Kenneth James Bode

He was born in Llano, Texas on November 29, 1941 to Wallace Robert and Emma Mae Underwood Bode. He graduated from Brady High School in 1960 where he was a football standout having the distinction of playing in 59 of 60 football games which was a Texas high school record. He received a full scholarship to play football at Texas A & M University where he was an All-American freshman. He transferred to McMurray University in 1961 where he lettered for three years. Upon graduation Ken became a high school coach and teacher and coached for five years in Sherman, Texas, three years at Lake View High School in San Angelo, Texas, ten years in Angleton, Texas, six years in Duncanville, Texas and six years at Central High School in San Angelo, Texas. After retiring from coaching, he taught at Lee Jr. High for another eight years. When he retired from the school district, he spent the majority of his time at his beloved “ranch” in Pontotoc, Texas where he raised cattle and goats. He filled his deer feeders and fed his catfish. He loved gardening and sold tomatoes to passing motorists.

Ken married the love of his life, Donna Fife, in Junction, Texas on January 30, 1965. To this union three sons were born. He loved watching his boys grow up and becoming the great men that they have become.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Donna Fife Bode, of San Angelo, sons Burton Fife Bode, of Corinth, Texas, Brandon Kurt Bode and wife Shannon of Ft. Worth, Texas and Byron Leigh Bode and wife Allison of Roanoke, Texas. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, also the loves of his life. They are: Emily Nicole Bode, Grace Anne Jestis, Zachary Preston Bode, Ava Rose Jestis, Aubrey Meagan Bode, Jack Riley Jestis, Blake Ashleigh Bode, and Parker Jane Bode. Other survivors include his parents-in-law, Aubrey and Betty Fife of Junction, Texas, sister-in-law Alane Henderson and husband Rick of Corpus Christi, Texas, and nephew Zane Bode and wife Cynthia of Leander, Texas. Also surviving are niece Kelly Moore and nephew Aaron Moore of San Antonio, Texas.

Pallbearers are Jim Allen, Jim Bartlett, Darrell Bode, Dan Gandy, Weldon Gilliam, and Bill Willis. Honorary pallbearers are all former football players that were privileged to call him “Coach”.

Services are set for 10:00 a.m. on Monday the 30th of August at Johnson Street Church of Christ with Tommy King officiating and under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Pontotoc Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. with Donald Sessoms officiating. Visitation is at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Sunday, August 29th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home.

Special thanks go to Dr. Fazlur Rahman and Dr. Bruce Heare for their excellent care.

We know that Ken is now throwing the ball to Chevy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Texas Boys Ranch or the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.