Charles Wesley Bourquin

In the sprawling landscapes of the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle, where the sky meets the horizon in an endless array of colors, Charles Wesley Bourquin made his mark as a rancher, father, and a true embodiment of the American spirit. Wes was born to Edward and Rossabell Bourquin on February 23, 1938, in Logan, Oklahoma. Wes grew up with the wide-open spaces as his playground, where he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and the untamed beauty of nature.

As a young man, Wes was known far and wide for his prowess on the Follett football field. Following graduation in 1956, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he played football with tenacity and skill, earning respect both on and off the gridiron. However, his path took a turn when his father fell ill, prompting him to return home to Follett to manage the family farm and ranch.

On August 5, 1961, Wes married the love of his life, Linda Sue Robertson Bourquin, marking the beginning of a loving partnership that spanned over six decades. Together, they raised three sons—Jeff, Todd, and Eric—who became the pride of his life and the continuation of his legacy.

Wes had a deep and successful career as a farmer and rancher in Lipscomb and Beaver County, embodying the principles of hard work and stewardship of the land. Beyond his agricultural pursuits, Wes dedicated himself to his community, serving on the Follett ISD School Board and actively participating in the local Freemasons chapter. His commitment extended to youth sports, where he oversaw the Follett Little League Baseball program, leaving an impactful mark on generations of young athletes.

Despite the demands of farming and ranching, his family remained the top priority. He shared cherished moments with his wife, Sue, enjoying activities like snow skiing, attending University of Oklahoma sporting events and supporting his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephew through their athletic careers and extracurricular activities. His quick wit, strength of character, and wisdom endeared him to all who knew him, but perhaps most notably, his love for sweets became legendary among his family and friends.

Wes will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Sue; his children, Jeff Bourquin and wife Ellie of Follett, Texas, their three children Kylie Schupp and husband Brian Schupp of Gilbert, Arizona and great grandsons Justin and Jackson Schupp, Morgan Foreman and husband Hayden Foreman of Logan, Oklahoma and great grandson Hayes Foreman, Raegan Moore and husband Calvin Moore of Midwest City, Oklahoma and great grandson RJ Moore and great granddaughter Hazel Moore; Son Todd Bourquin of Follett, Texas; Son Eric Bourquin and wife Shannon Bourquin of Lubbock, Texas and their three children Colton Bourquin and wife Lyndi Bourquin of Lubbock, Texas, Payton Bourquin of Lubbock, Texas and Kiersten Bourquin of Stillwater, Oklahoma. 

Wes's legacy lives on not only in his family but also in the hearts of the countless lives he touched through his generosity and kindness. As the sun sets over the vast plains, Wes called home, casting a golden light over the land he cherished, his spirit lives on. Wes Bourquin's life was one of strength, resilience, and love—a beacon of light for his family and community. As his family moves forward, they know his spirit will forever guide them through the wide-open spaces of life.