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MOMENTS
WITH CHARLEY
Email your moments with Charley to be shared with others
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I feel so very lucky and blessed to
have known Charley.
Charley had a smile and twinkle in his eye that
will be missed. Charley smiled with his heart.
I think God needed a Cowboy poet in Heaven. Only
the best would do and so he picked Charley.
Fronie, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Karen J |
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This column will appear in the August 26
edition of the Rawlins Daily Times
Cross-ed Paths
By Bob Rose
I met Charley less than a year ago. He came to
Sinclair to share his cowboy poetry, his music and his faith with folks
in the former Parco Hotel dining room. I got there late, as I had to
work, and he'd already really gotten the crowd warmed up.
His poems, like most cowboy literature, told
stories some long, some short, all funny. He recorded for posterity a
way of life that's on the decline. He introduced characters that
exemplify things that many just don't seem to understand.
I especially loved hearing of the old cowboy who
died in the winter. Since he'd asked to have his ashes spread over the
high country summer range, they needed a container to store the old
boy's remains until the trail cleared of snow. Since cowboys invented
frugality, it made sense to utilize an old Calumet baking soda can. (I
can see you smiling you know what's coming, don't you?) When the
inevitable happened, the old cowboy's last wish became moot, though he
did give several of his friends one last fine breakfast of bacon, eggs
and baking powder biscuits.
Though he had no formal training, and he couldn't
make heads or tails out of notes, Charley played his guitar and sang
beautifully especially when he sang his beloved gospel favorites. He
intertwined his message of salvation with songs in such a way that
people practically had to be shooed away. They all wanted the evening to
go on forever.
When I met Charley, he'd recently undergone
serious brain surgery. A tumor had invaded his head, and the prognosis
didn't sound too promising. Charley fooled all the doctors by the way he
recovered from the surgery. He faced every new day in faith that God
wouldn't take him home until just the right time.
The right time recently came. Cowboy poet and
preacher Charley Hendren died just over a week ago. His family, his
friends, the world of cowboy poets are all gonna miss him terrible. But
though I grieve with them, I can't help but smile when I think of him
sitting by a bonfire in the sky, swapping stories with saints who went
before him.
I reckon he'd probably say a hearty Amen if I were
to quote the apostle Paul, so that's what I'll do. For I am now ready to
be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand Paul wrote to his
friend, Timothy. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing (II Timothy 4: 6-8).
So long, Charley. When you run into Roy and Dale,
sing a chorus of Happy Trails. You were a good witness for Jesus.
Enjoy your reward. |
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It was "the Coldest Wyoming Training
winter", as Charley said, trying to warm up his hands...It was at the
shooting range, WY Law Enforcement Academy, late November 2003 and we
were training hard, under Charley's instructions, funny remarks and his
tiny smile under the frozen mustashe...
He will always find a good, Fatherly word of
cowboy wisdom and time for any one of us,his students...Producing some
of the Finest Lawmen in the World!
That was Charley for me- unique and caring person,
mentor and a friend... Stefan P |
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I have a thousand memories of Charley,
all of them good. Most revolve around his great cowboy humor. The
strongest involved a cow gather he and I worked on in the mid-90s, east
or Sheridan. Big gather, big circles, beautiful day. Charley, at
six-feet-plus, was amused at my ingenuity at finding rocks, stumps, dead
wolves, or whatever to use as mounting blocks. I went home and wrote the
poem "Short Rider's Lament" for Charley that evening, as I sat in my
tub.
There never was, or will be, a better Pard to ride
with. I will miss his wit. It was always on the lookout for something,
anything, that was funny. They are sharing some terrible puns around the
campfire right now. Bo |
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I met Charley and his wife Miss.
Fronie at a Church camp out in Glen Rose,Tx. If memory serves me right
the year was 1981.There were quite a few folks that were at the
gathering and for the most part of us we became more than just good
friends. We became a family of friends that has lasted many years and
continues so to this day. We would all get together numerous times over
the years sharing meals, lots of singing and praying together. They have
all left beautiful memories in my heart. Anyone who ever met Charley and
spent time getting to know Him had to come away a better person.
Charley was the Police Instructor when my oldest
son went thru Police training in Arlington, TX. He was also there when
my son was baptized and became and always will be his God Father. I
loved Charley with all my heart as he loved me. He was family.
