William Stanley Kee, forever known as “Coach Stan Kee,” age 77, of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on April 8, 2026.
Stan was born on March 14, 1949 in St. Joseph, Missouri to William Mack “Bill” and Jessie “Pauline” (Cotton) Kee. He graduated from South Holt High school in 1967 and went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University where he played college football for the NWMSU Bearcats and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1971. On June 28, 1975 Stan married the love of his life, Debbie (Anderson) and to this union they were blessed with two children, William Cory and Heidi Lynn.
Stan made a legendary career out of teaching and coaching high school football for 27 seasons. He spent his first years coaching at South Holt in Oregon, Missouri from 1972-74 and Gallatin High School the following two seasons. It was in the summer of 1976 that Stan and Debbie moved to Carrollton, Missouri where they established their roots, strengthened their faith at the United Methodist Church, raised their family, made lifetime friendships and carried on the winning tradition of Carrollton Trojan Football. To Coach Stan Kee, Trojan football was everything. His teams reached the state semifinals in 1987 and 1997. They also won four MRVC Conference Championships in (1978, 1987, 1991, 1997), and four District Championships (1987, 1991, 1997, 1998) and reached the MO State Playoffs six times (1980, 1981, 1987, 1991, 1997, 1998). Stan retired from the Carrollton R-VII School District in May of 2002. Following retirement from education, he went to work for Gilman Gear Inc. selling football equipment until officially retiring in September of 2025. Stan’s lifetime dedication to the game of football was recognized throughout the years with many outstanding achievement awards including the KMZU Dream Team Coach of the Year, KMZU Dream Team Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award, MFCA Paul Martel Exceptional Service Award, MIAA Gerald Linneman Lifetime Achievement Award, Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and his final induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Coach Kee leaves behind an everlasting impact on his former coaches, players, family members, friends and anyone who was fortunate enough to be influenced by his leadership. He was a loyal man, committed to excellence, and a great encourager to all.
Stan is survived by his one son, William Cory Kee, of Carrollton, Missouri; one daughter Heidi Lynn Smith and husband Jesse, of Carrollton, Missouri; his six precious grandchildren, William Ross Kee, Michael Drew Kee, Rylan Brett Kee, Max Williams Smith, Molly Luann Smith, and Samuel Evans Smith, all of Carrollton, Missouri; and one sister, Nancy Schaeffer and husband Phil, of Dearborn, Missouri.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Debbie, two sisters Billie Montgomery and Patricia Pekerek.
Memorial contributions have been asked to: Carrollton United Methodist Church, The Carrollton Booster Club or The Coach Kee Memorial Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Carrollton, www.hiddenvalleyfunerals.com
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday April 18 at United Methodist Church in Carrollton. Burial is in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation follows at Carrollton Country Club.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
