Charles Clyde

Hoggard

Wichita Falls -- Charles Hoggard died on May 6, 2024. He was born on May 14, 1944, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Reverend Earl and Mrs. Helen Hoggard. He died in Wichita Falls with family, friends and caring medical staff nearby. Charles (Chuck) graduated from Wichita Falls High School (Old High) and attended college, where he earned a teaching degree. He taught history and social studies to high school students in Ohio and in various Texas cities, including Mesquite and Irving. He was also a high school football coach. Chuck was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and he was to suffer from these symptoms and other complications for the rest of his life.

Chuck had two great passions in life, the American Civil war and Formula 1 Racing. He had encyclopedic knowledge of both subjects. Chuck had memorized so many details about the American Civil War that he was able to correct a mistake that had been made in a museum exhibit. While his health allowed, he led group trips to Formula 1 Racing events. Formula 1 is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel, single-seater, formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The races occur around the world in cars whose engines and bodies are built specifically for each race by companies including Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, and Renault. Although unable to keep attending physically, Chuck enjoyed keeping up with the countless details pertaining to the races, from the changes in race regulations to technological breakthroughs--including hybrid engines--to the individual careers of F1 winners.

These were Chuck's passions, but his one true love was his wife Connie Ramos Hoggard. They married in Wichita Falls in July 1967, and were close to celebrating what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary.

Chuck's later years were difficult due to illness. He spent several years in nursing and rehab facilities. Yet he was never heard to complain, even as he bore the weight of multiple symptoms, pain, and discomfort for a long time. Given his great interest in international racing, one is reminded of the scripture in Hebrews: "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Chuck Hoggard was preceded in death by his parents, the Reverend Earl and Mrs. Helen Hoggard and his brother James Martin Hoggard. He is survived by his wife Connie Hoggard, his niece Bryn Talkington, his nephew James Jordan Hoggard of Taos, NM, and cousin Neal Thomas of Novi, MI; also nieces Shannon Ware of Wichita Falls, TX, and Madlyn Pruett of South Lake Tahoe, CA; and by two special cats, Amir and Luca.

A service will be held in the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church at 10th and Travis at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, 909 10th Street, Wichita Falls, TX, 76301.  940-766-4321     https://www.fumcwf.org/donate/