Anyone who ever knew Charley had to know he was a
cowboy at heart. It was no suprize to me that he ended up in the great
state of Wyoming. Where else would one go to preach the Good News to the
cowboys he so loved. To my thinking God could not have sent a better man
than my friend Charley.
I got to see Charley one last time when he came to
Texas to visit with his daughter just before his second surgery. Just
before the meal was served we were standing off together and I said to
him Charley you know I love you. He answered, right back atcha. Then He
looked around the room and then into my eyes and said this is Church.
And so it was getting together with God and family.
Buck and Pat |
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In memory of our beloved
cowboyographer Charley Hendren, the staff of Miracle Mountain Ranch
Missions in Spring Creek PA will sponsor scholarships to attend the fall
horseman's Harvest. Charley was originally slated to attend this and
bless our guests with his presence. Now through absents in body he shall
be with us in spirit! Fronie, if we could purchase 6 of Charley's DVD's
we will give them to those that we scholarships in his memory! He along
with y'all, shall at be of our camp fire on 9/28-10/1 as we celebrate
Christ's presence and continue to serve Him through the horse genre.
Lew Sterrett |
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Charley was a great friend and a great
influence on our family. He will be missed. Our horse lover weekends and
wild West Weekends were greatly benefited by Charlie s persona, music
and ministry, but we are glad he is now with His Lord and Savior
celebrating as only Charley can. Magill Family |
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As our trails crossed our lives were
changed as he shared his gift of song. He spoke God s truths and
challenged our hearts as he journeyed along. We praise the Lord for our
cowboy friend and the encouragement that he left. And now we tearfully
thank God for leading this cowboy to His eternal rest. In His Grip,
Matt and Jenni Cox |
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A well trained musician can produce
lovely music, but true music comes from the heart. Charlie certainly
evidenced music expertise as well as true heart jollies for God. I will
treasure the opportunities I had to sing duets with him at MMR retreats.
We will all miss his loving heart and beautiful music.
Melodie Sterrett |
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A real gentleman Cowboy. Filled with
inspiring stories of the past as a resource for the Gospel story of
Jesus Christ. A light to us all with the source being God s Son. Able to
take biblical stories and transfer them into Cowboy . My favorite was
Partner Saved. Head Cook at Miracle Mountain Ranch
Patty May |
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He ministered to our family a great
deal and was a real encouragement to our children. They loved his music
and he made a great impression on our whole family. Our hearts and
prayers are with you Fronie and Family ~Love the David
Sterrett Family at MMR |
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I never before knew a man like
Charley, so gentle and kind, he had the best manners I have ever seen in
a man let alone a cowboy. I didn't know Charley long but I sure am
thankful for the time.
I was blessed to have had the pleasure of visiting
with him many times if only for a little while at the moment... Thank
You Lord for allowing me to know Charley.
Charley inspired me with his courage, his faith
and how he continued on with hope, his admiration, dignity and his
strength to witness, to speak out boldly the truth of our Lord. What an
awesome inspiring ministry to the heart in a cowboy way. I have many
lost family members who are down-right-country, I introduce Christ to
them through Charley's songs and writings. I know Charley can continue
to lead others to Christ through his legacy in all that he has left for
us to use to help further the Kingdom.
Someone said to me a few days before Charley
headed home, "we're gonna miss him a lot and it's sad to see him go" I
replied, "yeah, that's true and Charley sure is blessed, he gets to go
home to be with Jesus"
Charley's work for the Lord was a fine job he did
- God called him home and we now have even more to look forward to when
we all get to heaven, oh, what a day that will be!
* * * * * * *
Behind every great man is his woman with God at
the lead... *Thank you Fronie for being my Friend - I love you
Rhonda |
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We had the privilege of having Charlie
minister to us at Calvary Baptist Church in Casper, WY. Another pastor
in the area told us about the Hendrens and encouraged us to have him in
our church. Our first encounter with Charlie was at our Sweetheart
Banquet. Our theme was Italian so amidst pictures of gondolas and
vineyards along with lasagna and wax covered bottles, the cowboy shared
his poetry, songs, and most importantly the Word of God. What a
blessing! We enjoyed his sense of humor as Charlie serenaded a couple
celebrating their anniversary. We enjoyed his patriotism as he sang
about Old Glory and we were challenged and stirred by the preaching and
songs about Charlie's Lord. Since this first meeting, the Hendrens have
been back for a Round-Up Sunday and a Christmas party. Our church family
felt that this beautiful Godly couple were part of our family. Thanks
for your faithful example! Mrs. Hendren you are in our prayers!
