Keith Roudolph Thompson I, passed away on July 18, 2026 at his home in Odessa, Texas surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be at 6:00-8:00 p.m.on July 30, 2026 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on July 31, 2026 at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home with Rev. Gene Collins, Highland and Bunche Church of Christ and Rev.Dr. Arvind Medlock officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens,Peace No. 247.

Keith was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Phyllis and Elzee Thompson on February 28, 1940. He went to school at St. Augustine Prepatory and High School until his dad was transferred to Georgia and Leesvile, Louisiana where he graduated from Vernon High School. He graduated from Jarvis Christian University and further study at Sul Ross University. He married Joyce Hurd on December 26,1963 in Athens, Texas. He worked as as a teacher/coach at Lydia Patterson Institute in ElPaso, Texas for five years and Blackshear Junior High, Crockett Junior and Ector High Schools in Odessa, Texas for 38 years. As basketball coach in the Ector County schools he received many honors in the district competitions and was honored by his players to win a State Basketball Championship in 1976. This led to being chosen to coach the North/South teams at the Texas High School Coaches Association and Coach of the Year.

In 1982 ECISD decided to close Ector as a high school which caused student and some faculty transfers to Odessa High and Permian High schools. Keith remained at Ector for one year serving in the position of Athletic Director. In 1983 he transferred to Odessa High as Head Basketball coach. There he reunited with some of the Ector players and met some very eager young men ready to become a part of the new program. Their eagerness paid off as over the span of 1983 to 1992 they won the majority of their district games and were in contention the State title several years.

Keith retired from coaching and remained at OHS as classroom teacher of Psychology and Social Studies. He retired from ECISD in 2006. That year UT Permian Basin was ready to add a basketball team to its athletic programs and selected Keith to head the inaugural position primarily building the first team getting in position to compete in that division. He stayed with the team for two years and was happy to see them thrive and grow into a highly respected team among their peers.

In 2024 Keith was honored to be inducted into the Jarvis Christian University football Hall of Fame.

The family united with Northside Baptist Church upon relocating from ElPaso to Midland. Three years later they moved to Odessa and transferred their membership to Bethlehem Baptist Church. The family later decided to unite with Mackey Chapel United Methodist Church when his parents retired and made Odessa their permanent residence uniting with Mackey Chapel. He served as Trustee Chair and Lay Leader until his health forced him to relinquish those responsibilities.

Keith is preceded in death by his father and mother, his Great Aunt, Bessie Porter who had a hand in his upbringing and his accepting Christ at an early age. Also preceding his death were his uncles Etoy Thompson, Lenon Thompson, Billie Zack Thompson, Eddie Mack Thompson and Charles Thompson. His aunts Barbara Guimont and Sarah Taylor. Also a special cousin/Big Brother, Emmett Rogers.

Keith is survived by his wife Joyce, his daughter, Phyllis, son Keith II and wife Victoria. Also his Grandson Keith III (Tre) and Granddaughter Kyra and husband, Marcos Aguilar. Uncle John C. Thompson, Brandon, MS, Aunt Ella J. Harvey, LasVegas,NV, Also brother/friend Rev.Vernon Jackson, Dallas, Texas. Several special cousins including Marjorie Rogers, Detroit, MI, Willie C. Lewis, Austin, TX, Stephan Guimont, Sheree Houston,Daryl Guimmont, Cheryl Guimont, Dallas, TX and two special grandchildren Alex Crawford and Mason Ohendalski.

Active Pallbearers will be Tre Thompson, Archie Moore, Jerome Moore, Stacy Moore, Gabe Jiminez, Marcos Aguilar and Cruz Reynozo.

Honorary Pallbearers are Willie Spears, Roger Guimont, Willie C. Lewis, John C. Thompson, Rev. Vernon Jackson, Calvin Moore, Billie Jackson, The Gregory Miller Family, The 1976 State Basketball Championship Team.

The Keith’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Anand Reddy, Dr.Getnet Aberra, Dr. Adam Farber, Gentiva Hospice – Ashley, Maria, Deshee, Rev. McGuire; Parks Rehabilitation Staff - Gabriel, Perry, Rose Caregivers - Lindsey, Aide, Paola, Precious, Margaret, Lizbel, and Audra. Special supportive friends and neighbors – Bernadine and Willie Spears, Sheryl Bedford Holland, Glodean Hunt,Cruz Reynozo, Sue and Dara Ray, Barry and Diane Hill,Marilyn and Sanford Smith,Eddie and Tometra Mitchell.