Charles Caraway

Charles Caraway, 92, of Lubbock, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, January 18, 2025. Charles was born on October 16, 1932, in Tulia, Swisher County, Texas, to the late Benjamin Joshua Caraway and Patsy Lillie (Richardson) Caraway.

Charles attended Tulia schools and graduated with the senior class of 1950. He then attended McMurry University in Abilene where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree and then completed his Master’s in Education at Texas Tech University in 1958.

Charles met Carmen Welfl, the love of his life, and they were united in marriage on August 2, 1956, in Big Spring, Texas. Carmen preceded him in death on February 23, 2017.

He served his country for 10 years in the Texas National Guard’s 131st Field Artillery Battalion from 1951 to 1961. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sgt. 1st Class.

Charles was a teacher, coach, high school guidance counselor and public school administrator for 36 years, with a tenure of 33 years at the Lubbock Independent School District. One of his most satisfying endeavors/hobbies was his sports officiating. Charles began refereeing high school football and basketball games in the local and surrounding areas to earn extra money for the family. One of the highlights of his 36 years as an official was refereeing in the Texas Boys State UIL basketball tournament for four successive years. At the height of his officiating career, Charles refereed many football games in the Southwest Conference (SWC) and Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Due to his outstanding performance, he was chosen to officiate in many bowl games, including the Independence Bowl, the Blue Bonnet Bowl, the Sun Bowl, and the Aloha Bowl.  

Charles and his family were long-time members of Highland Baptist Church, and then Carmen and Charles also attended Second Baptist Church.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his two daughters: Diane Sherer and Rusty of Garland, and Kathleen Kelley and husband David of Bellbrook, Ohio; one brother in law, Travis Rector of Lubbock; a niece, Kelly Hillis of Lubbock; a nephew, Todd Rector of Lubbock; four grandchildren: Scott Kelley, Brandon Kelley, Trevor Sherer and Caleb Sherer; three great-grandchildren: Palmer Sherer, Reese Sherer and Ellis Sherer. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister, Dora Mae Rector.

The family will host a come and go visitation to share stories and memories of Charlie. The reception will be from 5 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in the reception area of the Venue on Broadway, 2202 Broadway, next to Combest Family Funeral Home. Friends and guests may park in the parking lot behind the Venue and enter through the door off the parking lot. Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the Caraway family kindly requests that should you wish to remember Charles to please do so by donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.