Charles W. Frost
Charles W. Frost was born June 9, 1937, the sixth of eight children of Tom and Annie Lee Frost. A proud graduate of the Fort Towson High School Class of 1955, Charles W. lived virtually all his life in Frogville, living the past 45 years just a mile away from the spot where he was born. He passed away at home on Oct. 10, 2022.
Charles W. is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan (nee Nation) and his two daughters: Sharla and Gwen. His brother, Jack is his only remaining sibling. His parents, sister, Josephine Frost Collins, and brothers: William, Oscar, TJ, Herbert and Bob all passed away before him.
He proudly served four years active service and two years of reserve service in the United States Air Force. He was recognized for his exemplary service and received the commendation for being the Outstanding Airman of the Headquarters Squadron Section, 68th Bombardment Wing, in June of 1957, although he declined the chance to attend Officer Training School. After returning to Choctaw County following his time in the Air Force, he owned and operated a local gas and service station in Hugo before becoming a railroad engineer with what was then the Frisco Railroad (later the Burlington Northern), a position he held for 40 years before retiring in 2001.
Charles and Joan owned and operated the Frogville Quick Stop during the years between the divestiture of the Frisco Railroad to the local short line in 1986 and his return to active train service with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1989. They also operated a successful cow-calf operation, having started with five cows and a bull in 1960, then growing the herd over time to several hundred head and several hundred acres of property –– a legacy that he leaves to Joan and the girls.
Through the years, Charles W. operated a commercial hay cutting business, truck farmed watermelons, and managed an automotive repair business, although his all-time favorite job was operating the movie theater while he was stationed at the Air Force Base in Lake Charles, La. He often recounted the story of his friend Polie Griggs refusing to come home with him because, “Tom never taught you boys to play.” His hobbies were all work related in some way or another. Charles also gave back to his community. He served as the local chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for many years. He was a founding member of the Fort Towson Homecoming Committee and devoted hours of time to organization and participation in the yearly Homecoming festival from its inception in 1981 to his last day of participation in June of 2022.
Charles leaves behind a wide collection of friends and family. While it is impossible to express the gratitude the family feels to all those who have provided emotional support and physical care since his April stroke, Joan and the girls would like to specially thank his great-nephew, Dr. Mike Irvin for providing medical care and counsel; his physical therapist, Dirk Abbott; his nurse, Annette McClour; and his care giver, Linda Henderson for their kindness and attentiveness during the past few months. They also wish to thank his brother, Jack and his nephews: Tom Frost, Ron Frost and Randy Collins for their frequent visits and emotional support. However, they particularly thank his dear friends: Travis Graham, Rick Buchanan and Paul Coleman for their hours of support and companionship during his last few months. Their assistance made it possible for Charles to stay in his beloved Frogville until the end.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022 at Prater-Lampton-Mills Chapel, with internment to follow at Shoals Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Charles and Joan Frost Scholarship at Southeastern Oklahoma State University or to the ReCreate Fort Towson Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charity, care of the Security First National Bank, Hugo, Okla.
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