Kenneth Ozee

1944 - 2025

Kenneth "Ken" Ozee, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and coach, passed away surrounded by family on September 8, 2025, just two days shy of his 81st birthday.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Dorothy Ozee, and his wife of 35 years, Carol Ozee. He is survived by his sons Kenny Ozee and wife Debbie, Kevin Ozee and wife Christy; daughters Kimberlee Yates and husband Curtis, Tiffanee Huff and husband Zac; grandsons Trey Ozee, Chase Ozee and wife Marina, Parker Yates, Tyler Ozee, and Ryan Ozee; great-grandchildren Claire Ozee and Aubrey Ozee; and many more family and friends who will carry forward his proud legacy.

Ken grew up in River Oaks, Texas, and graduated from Castleberry High School, where he excelled as a High School Football All-American and two-time All-State player. He began his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas before transferring to Arlington State College (now UTA). At Arlington, Ken distinguished himself as the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1966, a two-time All-American in 1965 and 1966, and team co-captain in 1966. After a brief stint with the Washington Redskins, he pursued his true calling-coaching and shaping young lives.

At just 26 years old, Ken became Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Mansfield High School, one of the youngest head coaches in Texas at the time. His coaching journey continued at Amarillo Palo Duro, where he served for six years before returning to the DFW area in 1982. He later led Arlington Sam Houston, guiding the Texans to the state semifinals in 1990. Over his career as a head coach, Ken earned District Coach of the Year honors five times and even recognition as an NFL Coach of the Year finalist.

Ken's coaching stops also included Lancaster, Arlington, and Fort Worth Eastern Hills before concluding his Arlington ISD career in 2000. He wasn't finished yet-his love for the game led him back onto the sidelines at Fort Worth Country Day, Paschal, and Granbury, ultimately retiring for good after 38 years of coaching Texas high school football.

Ken was inducted into the UTA Hall of Honor in 1997 and the Arlington Athletics Hall of Honor in 2024. These honors reflected not only his achievements on the field but also the countless lives he touched. He took great pride in helping young men follow their dreams, believing that football was not just a game but a foundation for life.

Ken's life was defined by faith, family, football, and a relentless drive to mentor young people on and off the field. His influence will live on in the players, coaches, and colleagues whose lives he helped shape.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held at Church of the Crossing, 128 Elm St., Aledo, TX 76008 on Tuesday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. where family, friends, and former players can honor his remarkable journey and legacy.