Idaho State Journal, 07/31/13

Keith Lusk “Coach Willie” Williams, 89, formerly of Blackfoot, Idaho passed away Thursday, July 25, 2013 at his home in Boise, Idaho surrounded by his family. He was born July 6, 1924 in Malad, Idaho the son of Jenkin Vaughn Williams and Elizabeth Maria Lusk Williams.
Keith graduated from Malad High School in 1943 and received his Associate Degree from Snow College. He attended Utah State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1949 and in 1953 he received his Master’s Degree from the University of Idaho.
He served in the Air Force from 1943-1945 during World War II. \
On June 16, 1950, he married Patricia Stephenson in Wendell, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on December 20, 1960.

In 1967 they moved to Rockford and lived there until about 2 years ago when they moved to Boise, Idaho.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in various callings including high priest, ward clerk and served in the Spanish Branch. He also served a mission in the Bishop’s storehouse.
Keith started his teaching/coaching career in Wendell, Idaho where he taught for 2 years. He taught History and coached for 3 years at Millard High School, 2 years at Blackfoot High School and for 33 years at Snake River High School. His greatest love was coaching wrestling where he taught, encouraged and inspired many young men who lovingly called him “Coach Willie”. He posted a win-loss record of 403-68-6 (.851 winning percentage). Along the way, he led the program to 17 district championships, including 12 consecutive from 1978-1989. In addition, Snake River won six Idaho High School Activities Association state titles under Williams’ direction, including three consecutive from 1982 -1984. He received several awards for his accomplishments while coaching wrestling. The A-2 Wrestling Coach of the Year Award given out each year was named after him. In 1982, he was named National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, and was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in Stilwell, Oklahoma. In 1991, the Idaho Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 1997, he was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame in San Antonio, Texas and the Idaho High School Hall of Fame. During 1998 he served on the National Federation High School Board for Wrestling.
He is survived by his wife, Pat of Boise, Idaho; children, Stephany (David) Walker of Boise, Idaho, Morgan (Sharon) Williams of Kuna, Idaho, Keith Steve (Nilda) Williams of Las Vegas, Nevada, Zane (Diane) Williams of Auburn, Washington, Kendall (Julene) Williams of
Blackfoot, Patricia Sue Williams of Burley, Idaho and Robyn (Craig) Waddell of Boise, Idaho, Timothy (Nancy) Williams of Maple Valley, Washington and Shawn (Margarita) Williams of Yuma, Arizona; two honorary sons, Eber Carranza of South Jordan, Utah and Roy (Charla) Montclair of Riverton, Utah, honorary daughter, Yolanda (Miguel) Sanlivanez; 37 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jenkin Vaughn Williams and Elizabeth Williams, brothers, Morgan, Venal, Lynn, Wesley, Glenn, Ellis, John and sister, Lottie LaRue.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Blackfoot West LDS Stake Center, 101 N. 900 W., Blackfoot, Idaho.
The family will meet with friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday evening at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave. and for one hour prior to the service at the stake center.
Interment will be in Riverside-Thomas Cemetery.