Kenneth Ray Skidmore

Kenneth graduated as valedictorian from Grapeland High School in 1968 before attending Sam Houston State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physical Education in 1971. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Education and Mathematics in 1977.

Kenneth began his teaching and coaching career at Elkhart High School in 1971. In 1972, he joined Hull-Daisetta High School as an assistant football coach and mathematics teacher before becoming Head Coach and Athletic Director in 1978. In 1979, he led the Hull-Daisetta Bobcats to the Class A State Football Championship, a milestone achievement in a distinguished career devoted to students and athletes across Texas. For this achievement, Kenneth was named the 1979 Fab-Knit Coach of the Year and Harris Rating System's Coach of the Year across all Texas UIL classifications. Among his many career accolades, Kenneth was inducted into the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association Hall of Honor and the Southeast Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor.

Throughout his remarkable 55-year career in education and coaching, Kenneth also served at Troup High School for 1 year, Hawkins High School for 8 years, Barbers Hill High School for 16 years, Anahuac High School for 1 year, Liberty High School for 5 years, and Hardin High School for 15 years. Even after officially retiring from coaching and teaching in 2006, his passion for teaching and mentorship brought him back into the classroom, where he continued inspiring and shaping young minds until April 2026.

Kenneth was a devoted Christian whose faith guided both his life and his work. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Mont Belvieu, where he served for many years as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. He deeply loved the young people he taught and coached and considered it one of life’s greatest blessings to invest in their lives both on and off the field.

Family was at the heart of Kenneth’s life. He shared 45 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Janis Lee Huff Skidmore. Together they built a loving family and raised two children, a son, Ken, and a daughter, Kori. Kenneth was a devoted father and a proud “PawPaw” to his five grandchildren. In February of this year, he was also blessed with a great-grandson. He cherished attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was always eager to help with their math homework.

Kenneth devoted his life to education, athletics, faith, and service to others. Over the course of his extraordinary career, he impacted thousands of young people—not only as a teacher and coach, but also as a mentor, leader, and role model. His influence will continue to live on through the many students, athletes, colleagues, friends, and family members whose lives he touched.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Lauren Skidmore, and nephew David Skidmore.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Kenneth Ray Skidmore Jr. and wife, Kristy, of Mont Belvieu; his daughter, Kori Lee Skidmore Schweinle of Mont Belvieu; his beloved grandchildren, Lindsey and husband Cole Hahn of Mont Belvieu, Kenlee and Kolbi Skidmore, Mason and Molly Schweinle; his great-grandson, Banks Hahn; his brothers, Gerald Skidmore and wife Carol of Huntsville and Stanley Skidmore and wife Linda Faye of Grapeland; many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; along with numerous extended family members, former students, players, colleagues, and dear friends.

Coach Kenneth Skidmore will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.