Derrell Wayne “Coach” Froman, a longtime Lamesa educator, baseball coach and farmer, has died at the age of 87. Froman passed away on October 25, 2026, following a lengthy illness, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education, sports, family and his West Texas community.
According to his obituary published by the Big Spring Herald, a Celebration of Life service was scheduled for Friday, October 30, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lamesa, Texas. Pastor John Bocko was set to officiate the service, with burial taking place earlier that morning at Trinity Memorial Park Cemetery in Big Spring.
Visitation was held Thursday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home in Lamesa, which handled the funeral arrangements.
Derrell Froman’s Career as a Teacher and Baseball Coach
Born on November 11, 1938, in Big Spring, Texas, Derrell was the son of Joe Henry Froman and Artie Alphie Burns Froman. He graduated from Flower Grove High School in 1957, where he distinguished himself as an athlete and served as class president. He was also named Mr. Flower Grove during his senior year.
His passion for athletics continued through college. He ran track at Howard County Junior College before attending New Mexico State University and Sul Ross State University. He earned an associate degree in 1959 and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1961.
Froman began his teaching and coaching career in 1961 in Barstow, Texas. He later worked in Borden County before moving to Lamesa in 1965.
One of the proudest moments of his coaching career came in 1968, when he led the Lamesa Golden Tornado baseball team to the state championship game. The team finished as runner-up, an achievement that remained especially meaningful throughout his life.
After leaving the teaching profession in 1969, Froman began a lifelong career in farming and agribusiness. However, he continued to value the relationships he had built with former students and players.
Family and Survivors Remember Coach Froman
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Froman was remembered for his kindness, compassion and sense of humor. He enjoyed playing golf, gin rummy, smoking cigars and sharing stories with friends.
He was also a devoted supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, attending sporting events and band performances for more than four decades.
Froman married his high school sweetheart, Leta Naomi “Polly” Cave, on November 25, 1960. She preceded him in death on December 11, 2006.
He is survived by his three children, Joey Froman, Jill Taylor and Jade Froman, along with six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and his sister, Lawanna Webb.
His family also expressed appreciation for Maria “Leonor” Moreno, his longtime caregiver and friend, who supported him during his later years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, located at 801 S. First Street in Lamesa.
Coach Froman’s legacy will be remembered through the students, athletes, family members and friends whose lives he touched throughout his 87 years.
