Charles ""Coach"" Forehand

January 15, 1937 ?Çô May 11, 2013

Charlie left this life on Saturday, May 11, 2013 after a long struggle with Alzheimer' disease. Coach, as he was known to a host of friends, colleagues, and former students, was born in Graham, Texas on January 15, 1937. He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Frances Forehand and one sister, Glenda Sue Forehand Cromer and her husband, Charles. He is survived by his wife and love of his life for 54 years, Brenda Forehand, of Onalaska, Texas. Survivors include nephew, Tommy Cromer and wife, Candice, and children; niece, Pattie Yates and husband, Tony, and children; brother-in-law, Kenneth Lynch; nephew, Ken Lynch LaTessa and wife, Laurie, and children; nephew, Keith Lynch and wife Kelly, and children. Remembering all of our wonderful family and friends who have stood by us through these difficult times.

Charlie graduated from Milby High School in Houston in 1956 and attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi for two years and, in 1958, he transferred to Sam Houston State in Huntsville. He met the love of his life, Brenda. While at Sam Houston State University, he played right guard while earning a Bachelor of Science Degree and subsequently completed his Master' program in 1961. Charlie had a deep affection for the SHSU Bearkats that was never waivered.

Charlie' first coaching job was with Humble High School in 1961, where he taught Driver' Ed, health, and was the offensive line coach under Ben Wayne Nicholson. Charlie and Brenda lived in Humble for eight years. While in Humble, Brenda began her elementary teaching career and Charlie worked to outstanding young coach and teacher. He was named head coach for two years.

In 1969, the Forehands moved to West Columbia, there Charlie coached with a staff that helped take the West Columbia Roughnecks to the State Championship. The Roughnecks also had winning seasons in 1970, 72, 75, and 77. In 1972, the West Columbia staff was honored to be elected by the Texas High School Coaches Association to coach the All-Star game, where they successfully led the south to victory. Will all the success he had in athletics, some of his proudest memories was never having lost to SFA!

In 1977, Charlie took a coaching position in Livingston. He and Brenda moved to Onalaska permanently. After 31 years of teaching and coaching, Charlie retired. The Forehands purchased the Onalaska Florist and Gift Shop. Charlie wore several different hats in that business, not the least of which was being the head delivery guy and delivery coordinator, hot shot runner for flowers in emergencies, ""meeter and greeter"" and problem solver. He never met a stranger and loved to visit. During their time in Onalaska, Charlie served ten years to the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department and worked the annual bar-b-que, and gave generously of his time to a number of projects over the years. Although the Forehands never had children of their own, they fed and clothed more little children than we will ever know and have been encouragers of those who probably would have never made it out of school. Charlie Forehand was not just a football coach, he was a life coach. He will be sorely missed, but always fondly remembered by many, many friends who were privileged to know him.

Services will be held Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 2:00 PM, at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas and interment will follow immediately in Magnolia Cemetery in Onalaska. Brenda has requested that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the American Alzheimer' Association, Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, or First Baptist Church of Onalaska.

There will be a visitation held Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 5:00 PM, also at Cochran Funeral Home.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com