Obituary of Frank Charlton

Frank Charlton, of Twin Falls, died at home Oct. 1, 2010 of natural causes. He was born April 27, 1927 in Buhl to Frank and Vernie Charlton. He was the sixth of seven children. He spent his early years in Melon Valley where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and the ranch chores. He graduated in 1945 from Buhl High School where he was an outstanding athlete in football and track. He was proud of his state championship in the 880 relay, and his team members remained lifelong friends. Upon graduation he joined the Navy; he was sent to basic training in San Diego and was assigned to duty in Saipan, where he served until the end of the war. He was a Yeoman 1st Class. After leaving the service, he attended Southern Idaho College of Education in Albion, Idaho where he again excelled in football and track. At the Northwest Region AAU Track Meet, Frank won the 100 Yard Dash with the phenomenal time of 9.7, giving him the title of “fastest man in the Northwest.” It was at Albion where he met his wife, Mary Christensen, whom he married June 26, 1949. After graduating with a degree in education in 1950, he accepted a job as head football and basketball coach at the original Eagle High School, a school of 100 students in Eagle, Idaho. There he taught business classes in addition to his coaching duties. In 1952 he transferred to Meridian High School, where he taught for 17 years and served as the head football and track coach and assistant basketball and baseball coach. He enjoyed success at Meridian and especially enjoyed the camaraderie of the coaches in the SRV Conference. He served as the president of the Idaho Coaches Association for several years. From there he went to Nampa High School for two years. At that point, Frank received his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the College of Idaho and returned home to Buhl as the high school principal. He put together an outstanding teaching and coaching staff who remained some of his most cherished friends. In 1972 he found his dream job at Twin Falls High School as principal. He loved the community of Twin Falls, he loved Twin Falls High School, and he particularly loved the members of his staff. He always sought to make Twin Falls High School the best school in the state, both academically and athletically. During that time period, he also served as the secretary of the District IV Activities Association. He retired from Twin Falls High School in 1989 and returned to ranch chores he enjoyed as a youth. For the remainder of his life, many students, players and staff members contacted him to express appreciation for the positive impact he had on their lives. He survived by his wife, Mary (Chris), children, Patrick and Cheryl Charlton of Vallivue, Shelley and Scott Coats of Rupert and eight grandchildren: Dara and Regan Charlton and Alison, Shelby, Pete, Kristina, Jennifer and Charlton Coats. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. He is also survived by his brothers Harold and Bob Charlton, and his sister, Burnice Comstock. Services will be held Saturday, October 9th at the Kimberly LDS 2nd Ward building, 222 Birch S. at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Jared Walker presiding. Burial will follow at the Rock Creek Cemetery. A viewing is scheduled for Friday, October 8th at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. A scholarship for a Twin Falls High School scholar/athlete has been established in Frank’s name. Contributions may be sent to The Frank Charlton Memorial Fund at any Farmers National Bank. The family would like to thank Idaho Home Health and Hospice for their care and outstanding service. Family and friends are encouraged to share thoughts and remembrances of Frank at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com