In Memory

Kent Bachtel

Kent Bachtel

Howard Bachtel

June 28, 1947 - Sept. 8, 2015

Howard "Kent" Bachtel, 68, of Hewitt, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 8, 2015. Remembered as a caring husband, father, grandfather and football coach, Kent leaves a legacy of love to all who were blessed to know him. Visitation will be 6 to 8 Thursday, September 10, at Victorious Life Church in Waco. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 12, at First Baptist Church of Woodway, with burial to follow at Waco Memorial Park.

Kent was born June 28, 1947, in Houston, Texas, to Howard and Eloise Bachtel. As a boy, he separated himself as an outstanding athlete. He particularly excelled in football. After graduating from Brazosport High School, Kent earned a scholarship to Howard Payne University, where he was an all-conference guard and was named the team's most valuable lineman as a senior. Kent graduated from Howard Payne in 1970, then set off to fulfill his calling as a teacher and coach.

On March 18, 1972, Kent married the love of his life, Jamie. After he started coaching, one of Kent's enduring postgame traditions was to seek out Jamie for a kiss – win, lose or tie.

Kent coached high school football in Texas for nearly 40 years, and was known for the way he invested in his players. He won 169 games as a head coach, including 157 in 23 years as the leader of the Midway Panthers, most in program history. After retiring, he rejoined the coaching ranks and worked as a defensive assistant coach on his son John's staff at Fairfield High School, helping the Eagles reach the state championship game in 2013.

A true family man, Kent is survived by his loving wife, Jamie Bachtel, of Hewitt; son, John Bachtel and wife, Stacy, of Fairfield, and their children, Kaci and Ty; son, Jeremy Bachtel of Alvarado and his children, Jonathan and wife, Tess, of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Emma Bachtel of Burleson; daughter, Vicki Bachtel Stephenson and husband, Josh, of Fairfield, and their children, Grace and Bowen; great-granddaughter, Layla Bachtel; sister, Becky Seale and husband, Jim, of Hewitt; brother, Mark Bachtel and wife, Betty, of Wills Point; sister, Susan Bailey and husband, Tom, of Lake Jackson; blessed family friend, Michael Brown, of Marlin; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Kent's life and commitment to kids, memorial gifts may be made in Coach Kent Bachtel's name to the Fairfield Athletic Department, 615 Post Oak, Fairfield, Texas, 75840; or to Baylor Scott and White McClinton Cancer Center, 150 Hillcrest Medical Boulevard, Waco, Texas, 76712.



 
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09/09/15 04:11 PM #9    

Eileen McMillan (Koenig)

So sorry to hear of Kent's passing. RIP Kent Bachtel.


09/09/15 04:39 PM #10    

Dale C. Box

I'm stunned to hear of Kent's passing. Some people are larger than life and you think they'll be around forever. Kent was one of those persons. His football locker was next to mine. We shared some great conversation and a mutual respect. Thank you Kent for helping me get through those dreaded football practices and helping me along the road to manhood. I know you are resting in the presence of your Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!


09/09/15 06:48 PM #11    

Jim Rabon

Fond memories of Kent growing up. He was "my" catcher for so many years playing LL and teen baseball.  We lived just down the street from each other on Grapevine when we first started playing ball.  Great friend although we lost touch after HS.  May the Lord comfort his family during this time of loss.

Bodie


09/09/15 11:49 PM #12    

Bobby Adams

Like Bodie, I have many fond memories of Kent while growing up in Lake Jackson.  He's one of the people I never remember meeting, just always knew him.  He was a big part of my life in our primary and elementary years.  Very loyal; always had your back.  His word was his bond; you could take it to the bank.  I remember many stories and experiences I had with Kent but the thing I valued the most was his friendship.  I'm gonna miss you, my friend.


09/10/15 08:45 AM #13    

Peggy Womble (Hamblin)

Kent Bachtel signifies a life well lived.  Devoted to family & friends.  As a coach he had great impact on the kids he served as coach, teacher, mentor, motivator and roll model.  Although I knew nothing of Kent's life since high school, he did BHS '65 proud!  He obviously left a huge hole in many, many hearts.


09/10/15 10:28 AM #14    

Tommy Evans

 I remember Kent from elementary school in Lake Jackson, and at BHS. He did have a reputation as a tough guy and he was that, but my best memories of him were as a nice guy with a great self-effacing sense of humor. He sat next to me in 12th grade art class so I could help him with his artwork and he always made jokes about his drawings. He was right, they were not very good but his jokes were hysterical. One of the good guys.


09/10/15 11:18 AM #15    

Mike Selman

Funeral services for Kent will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 in Waco at First Baptist Church Woodway.

A full story on Kent's accomplishments as football coach is available at: http://www.wacotrib.com/sports/high_schools/central_texas_football/he-was-midway-football-longtime-coach-bachtel-dies-at/article_c8f9e3d2-65c1-575d-a540-258ba94a3804.html


09/10/15 09:49 PM #16    

Jane Lester (Moody)

The older I get the more I appreciate the teachers and coaches that made an impression on me.  I know that Kent will be remembered by his students and players.  The last time I saw Kent was at Christmas many years ago.  My son and I were walking down Forest Drive and saw Kent and his son throwing a football.  We visited for a few minutes.  I will never forget the smile on his face.  He enjoyed life.  R.I.P. "Coach"

Roger Moody


09/11/15 12:04 PM #17    

Eddie May

Well Kent, I haven't seen you in 50 years......I guess we'll just have to catch up sometime in eternity. I had no idea of your earthly success but am thrilled to know that in 10,000 years we'll have just begun to chat.

See you there my brother!

Eddie


05/11/17 05:07 PM #18    

Bill Marshall

Kent was a great catcher in little league.  I remember all of the two below football games that we played in junior high in front yards of the houses where Kent lived.  Kent was very fast and agile which surprised me due to his size.  He was definitely focused on what he was doing.  Did not have a lot of contact with Kent in High School, but always remember his competivness.  I did see his interview when he lost a game that he was coaching on a bad call by the referee.  He was graceful and pointed out that this can be part of life and that he was teaching his team members a lesson in the real world.  RIP Kent.  Later gater


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