wife, Carla Cole Linthicum, were fortunate to be some of the first students and athletes mentored by Coach Kershaw at WHHS.

We were blessed to have him visit our student newspaper staff on many, many occasions. He always showed up with a professional demeanor, nice pressed shirt, and slacks but when it was time to hit the gridiron on Friday nights, Coach Kershaw was there with fire and determination and was always confident that we would walk away with a victory each time we hit the field.

Ken Kershaw was there when Carla and I first started dating in high school. He was there for Carla when I was serving in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm, and he was there for us when we were married in 1992.

We're gonna miss you Ken! God bless you and may your family find peace in knowing that you are in good hands with our heavenly Father.

I had Coach Kershaw for AP US history. He impacted the lives of so many students in so many ways. I will never forget his positive outlook on life and how he always seemed to find the best in everything and everyone. I just wanted to say thank you to Coach Kershaw for being an example of the kind of person I hope to be. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Sara, I knew Ken when he worked at Paschal. He was a very popular tracher and coach. I am sorry for your loss.

Sara, We grieve with you and your family. We pray you find comfort and peace. God welcomed him into Heaven with open loving arms. God will wrap you in his arms as well and will carry you and your family through the tough times.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Coach Kershaw, at first we didnt see eye to eye. I was one of the first student-athletes of Coach Kershaw's fruitful career. My boys and I ignitiated him to the world of high school boys to the fulliest, especially me. I do believe that we played a vital part in how his career turned out. As 1988 went on at the great Western Hills (CUJO) I began to have a different feeling about ol' Kenney Kershaw, the person and the teacher. I didnt like history at all but I liked going to his class. The man knew his craft and captivated his class. So saying this, Coach Kershaw, you made a difference during my time at WHHS. Much Love and Respect from me and the boys from Como, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Kershaw undoubtedly had an impact on those who he came across. There was a genuine approach to his role as a professor, acknowledging each and everyone of his students and implementing life lessons into the classroom. His life will continue to matter in the hearts of his students who will continue to be inspired by his legacy. My deepest sympathy to his family in this difficult time.

I am most proud of Kenney as a loving father, husband and family man...You will be missed...Mike Arnett

Even though I knew him as a teacher, he was always known as Coach Kershaw. He always had a genuine sincere spirit about him. He will never be forgotten!
Prayers are here for the family and friends. I am very sorry for your loss as well.
Shannon Connor C/O '07 NCHS

To the Kershaw family. We are saddened to hear about your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. Jodi and Miguel Garcia (YMCA soccer family) Fort Worth, TX

Coach Kershaw was a great influence on my boys when he was at Western Hills. I remember him as such a wonderful young man and what a gift to our children. Everyone loved and looked up to him. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you and we are so sorry for your loss!! The Taber Family

To the Kershaw family,

Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers at this sad time.

Blessings to your family

I met Ken while Attending Tcu and even though we were in Different Fraternities I always Enjoyed His Presence.
The English Proverb states:"Keep Company with those whom make you Better" Ken was one of those rare Human Beings and Made a Difference in so many Young Kids lives.
May God be with your kids and Wife and your Family.
Always,
R.Trey White
TCU 85
Fort Worth,Texas

i was privileged to have had kenny as a student teacher and fellow coach at western hills. we had some wonderfull talks about high school football when he visited our home and dined on bbq. he will be missed greatly and i miss him a lot. love to the family

Dearest Sara and Children,

May the God of all mercy comfort and keep you in peace.
We love you and pray for you daily.

Bless you,
Rodney and Sharon Kinsey

I knew Kenny during our time together at TCU and as pledge brothers of Sigma Chi. Since learning of his passing earlier this week, I struggled to find the right words to comfort his family and friends. What I concluded is that words and not always needed. Take comfort and Pride knowing Kenny, your husband, your father and your friend, was a good man with a passion for assisting others. Whether through his life's work or consistent personality, Kenny was where people gravitated to draw strength and perspective to better their lives. Not many people give of themselves and share their gift that freely. His live is to be emulated and that is how to best celebrate this great man. Rest in Peace my brother. In Hoc, AMC

I knew Coach Kershaw when he worked at Paschal and later when he went through the RCIA at St. Andrew's. His excellence shone in his life and in his teaching and coaching. It was a privilege to have known him; he will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are, and will be, very much with all his family and friends.

Sara, Kristine, and Kurt, We were so sorry to hear of Ken's accident and passing. He was a really grat guy. Shannon, Cherie, and John Shipp. (Trinity Episcopal)

You all are in our prayers.Coach Kershaw was agreat teacher and coach and so fun to be around this is truly a great loss to this world and those his loving personality touched. God bless. With love Micheal, TaRyn and Taylor Gee.

