Charlie Wade Boren passed away on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 in Austin, TX. He was born in Snyder, TX on November 1, 1927 to Clyde and Winfred Boren. He graduated from Snyder High School in 1945 where he was active in sports, band, and drama. Upon graduation he entered Baylor University for one quarter, then volunteered for the Naval Air Corps where he served during the final years of World War II while stationed in Florida and Trinidad in the BWI (British West Indies).
After his 2 years of service, Charlie came home to Snyder, married his childhood sweetheart Louise Rea, and returned to Baylor University to complete his education. On August 15, 1950, the night of his graduation, his first daughter, Charlsa Louise, was born. Wearing his cap and gown, he visited mother and daughter on his way to the ceremonies.
After eight years of coaching football and teaching history in three small Texas high schools (Rosebud, Palestine, and Gaston), Charlie and Louise, now with two daughters, as Rebecca Lace was born in Palestine, moved to Austin.
Austin would be home for the next 21 years. Charlie enjoyed his years coaching football and baseball at Travis High School before changing to administration at Porter Jr. High and Crockett High School. It was during this time that Charlie discovered he had a talent for and love of wood sculpture. As he began to see art as a second career, several things happened to further this plan. He inherited an historic family farm in Burleson, TX and was hired as principal of Burleson High School. At age 52, Charlie embarked on the adventure of his life. Now living on a farm and having taken early retirement from the school business, he was free to follow his dream. He sought out the master carvers in Bavaria, England, Canada and the USA. As he studied with them, he was gradually developing his own style, a harmony of wood and artistry.
For 35 years he carved and sold his work, often with an art group called the Texas Wild Bunch. His signature sculpture was a cowboy boot. These Texas symbols now reside in many prominent places over the world. But always the teacher, Charlie felt the need to share the knowledge he had gained about this timeless art of wood carving, so he began teaching seminars. This led him to establish the Russell Farm Art Center, a non-profit organization where artists could meet, study, and promote their work.
As the infirmities of age crept up on him, this son of a pioneer ranching family whose ancestors came to Texas before it was a state sought a way to preserve his beloved Russell Farm for posterity. A gift to the City of Burleson made possible this historic treasure (a designated Texas Century Farm) to be enjoyed for not only art, but also community gardening, weddings, family reunions, local history seminars and other community activities. Thus Charlie’s vision was fulfilled.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Clyde Milton Boren and Winnie Winfred Boren; his 3 brothers Fred Boren, Clyde Winston Boren, and Donald Boren; and his daughter Rebecca Lace (Becky) Boren. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Louise; his daughter Charlsa and husband Mark Bentley of Austin, TX; his granddaughters Hilary Bentley and Erin Bentley, both of Austin, TX; and many other loving family members and friends.
The family will receive friends on Thursday September 6, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX. Funeral services will be held on Friday September 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lucas-Blessing Funeral Home, 518 SW Johnson Ave, Burleson, TX, with interment following in Prairie Springs Cemetery, County Road 714, Burleson, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Russell Farm, 405 W. County Road 714, Burleson, TX 76028.
To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