Pastor Jeff and Tami Matney |
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Charley first
became part of our lives through church. Charley invited Woody to
join a group going to Camp Grace in Wheatland to help spruce up the
place. Woody was an ex-logger so Charley felt Woody could be a
help in cutting down a few trees. On that trip Brother Rickard
asked Woody if he died on his way home, where would he spend eternity.
Woody accepted Christ as his Savior that day. In Woody's journey
to "victory", he encountered a few struggles. Charley and Pastor
Anderson recommended he attend
Trinity Farm in Jacksonville Florida. Charley helped open the door for Woody to attend
Trinity Freedom Farm's 6-month program. That was an extreme
changing moment in our lives that we owe a lifetime of gratitude to God,
Charley, and Brother Gene. Over the years, Charley, Fronie, Rick
and Becky have been dear to our hearts and WE LOVE YOU GUYS! You
will be in our thoughts and prayers!
John "Woody" and
Kathy Wood |
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Since I first met Mr. Hendren one
Sunday morning in Sheridan, it was obvious to me that his Savior was the
center of his life. From that Sunday morning, over ten years ago, as I
was just starting high school, Mr. Hendren had a powerful spiritual
impact on my life. The times together that would follow were many.
Whether in his Sunday School class each Sunday morning, working around
his place, eating supper with him and Mrs. Hendren, or beside him
a-horseback on the mountain, the conversation (or singing) did not stray
far from God and His working in our lives. He encouraged me by his walk
with God because it gave me a vivid example of the reality of a life in
Christ. Even when I went away for college, one of the first letters I
received was from Mr. Hendren. I still have it. In it he encouraged me
to do everything for the glory of God. He said, "Josh, remember each day
to ride for the Lord." Even after he moved away to Douglas and I heard
about his poor health, he continued to allow himself to be used by God
in great ways. He continued to show the grace of God in his life, and I
saw God use him in that situation to cause me to depend more on God and
live more completely for Heavenly things. I see to this day, our church
family in Sheridan talk more of Heaven and show more fervency in their
walk and service for Christ.
Mr. Hendren,
Thanks for walking faithfully with God in every
situation. Thanks for letting God use you to be a vessel of mercy and
grace in our lives - one that showed the power of God in your life when
you could rise above the hardest time in your life and talk to others
about living the true Life in Christ. Thank-you so much for preparing
each week for our Sunday School class, to bring to us the Word of God in
love and sincerety and then loving us by giving us a true example of
godliness and faithfulness. Thanks for taking an interest in my life,
and taking time with me to make sure I continued to follow the Lord. I
thank God for allowing you to be a part of my life. He knew exactly what
I needed. I miss you much, my friend, and I surely can't wait to see
you. May God be praised! What a wonderful salvation we have!
"We shall sing on that beautiful shore, The
melodious songs of the blest, And our spirits shall sorrow no more, Not
a sigh for the blessing of rest."
Love, your Brother and friend, Josh |
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We live in a day and age where it is
sometimes difficult to find men that you can truly look up to. Men of
courage, men of character, men of kindness, and men of faith. It is even
more rare to find a man that lives all of these out in his life. Charley
Hendren did, and he did it with grace. I did not get to spend as much
time with Charley as I would have liked, but he was a hero to me and
memories of his life, our conversations, and his music and poetry often
occupy my memory.
My daughter still has a beautiful card of, what
else, a colt, that Charley and Fronie sent gave her over 10 years ago.
It hasn't been kept because of the picture, it has been kept because of
what was written inside...a note filled with truth and encouragement.
I thank God, that in His goodness He allowed me to
get to know Charley Hendren. Heaven just became a sweeter place.
Torrey and Jalene Jaspers
Longmont, CO |
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He will be missed and remembered.
In 1999 we were blessed to have Charley living at
the WY Law Enforcement Academy. To often teacher/ instructor
relationships with students don't extend beyond the classroom, due to
life beyond the job. The students were living at the academy and the
Good Lord decided Charley needed to live there with us for a while.
A few of us decided to start a Bible study. It didn't take long for
Charley to find us and join in. It was a wonderful time of men's
fellowship. I know it was a hardship on the Hendren family and I would
like to say Thank You for sharing. I honestly feel God put Charley
with us not only to teach Law Enforcement, but to teach the Good Word. I
think we started with 3 and had as many as 15 sharing in the word and
spirit. He will be missed and remembered as a teacher, friend, and
soldier in God's Army.
