William Charlton

Roan

William Charlton Roan (Will) passed away peacefully on September 27, 2027 at his home in Hobbs, NM following a long illness. He was born at his family home in Stonewall, Oklahoma on March 15, 1941.

He is survived by the love of his life, Waverly Christine Roan (Stroope), whom he married on July 17, 1978. He is also survived by his children: Tristin Roan (Cash Kirkpatrick); Lindsey Broom (Jeff); Ash Roan (Janey); and Josh Roan (Kim Preston); grandchildren: Jayden Kirkpatrick, Kennedy Ainsworth (Wriley), Mayson Howard (Chris), Maddox Kirkpatrick, Jaycie Roan, Karsyn Broom, Roan Broom, Avery Roan & Harper Broom; great-grandchild: Nolan Howard. Also surviving Will are his brothers Paul Roan (Betty) & Ben Roan (Sue).

Will was affectionately known as “Grandpa” to so many people throughout the Hobbs community, whose lives he blessed over the decades. He was a lifelong Mathematician & educator. Will graduated from Stonewall High School in May 1959, went on to graduate with Honors from East Central State College (now known as East Central University) in Ada, Oklahoma, in May 1963 then proceeded to earn his Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in August 1968.

Will’s teaching career began in Amarillo, Texas where he taught Math at Crockett Junior High in 1963. He moved to Palo Duro High School to teach Math from 1968-1970. Will entered the collegiate ranks in 1970, becoming a Professor of Mathematics at Howard County Junior College (now known as Howard College) in Big Spring, Texas from 1970-1974. Will moved to Hobbs, NM and began teaching at the New Mexico Junior College in the fall of 1974. He retired from the NMJC in June 2000 and later taught at College of the Southwest (now known as University of the Southwest) from August 2001 until May 2009.

Will was passionate about music, especially old-time country and bluegrass. He knew how to play the guitar, mandolin & the banjo. More than anything, Will lived by the motto Faith, Family & Baseball (and not necessarily in that order). A devoted Brooklyn Dodgers fan since the age of 6, he remained a true Los Angeles Dodgers follower to the end (especially to Vin Scully, the iconic voice of the Dodgers). He coached all levels of baseball from T-Ball through Junior College. His best coaching memories were with his two girls in softball and two boys in baseball. Even when not coaching his children, he never missed a game, school function or any type of event in which his kids participated. “Baseball is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

There will be no end of life services, per Will & Waverly’s wishes, as the family will privately celebrate his life. The survivors would like to recognize the good people at Gentiva, namely Rebekah Bryant and Dr. Cyril Simon, for all of their guidance, assistance and passionate care to Will and the entire Roan family.