Coach Kershaw, you had such an amazing impact on my kids. It was truly a priviledge to know you.

This family will never forget you.

What a sad day, our thoughts are with the immediate and extended families. My son was a student and player for NCHS and has wonderful memories of Coach Kershaw.

God bless Kenneth Kershaw. When teaching and coaching at Southwest High School, Ken was a joyful colleague who always had a smile on his face. A great Christian role model, he was an excellent teacher, friend and coach. He will be missed by many. We were blessed to know him for a short while. Our prayers are with the Kershaw family and all his students.

Ken made quite an impression on me, he had a way of listening to you like you were the only person in the room. He was a true gentleman and a great father. I will miss him.

His spirit will always be felt and dearly remembered in the halls of NCHS.

Sara,
You, Kristine and Kurt are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Dyers

We are very saddened by your loss. May the Lord and rememberances here bring you some peace.

The Prejean Family

I had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Coach Kershaw when I was a student at North Crowley. He was such a wonderful teacher that everyone loved having the chance to get to know! Even though his time on this earth was cut way too short, please know that he made such an impact on everyone who crossed his path!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kershaw family in their time of sorrow. No words can express the sympathy that I feel for you Sara and children!! May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you strength to get through the days to come! Life is merely a blink and then we are gone, so may everyone please not take one moment for granted with the ones that we love!!!

I was first blessed to meet Ken at Western Hills as my coach and then was doubly blessed to have his friendship as a fellow SAS parent. He will always keep my path bright with inspiration. My prayers are with you Sara, Kristine, and Kurt.

Coach Kershaw was a great teacher who really affected me in such a positive way. I was a student at Western Hills High School and had him for History in 1991. He always had a smile and could really relate to his students. May God be with your family at this time.

Sara, Kristine, and Kurt, Joe and I are so saddened at this news. I was always touched by Ken's smiling face coming through the door at St. Andrew's on Sunday mornings. You all hold a special place in our hearts. We will hold you in our prayers and be there if you need us to hold your hand.

Mae and Joe Maly

I met Kenny through my son in law Greg White who loved him as a brother. The times that I was around Kenny he wasa happy and caring person. He was an exceptional husband, father brother and son

Sara,
Our hearts go out to you, Kristine and Kurt today and in the days ahead. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

~The Greathouse Family

He made me love APUSH.

Sara, Kristine & Kurt

I wanted you to know how much we remember and treasure the years we had together at Trinity. May Kenneth rest with the Saints in heaven. You, Kenneth and the children have been in our prayers.

The Rev. Fred Barber and Judy

Sara, Kristine, Kurt,
Mary, James, and I will really miss Kenny. He was such a great influence in James' life and the other "boys" he coached at Paschal High School. Kenny was a man that live his faith day to day. I enjoyed visiting with him everytime we had a chance. Mornings at SAS seeing him made my day. I know Kenny will be looking after you and the children each and every day. God Bless.
Bryan, Mary, & James Kincannon

To my cousin Ken Kershaw:

You leave us too soon and suddenly. You have been freed of your earthly binds. You have now risen to the heavens and you will most assuredly cause the sun to shine brighter. I know this because you were the light of the lives of many during your time on Earth.

Although it has been many years since we have spoken I recall, with warm fondness, the time I spent with you and your family. We were young and I had no idea upon what path of life I would travel. You, though, knew exactly in what direction you would go ... and you went there without hesitation and you never looked back.

I remember you telling me, at such an early age, that you would grow up and become an athlete and then later you would become a coach. I had heard other kids our age remark about their adult goals and aspirations ... and I afforded them the obligatory words of support ... but when you told me your plans for the future .. I was convinced, certain, without doubt, that you ... above all others ... would achieve your goals. There was about you an indescribable look in your eyes .. a look of confidence yet calm .. a look of determination and motivation. But what I recall most clearly about you is something I would not be able to adequately describe until some time later. It is something that is rarely as noticeable in human beings as it was in you .. it was a prevailing sense of care and concern .. and yes, love, for others. You did not flaunt it .. you did not conceal it .. in fact, I suspect you thought nothing of it .. because in your mind that was just the way you were supposed to be. I am still unable to say exactly how I know this except to say that somehow I sensed it. I felt safe around you .. I felt as comfortable as I ever had .. and I felt warmly accepted.

Upon reading what others have written about you I immediately I knew that you had not changed. I knew that you had positively influenced many others as you did me. We are all fortunate and blessed to have known you.

