Cody Duke Vanderford

Obituary

Cody Duke Vanderford, aged 61, of Oak Point, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June
29, 2026.
Cody was born on November 28, 1964, in San Angelo, Texas. He spent his early childhood in Garland
before his family moved to Sulphur Springs, Texas. As a teenager, he worked alongside his father to
build a dairy barn, construct fences, and help establish the family’s dairy business. He milked cows before
school, purchased cattle at auctions, hauled trailers, and showed cows in 4-H.
A talented athlete, Cody excelled in football, baseball, and basketball throughout his youth. He played
quarterback for the Sulphur Springs Wildcats, graduating in the Top 10 from Sulphur Springs High
School in 1983. He went on to attend Southern Arkansas University on a football scholarship, majoring
in mathematics and education. As the Muleriders’ quarterback, he held a 26-year SAU career record with
556 passing attempts.
Coach Vanderford dedicated 38 years to shaping the lives of students and athletes throughout his career in
Garland ISD, Rockwall ISD, Lewisville ISD, Prosper ISD, and Argyle ISD. As the Offensive Coordinator
for Marcus High School, he led the Marauders’ offense to win the 1997 Class 5A state championship. He
built the football program at Flower Mound High School as the Head Football Coach and Athletic
Coordinator from 1999 to 2012. He coached boys’ golf at Prosper High School before joining Argyle ISD
in 2018, where he coached the Argyle Eagles boys’ golf team to state titles in 2021 and 2022.
Above all else, Cody cherished his family. He shared 24 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved
wife, Shirley. Together they enjoyed camping in state and national parks, hiking with their dog, traveling,
and cooking together. A skilled woodworker and handyman, Cody never hesitated to take on a new
project, often learning a new skill from a YouTube video.
Cody’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Vanderford;
his children, Lauren Kendrick and husband Kory, Jason Vanderford and wife Carly, Tyler Merutka and
husband Dallen, Tara Balliett, and Ryan Balliett and wife, Emily; his grandchildren, Kadence Hardee,
Ella Kendrick, Olivia Vanderford, Easton Vanderford, Wyatt Vanderford, and James Merutka; his mother,
Sylvia Vanderford; his sisters, Kim Barton and husband Adam, Sabra Godair and husband Russell; and
his brother-in-law Robert Camp and wife Linda; along with his nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, David Vanderford.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist
Church of Denton, 201 South Locust, Denton, Texas 76201. A reception will immediately follow the
service. A sharing of memories and photos will precede the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Cody’s honor to the
National Park Foundation.
www.nationalparks.org
Note: FUMC Denton parking ~ half of he adjacent Well Fargo parking lot is ‘No Parking, Will Tow’.

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