‘Beloved’ Bishop Kelley High School teacher and coach passes away

TULSA, Okla. — “A somber start to the year,” Bishop Kelley High School (BKHS) stated on a social media post on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Dan Schmitz a BKHS teacher and tennis coach reportedly passed away on Sunday, January 1. He was 63.

The Bishop Kelly Athletics Facebook Page released the following statement, “The Bishop Kelley community mourns the sudden loss of long-time teacher and coach Dan Schmitz (’77). Dan was a cornerstone in the BK tennis program both as the head girls coach from 1990-2002 and as an assistant in the boys program from 2016-present. As a head coach Dan won 5A State titles with the Comets twice (1995, 1997) and was a 5A State runner-up five other times. He was known across the state in the tennis community as a humble and kind man who represented Bishop Kelley in all of the right ways. Beyond that, Dan worked tirelessly and meticulously with all BK coaches to compile statistics and records for the Comet programs- ensuring a preservation of the rich history for the school he loved so much. He also was a key part of the development and continuation of the BK Athletic Hall of Champions. Dan was a dedicated father, husband, and man of faith. Nobody cherished being a Comet more than Dan. Please join us in praying for Dan’s family during this difficult time.”

A vigil will be held for Schmitz this Friday, Jan. 6 at the Bishop Kelly High School chapel.

A funeral service is scheduled for Schmitz on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 12 p.m. at the Church of St. Mary’s.

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