Charles Elwood Frew, 85, passed away on November 30th, 2014, at Miners’ Colfax Medical Center in Raton, New Mexico. He was born on November 12th, 1929, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to George and Mona Frew.
Charles grew up in Dewar, Oklahoma, and graduated from Dewar High School. He attended East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. After serving in the United States Coast Guard, Charles returned to ECU and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education. He continued his education and earned a Master’s degree in School Administration from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico in August of 1961.
Charles was passionate about impacting lives and loved teaching. He taught numerous subjects and coached various sports at the NM Boys School in Springer, NM. Later, he taught history and was the head football coach at Manzano High School in Albuquerque, NM. He went on to be a successful insurance agent for Continental Life Insurance Company in Albuquerque, NM. Charles and his wife, Joyce, then started and ran a successful retail jewelry and gifts business in numerous locations in Raton, NM for over 25 years. He also managed the Holiday Inn in Ratonfor multiple years. Charles also worked for the US Census Bureau in northern New Mexico and taught school in Shiprock, NM.
Charles married Joyce Frew in 1976 in Springer, New Mexico. They were happily married for 38 years. Charles was an active member of the Raton Optimist Club where he was President of the Raton Chapter for multiple years. He received the Lt. Governor Leadership Award while serving as the Lt. Governor for the New Mexico and west Texas Chapters in 1986 and 1987. He enjoyed playing golf with family and friends and was a member of the Raton Country Club for many years.
Charles is survived by his wife Joyce Frew of Raton, NM; his children Dean (Shelley) Frew of McKinney, Texas, Dirk Frew of Albuquerque, NM, Dee Ann (Ted) Castro of Placentia, California and Danny (Michelle) Frew of Albuquerque, NM; his stepsons Steve (Brenda) Smith of Springer, NM, Bradley (Sue) Smith of Springer, NM and Bryce (Barbara) Smith of Mills, NM; 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sister LaRoma Thompson and stepson Seth (Myra) Smith.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 6th, 2014, at First United Methodist Church at 1501 S 4th St. in Raton, NM at 10:30am. The family will be greeting friends and relatives after the service in the fellowship hall. Following the service in Raton, a grave side service will be held at 2pm at the Springer Cemetery in Springer, NM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to CAPITAN CF RUN TO BREATHE. Please send checks to First Savings Bank, 2713 Sudderth Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345.
Arrangements and celebration of love for Charles E Frew are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