Thanks again,
Trp. Mann |
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Charley has been a great pard to me.
He taught me a lot about the cowboy way through conversing with him and
through his music and poetry. He taught me more cowboy values than
cowboys I have worked with when I worked at a ranch.
He also more importantly showed me some of how a
Christian should live. I was privileged to hear some of his sermons.
Also to hear him sing.
He had a rare combination that you usually do not
see. He was a true Bible-believing Christian Cowboy. His legacy will
leave an example to be followed.
I was privileged to know Charley and Miss Fronie
since we moved to Douglas,WY. in June 2003. He has been a blessing to
me. Pardners like him are very few and far between. He sure left a big
pair of boots to fill. I sure hated to see him suffer with his brain
cancer, but am glad to know he is doing a whole lot better and that I
will see him again. Donnie Norvell |
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Charley Hendren to me is the epitome of
faith, strength, and courage. Over the last six years I have worked side
by side with him and we have shared life together. I consider myself
blessed to have been touched by this man. As Charley would say, he was
"One to ride the river with". Thank you Fronie and family for sharing
Charley with the rest of us. You will be missed my friend. You have come
to the end of your trail, and are now at Home.
Tom Sweet |
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I just want to Thank Charley again for
helping me though a tough time in my life, he was truly a servant to the
Lord and a blessing to all.
I was in the middle of a divorce from an abusive
marriage. The strength that Charley showed with his own fight alone was
encouraging, but he also shared scripture that he was standing on. On
that particularly tough day it helped more than he ever knew.
So, Happy Trails Charley! I will miss you but I'm
glad you took the trail home to rest! Renee |
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Charley was one of the deacons that
questioned me when I first moved to Sheridan Wyoming in 1996. He was
a hard person to forget with that great mustache and the wonderful
poetry and songs he sang. I loved how when he sang it came from his
heart and that he gave it all to the Lord. Thank you Charley for the
neat memories we had while you lived in Sheridan. We will continue to
pray for you Fronie and family. Rick - love ya man!
Pastor Jon Cashner |
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We first knew Charley and Fronie, Kim
and Rick in Arlington, Texas back in about 1985. We held a prayer
meeting at our home on Tuesday nights and Charley would bring his guitar
to lead worship for us, but he usually rounded out the night with a
rousing rendition of "Grandma's Featherbed" to send the kids off to bed.
Our oldest daughter is 28 years old now but still has fond memories of
dancing while Charley played and sang in our living room.
We also had the honor of hearing him share his
life and his faith when we worked retreats in our days of Youth
Ministry. Charley had a great impact on our hearts and our lives and we
have not forgotten. We've lost touch with Charley and Fronie through the
years, but kept up through mutual friends. Charley will be sorely missed
because he had a knack for making a difference in people's lives and we
are better for having known him. Lucky and Kerry
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I met Charley at the 1st Annual
Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival. As a board member for the
event, I was fortunate to be able to spend a fair amount of time with
him. I became the Festival Director for the Monterey event in 2005 and
was so pleased that Charley had recovered enough from his initial battle
to come to Monterey, put on a poetry workshop, perform, and preach
Cowboy Church.
As a 22+ year law enforcement veteran, Charley and
I shared another, significant, bond. I have been blessed to know him, to
have shared a stage with him, and to call him my friend.
I will be dedicating the 2006
Monterey Cowboy
Poetry & Music Festival to Charley.
Miss Fronie, our thoughts and prayers are with
you.
With a brother's love,
-Mick Vernon |
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All of us here at Gateway Baptist
Church in Sundance, Wyoming will really miss Bro. Charley...For the last
two years, he has been coming to our "Round-Up" Sunday in September.
We are reminded now that he has been "Rounded up
in Glory" as the song goes...
"I've been thinking today as my thoughts began to
stray Of your memory to me worth more than gold; As you ride across the
plain 'mid the sunshine and the rain You'll be rounded up in glory by
and by.
You'll be rounded up in glory by and by, You'll be
rounded up in glory by and by, When the milling time is o'er, And you'
stampede no more, When they round you up within the master's fold."
Our prayers are with you, Hendren Family. |
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Available for Purchase:
Book: West of Yesterday -
East of Tomorrow
CD: Rest Beyond the River
CD: The Trail Home
Book: The Medusa Mare
Book: The Quotable Cowboy
Picture: Charley & Ol'
Glory
ORDER NOW
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