Derrell Wayne “Coach” Froman, a longtime teacher, baseball coach, farmer, and respected member of the Lamesa community, died on October 25, 2026, at the age of 87 after a lengthy illness. His life was marked by his dedication to education, his love of sports, and his lasting connections with students, players, friends, and family.
Froman spent much of his life in West Texas, where he built a career that connected athletics, education, and agriculture. Known affectionately as Coach Froman, he left a lasting impression on the people who knew him through his work in schools and his commitment to the community.
According to his obituary, a celebration of life service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, October 30, at First Baptist Church in Lamesa, Texas. Pastor John Bocko will officiate. Burial will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Memorial Park Cemetery in Big Spring under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home in Lamesa.
Froman Built a Legacy Through Teaching and Baseball
Born on November 11, 1938, in Big Spring, Texas, Froman was the son of Joe Henry Froman and Artie Alphie Burns Froman. He graduated from Flower Grove High School in 1957, where he excelled as an athlete, served as class president, and was named Mr. Flower Grove during his senior year.
His athletic career continued at Howard County Junior College, where he ran track in 1958 and 1959 and earned an associate degree. He later attended New Mexico State University and Sul Ross State University, continuing to compete in track before graduating from Sul Ross in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Froman began teaching and coaching in Barstow, Texas, in the fall of 1961. He later worked in Borden County in Gail before moving to Lamesa in 1965 with his wife, Leta Naomi “Polly” Cave, whom he married on November 25, 1960.
One of his proudest professional achievements came in 1968, when he led the Lamesa Golden Tornado baseball team to the state championship game. The team finished as runner up, but the experience remained an important part of his coaching legacy.
After leaving education in 1969, Froman began a lifelong career in farming and agribusiness. Even after his coaching years ended, he maintained close relationships with former students and players and took pride in following their achievements.
Family, Friends, and Community Remember Coach Froman
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Froman was known for his humor, friendships, and relaxed approach to life. He enjoyed playing golf in good weather, gin rummy in any weather, smoking cigars, and sharing stories with friends.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Lamesa, he was also devoted to supporting his family’s activities. For more than 40 years, he attended sporting events and band performances involving his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite traditions was traveling to Austin for the annual state high school basketball tournament.
His wife, Polly, preceded him in death on December 11, 2006. His parents also died before him.
Froman is survived by his three children, Joey Froman and his wife, Gloria, of Houston; Jill Taylor and her husband, Greg, of Lubbock; and Jade Froman and his wife, Sonia, of Seminole. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, along with his sister, Lawanna Webb, and her husband, Jerry, of Flower Grove, and their extended family.
The family expressed special appreciation for Maria “Leonor” Moreno, his longtime caregiver and friend, who supported him during his later years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, located at 801 South First Street in Lamesa.
Coach Froman’s legacy lives on through the generations of students, athletes, relatives, and friends whose lives he touched throughout his years in West Texas.
