Frederick “Fred” Bolton, Jr.

Monday, February 10, 2025 our family lost a special person to all of us.  To our family he was our captain;   A giant of a man in size and personality. He was a lighthearted conversationalist and entertainer with a fierce competitive nature and loyalty to his family.  He left us with so many lessons to learn from and be inspired by; none better than when things get hard or the outlook looks bleak, “You better rise up” to the occasion.

Fred Bolton was born on Galveston Island, June 19, 1949.  He was brought into this world by Fred Sr. and Mary (Maw Maw) Bolton, and has now returned to them in heaven.  He was the oldest of six kids.  He is survived by his brothers and sisters; Sherry (Robert “Skeeter”), Larry (Roslyn), Renee (Joe), Dennie (Larry) and Troy (Liz).   He has told many stories of growing up, but none more memorable and laughable to him, than his dad getting a deal on some paint and painting their 3-bedroom 1 bathroom house with a horse tied up in the rear, “Desert Rose”.   Fred would ask to be dropped off down the street so his friends, like his best friend since 5th grade, Uncle Skeeter James, wouldn’t tease him about his pink house.

Fred is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Jenifer Locklin, who he met in Hitchcock, at age 16.  They married on March 15, 1968 and recently celebrated 56 years together.   Fred reminded everyone at their 50-year celebration that he doesn’t know how she has put up with him all these years.  They still called each other boyfriend and girlfriend all the way to the end of his days.  He had a deep love for his wife, and they would share barbs about their differences, and margaritas at local happy hours to celebrate all their blessings.

He graduated from Kirwin Catholic High School in Galveston, Texas.  At 6′ 2″ and 214 lbs, he was recruited and earned a full scholarship to play middle linebacker for University of Texas at Arlington.  He was a fierce competitor who had a lifelong passion for football that he would soon share with so many others.  Father Leo, who delivered Fred’s last rites Saturday evening, was a teacher at Kirwin High School when Fred attended, and got to see Fred play.  He called him a great football player with a tall and lanky stature that would slice through the offensive line.

After college Fred became an educator, teacher, baseball coach, football coach, athletic director, insurance salesman, city councilman, but most importantly he became a father, poppy, and pop pop.

Fred is survived by his 3 daughters and son (Meredith Jones – Freddy Bolton – Amy West and Jeni Swing) his favorite 3 sons- in- law (Lloyd Jones, Donnie West, Nick Swing), his 10 grandkids; Katie, Alexa, Billy, Michael, Joseph, Pacey, Asha, Chubby, Jude, Locklin, Solomon and Townes, his great grandkids; Kyla, Kenna, Kenzie, Koe, Layla, Riley, Lilly, Keelie, Lanie, and Kacey,  and his lil girl dog Julia and his grand dogs Dolly, Tito, Simone, Miley and Tuddles.

Fred worked in many different communities as coach and teacher.  He earned his Master’s in Education from U of H at Clear Lake, while living in Bridge City. He made the two-hour trip, twice a week, at night, to complete this achievement.  He started his coaching career as a head baseball coach at Santa Fe and then became the defensive coordinator for the Clear Lake High School football team.  Fred had a passion for coaching and developing young men physically, but many note that it was his ability to challenge players mentally to exceed their own expectations of themselves, that set him apart.

He was a head football coach for Hitchcock, TK Gorman, Bridge City and eventually landed his most challenging and most successful role at Brazosport High School, where he took over a 4-win program.  Through his commitment to hard work, inspiring others to fight when it’s easier to give up and holding his teams accountable to do their best, he developed the program into a contender.  In a mix of football excellence and family lore, Fred inspired a surprising run by his son Freddy’s 5-7-2 team as well as his nephew Skeeter James’ 12-1 team to play in the Astrodome with both finishing just 3 wins short of a State Championship.  During the latter run and after years of promising his players that he would shave his head if they beat Bay City, he showed his faith in his team by asking his daughter Amy to bring sheers and a razor to the pep rally prior to that game.  He fired his team up by having Amy shave his head in front of the whole school.  They beat Bay City 16 – 10.

Fred finished his educational career as the Athletic Director for Brazosport ISD retiring in 2006, ending 33 years of educating and inspiring our communities.  He went on to be a trusted advisor for the community, spending 10 years as a Farm Bureau insurance agent and four years as Freeport city councilman.  In 2016 he left the workforce and retired for good.  He lived for family get togethers, cooking crawfish, watching his grandkids compete and playing golf.

The family is so appreciative for all who have reached out, stopped by to pay their respects, and/or or told stories about Fred.  We know  how important Fred was to us, but  to hear of all the ways that he has touched others’ lives shows us just how great he was and how lucky all of us are to have known him.

