Family and friends established the Keith Vermillion Memorial Scholarship to honor his life and legacy, and celebrate the impact he had on those he knew.

Vermillion was a member of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Ranger football team from 1999 to the year of his graduation in 2004. He married his high school sweetheart and fellow Northwestern grad, Amanda Rice, in 2003. In 2011, the two welcomed their daughter, Emily.

Vermillion was a physical education teacher at Lakeview Elementary School in Norman for ten years before being diagnosed with cancer. He coached numerous sports, including his favorite, soccer.

Courage, compassion, humor and optimism were but a few of the words used to describe Vermillion and it was all of these characteristics that helped him in his battle against cancer. During his medical treatments, Vermillion remained steadfast in his love for his family and his zest for life and adventure. With strength, a positive spirit and perseverance, Vermillion endured those treatments and remained an inspiration to those who knew him. On Oct. 9, 2017, Vermillion passed at the age of 37.