LaVerne “Bill” Kellerman

LaVerne “Bill” Kellerman passed away Thursday surrounded by family.

He was born Dec. 4, 1945, in Butler to the late LaVerne and Elizabeth (Covert) Kellerman.

Bill was a devoted father, husband, brother, uncle and friend. He was also a popular high school teacher and football coach.

Bill had a natural passion and ability for both playing and teaching sports. Although his favorite sport was always football, he competed in baseball, basketball, wrestling, volleyball and golf. He was also an accomplished skier and an avid camper and hiker.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18 and distinguished himself, serving in the special operations pararescue division during the Vietnam War.

After his service, he enrolled in the College of Marin, where began his football career. He went on to play at the University of the Pacific, where he received numerous accolades, including an honorable mention for NCAA All-American and an induction into the Hall of Fame. He graduated with a degree in sociology after two years at UOP.

After college, Bill became a history, government and economics teacher and football coach at Gilroy High School. He later taught and coached at Merced High School and Golden Valley High School. In 1990, he coached his Merced High team to a perfect 14-0 season, which earned them the State Division I crown. During his career, he touched the lives of both students and colleagues, and he will be missed among the friends he made.

Bill placed a high value on education throughout his life. He returned to school to earn his master's degree. He viewed education as a lifelong endeavor and spent much of his free time reading about history and economics. He was exceptionally invested and proud of his children's academic achievements. Both graduated as high school valedictorians and were accepted into some of the nation's top colleges.

Bill is survived by his two children, Ashleigh and Gavin and his, wife, Kathy; and his sisters, Mary Double and Karen Rodgers and her husband, Butch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carol Wise; and his brothers, Thomas and George Kellerman.

KELLERMAN — As per the wishes of LaVerne “Bill” Kellerman, who died Thursday, May 5, 2016, private services will be conducted for his family.In lieu of services, anonymous donations can be made to Valley Children's Hospital, www.valleychildrenshospital.org.