Charles Polston

Charles Franklin Polston (Papaw for Denny's) was born in Melrose, NM on February 11, 1918, to Reverend F. O. Polston, who served as Director of Missions for Plains, Portales, and Tucumcari Associations in New Mexico for 33 years, and Mattie D. Monroe Polston. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1936 and went on to graduate from Eastern New Mexico Junior College (now University). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX, and a degree of Master of Theology from Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX. Charles and Jeanette Davidson were married September 5, 1941 in FBC, Freer, TX, and both were enrolled in the Seminary September 9, 1941. Both graduated in July 1945. While in the Seminary, his first church was Greenbriar Baptist Church. He then served at two half-time churches: First Baptist Church Covington, TX and First Baptist Church Abbot, TX. Following his graduation from the Seminary, he served as pastor of First Baptist Church Blanchard, OK, where his daughter Linda was born. He also served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Estancia, NM. On October 1, 1948, he became Associate Director of the Baptist Training Department. On November 1, 1952, he became Director of Training Union and Church Music Departments for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico. He retired January 31, 1981 - after 32 years with the Baptist Convention. His wife, Jeannette, passed away January 17, 1978. Mildred Haygood and Charles married on November 22, 1980. He moved to Fayetteville, AR on March 15, 1996 and was a member of Cross Church in Springdale, AR. He is preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Imo Polston; sisters, Evelyn Hager Miller and Ruth Rich, and, wives, Jeanette Davidson Polston and Mildred Haygood Polston. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Mitchell, and her husband, Steve Mitchell; brother, David Polston, and wife, Val, of Aztec, NM; brother-in-law, Charles Rich of Hazlet, TX; grandchildren, Mike Mitchell of Fayetteville, Nathan Mitchell and wife, Jody, of Springdale, Kathy Werner and husband, Aaron, of Scarborough, ME; great-grandchildren; Lexi and Bella Mitchell, Blaeke, Raegan and Brock Mitchell, and Kayla, Kristin, Hannah and Hope Werner. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chester T. French Mausoleum Chapel, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Dr. Joe Bunce will officiate. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333