Cynthia Lou Kelly Heupel, the mother of former OU quarterback and co-offensive coordinator Josh Heupel, passed away at her home in Edmond on May 14. She was 69.
A Fargo, North Dakota, native, Cindy dedicated her life to education, first graduating from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, before earning her Master’s degree.
She served as principal at Aberdeen Central High School, helping the school earn the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools Award.
In 1976, she married Ken Heupel. The first of her two children was Josh, who was born on March 22, 1978.
Josh played quarterback for OU from 1999-2000. He finished as the Heisman runner-up in 2000 with 3,392 passing yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior, and he led the undefeated Sooners to a national championship.
Josh served as a graduate assistant for OU in 2004. He then returned to Norman as the Sooners’ quarterbacks coach (2006-10) and co-offensive coordinator (2011-14). He’s now the head coach at Tennessee.
“Cindy loved watching Josh achieve his dreams as a college quarterback and football coach,” her obituary read. “Cindy was quick to celebrate, above all, the character of her children, rejoicing in Josh’s leadership and care of others…”