Now, I am certain that you are with the angels ... and some of them are weary. So go to them, Ken , as you did so many of us, and coach them up, get them back in the game ... make them feel worthy .. show them their purpose. You were put on Earth to do these things and you have. Now, I'm sure you have been called to the heavens to do the same.

RIP Ken

Our family is so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kershaw was one of our son's favorite teachers. - Bruce and Allison Tilley

I met Kenny through my son in law Lt. Col (ret.) Greg White while they were both at TCU. Kenny did not meet a stranger and I could not help but be impressed by his friendliness, easy smile and wonderful attitude to all. I could tell what a great husband he would be by the way he spoke about and loved his parents and his brother Mike. I remembered telling us that he always looked forward to getting together with his dad and brother Mike in Corpus every year for hunting, fishing and just hanging out with his mom and the whole family. I saw Kenny again at Greg's retiring party which is when I met his wife Sara, and I knew Kenny had found the perfect partner and the love of his life. Kenny adored his children. I am so very sorry for the Kershaw family's loss and sad for the loss of an outstanding person who will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Coach Kershaw was such an amazing teacher and coach. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.
God Speed

Prayers to your family from our family.... Who would have thought your seating chart in jr history class in '94 would lead to 15 years of marriage and our 2 beautiful daughters. The Garcie's love you Coach Kershaw! ~Chris, Cari, Cadi & Charli

Kenny is a great man. The time I worked with him was great. I will always cherish the memories I had with him. God Bless his family and my prayers are with you.

Coach, i was one of your students a Western Hills, and then you coached my son at North Crowley. You were a blessing.

What a loss for us and what a gain for heaven. Sara, your husband was a wonderful man who touched so many and lives on in your beautiful Kristine and Kurt. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Love,
Roni, Aaron, Abby and Luke

Love you Coach!!

Ken was and will always be a man that I look up to. He has blessed countless lives with knowledge, caring and love. I am forever changed for having known him. May God continue to shine down on the ones that he loves.

Ken Kershaw was a true blessing from God for so many. I am the man, husband, father, teacher, and coach I am today because of two people; My father and Ken Kershaw! For the last 20 years Ken has held a huge place in my life and in my heart and that will never change. I have never met anyone who was so full of life and was so caring of others. He was a man who loved his family, friends, students, athletes, bar-b-que, and of course his Purple TCU Horned Frogs! Ken will be tremendously missed. Sara, Kristine, and Kurt you are in my thoughts and prayers and me and my family are always here if you need anything. Coach K I love and miss you, and will always carry you in my heart

From the class of 2001 @Southwest High School

coach kershaw will never be forgotten. praying for your family

Coach was a wonderful person, who always had a smile on his face. enjoyed talking about his family and talking to the students.At North Crowley. It will be hard not seeing your smiling face in the halls.As you casually walk by and say Hi to everyone you pass. May god bless The Kershaw Family in your time of sorrow. You will for ever live in our hearts at NCHS

Ken was a great educator, person, and friend. There are very few men I have ever known I consider a gentleman. Ken was a gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with Ken's parent's, brother, Sara and children.

Sara, we are wrapping our arms around you and your family in prayer.

Sara, we are praying for you and your family.

I had Coach Kershaw for American History in 1990/91 at Western Hills. He was a great teacher and cared for us all. Always had a smile and an ear to listen to our troubles. I remember he had us write letters to his brothers company during the Gulf War. He was so patriotic and loved this country and our soldiers. I remember he said he was going to visit every civil war site. He will be missed by many. Mercy and Grace to his entire family and friends as I know he loved yall so much.

As many have stated in their messages, and know in their hearts.....Ken, you're one of a kind. You made my days at NCHS memorable with your loving attitude and generous spirit. I guess the Lord above needed a right hand man to keep him informed as to all the Texas high school sports stats. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. It is with a heavy heart that heard of your passing. But know that you lived a joyous life.

Coach Kershaw was a great man with an unmatched optimism and an infectious smile. He was and will always be one of my favorite educators and mentors. He was encouraging, kind, and honest. I am glad I was able to encounter and be impacted by his good nature. He will be sorely missed.

Kenny was a great man and when I was a student at Western Hills, he made a very positive impact on my life. He will be remembered as a great man.

My husband and I went to Western Hills when Coach Kershaw was there. He was an assistant coach to my husband in football in 89-91 and I had him for US History. He was the best high school teacher I had and he always was encouraging to every student he came in contact with. He was the"cool" teacher and we are truly saddened by this loss. We will continue to keep Coach Kershaw's family and those students, who currently are dealing with this loss in our prayers and pray for comfort and peace during this difficult time.