Dateline: November 13, 2008

Joe C. Spann, 80, retired Texas coach and teacher, passed away November 7, 2008, at his home in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born June 3, 1928, in Wichita Falls.  He is survived by his wife, Naoma; a daughter, Carla (Dan) Labus of Wichita, Kan.; a son, Mark (Patti) of Lindale, Texas; two granddaughters, Kelly Davis of Wichita and Kayla Spann of Lindale; two grandsons, Garrett (Lindsay) of Wichita and Matt (Brittany) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and two great-grandsons, Graceson and Gavin of Sioux Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marjoire and step-mother Dorothy; his sister, Zell; his twin brother, John Lee; and his brother, Sam.

Joe grew up in Munday, Texas, and attended West Texas State, where he and his twin brother played football.  They were both on the West Texas State football team in 1951 that was the Sun Bowl Champions.

Joe coached and taught several teams in and around the Panhandle. 

A visitation was held at Baker Funeral Home in Wichita on Monday, November 10.  Funeral services were at the Kechi United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 11, at 10:00 a.m., and burial was at the Kechi cemetery. 

Memorials may be given to: Kechi United Methodist Church; Hospice Care of Kansas; or Alzheimer’s Association of the Great Plains.