Charles William Froneberger

Charles William Froneberger, DVM was born Dec. 7, 1944 in Sulphur Springs, Texas to Elzie Lafayette Froneberger and Frances Roberta Fitzgerald. His friends and family knew him by many names: Charlie, Dad, Doc, Grumps, Dr. C and Booger Red. But his favorite by far was “Pop,” the name given to him by his first and only grandson.

From a young age, Charlie had a passion for football. With great talent and even greater dedication, he earned a football scholarship to Baylor University and played as the starting center for the Baylor Bears. He later transferred to East Texas State University, where he earned a conference championship ring and two bachelor’s degrees in English and Biology.

Charlie’s hard-earned education and athletic abilities were put to good use coaching high school football and teaching English in Mineola, Texas. He was as passionate about the gridiron as he was about Shakespeare and syntax, leading his team to a state championship and imparting respect for the English language. If you ever made the mistake of asking Charlie where something was “at,” he’d tell you it was “between the A and the T” and be on his merry way.

Ever driven to learn and to thrive, Charlie left teaching to attend the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine. In the following years, he would meet avid barrel racer, teacher and the love of his life, wife Lynda Rogers; graduate from veterinary school; move to Canton; transplant to West Texas; and build a home and veterinary practice in Colorado City. Charlie was an East Texas man who fell in love with the rugged beauty of the West, even if the land wouldn’t love his gardening.

Anyone who knew Charlie knew that he liked animals better than most people. Until the last month of his life, he continued to work as a veterinarian, compassionately caring for those who could not care for themselves. Of all the animals he loved, his Australian Shepherds JW, Gus, and Rudy and his small herd of longhorn cattle were among his favorite. Wild horses could not drag him away from his calling. The only thing he placed above veterinary medicine was his loved ones. No matter how many hours he put in at multiple clinics, he always made time for family: pulling long hauls to cheer for Kali and Lynda at rodeos, driving dirt roads listening to classic country with Rae, and doing everything in his power to make sure his grandchildren knew just how much their Grumps or their Pop loved them. He was made of iron, but his heart was gold.

Charlie’s life ended peacefully at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock Jan. 11, 2021. He was able to enjoy a Dr. Pepper like a real Texan and soon passed in his sleep beside his wife and youngest daughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elzie Lafayette Froneberger and Frances Roberta Fitzgerald.

Those left to carry on his memory include his wife, Lynda; daughters Rae McManus and husband William, Kali Sorrells and husband Chris; treasured friend who was like a son Tim Acosta and wife Kim; sister Kay Vondall; brother Gerald Froneberger and wife Maggie; granddaughter Meredith McManus; grandson Ace Sorrells; and multiple nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Charlie Froneberger’s life will be held at Ira Baptist Church in Ira, Texas on Saturday Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Second Chance Dog Rescue of Snyder, Texas.

“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o’er wrought heart and bids it break.” -William Shakespeare

The funeral will be live streamed from Ira Baptist Church Facebook page. Please go to their page for link and viewing.

A nursery will be available at the church during the service if anyone may need it.

We are asking that everyone please wear their masks for protection of the church and of course everyone attending the service.

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