Visitation is from 11 am – 12 pm on Friday February 14, 2025 at Crowder Funeral home in La Marque, Texas.   Following is a 2 pm funeral mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas officiated by Father Larry Wilson. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park in Hitchcock, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Billy Parker, Michael Parker, Lloyd “Chubby” Jones, III, Lloyd “Chub” Jones, Jr., Donnie West, Nick Swing, Skeeter James, Nicholas Bolton and Octavio Tijerina. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jude West, Locklin West, Solomon Swing and Townes Swing.

17 comments

  1. I am so very sorry for your loss! The Bolton’s were our neighbors on Matranga Dr. in Hitchcock. There were many afternoons that Freddy and a group of guys would play football in the vacant lot. Those were such good days. Sending hugs and prayers to all of the family🙏🙏🙏🙏
    Teresa Quested

    Teresa Quested
    • Thank you so much for love and prayers.

      Meredith
  2. To his beautiful wife, Jennifer and his lovely daughter, Jenny, and to the rest of the family, God given you peace and comfort. I enjoyed knowing and working with Fred. He was a great football coach for the Exporters! He touched the lives of many Bport students! May he rest in peace.🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾💕🙏🏾
    Sincerely,
    Lois Davis

    Lois Davis
  3. My condolences to the family. I grew up in Hitchcock & the Boltons & Locklins were friends. Graduated with his sister Renee & my sister graduated & was friends with Jenifer. May y’all have peace during this difficult time of your lives. I send my love to all of the family.

    Charlotte Osborn Wood
    Whitehouse Tx

    Charlotte Osborn Wood
  4. What a beautiful tribute! I spent many days at the Bolton’s house growing up and have such wonderful memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs to you all.❤️🙏❤️

    Peggy Ross
  5. I am so sorry to hear of Freddy’s death. He lived a life that mattered and leaves a legacy that lives on in his dear family. He will certainly be missed by so many of his family and friends. So sorry for your loss, Margaret Ann Raitano

    Margaret Ann Raitano
  6. I was so sorry to hear about Freddy! I spent so much time at the Bolton’s growing up and have such wonderful memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! God bless you today and in the difficult days ahead.🙏❤️🙏

    Peggy Ross
  7. Love you coach! Thank you for being a huge part of my life. You will always be remembered by anyone that knew you as a friend or a coach!

    Carlton (Tater) Abney
  8. Dear family – our hearts are so sad at your loss. Freddy always made me laugh when I was around him. He was a great man and I know your family is going to miss him so much. Think of the great memories and keep them close to your hearts as you go through this difficult time. My prayers are with each and everyone of you at this time. I know my brother has lost his best friend. Love and prayers for you all.
    Lori and Tim Parker

    Lori Parker
  9. What a blessed life! Sending love and prayers to my Bolton relatives!

    Sandra Garza Ely
  10. Jennifer, it was so sad to hear the terrible news, everyone loved Freddy so much. I think back on how much he had taught me as a young 15 year old kid (1973). Knowing now how Freddy has enriched my life, God is good he put Freddy Bolton in it. Thinking of you and the kids, praying for the Bolton Family.

    Richard T Chenoweth
  11. My condolences to the Bolton family. He was a great guy to work for. A bunch of great memories here at Brazosport.

    Gary Holler
  12. Sending all our Love and Prayers to the family during this time.

    Maverick Insurance Agency
  13. My condolences to the Bolton family. Although I did not coach with him several of my fellow coaches and friends served on his staff at Brazosport. It was always interesting to hear stories about him and the guys always spoke of him in loving way. My own interactions with Fred made me admire his tenacity and character.

    Mark Lehnhoff
  14. What a wonderful man! Coach Bolton knew how to push you to get the best out of you, but also knew when to hug your neck and let you know that he loved you. He was such an inspiration to me and all of my teammates at TK Gorman. He took us from a 3-7 season my junior year, to the state semifinals my senior year.
    He would not accept mediocrity and demanded that we strive for excellence. He turned a young kid with a rowdy background into a young man who learned to respect all and fear none.
    I loved this man with all my heart! He will be missed by many! I look forward to seeing him in heaven! God bless you Coach!

    Bobby Garrett
  15. Our family sends condolences to Freddy’s family. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
    Rest in peace Freddy. Though we never met I’ve had the pleasure to meet his daughter Meredith. Peace through this difficult time and let God be your heart and know that Freddy is by his side.

    GREGORY S BISHOP
  16. I am so sorry to hear the passing of Coach Bolton! He was my first Varsity football position Coach at Santa Fe in 1973 and can remember to this day, “McDonald, you got to get low and tough” -lol! He was my Junior Varsity and Varsity baseball Coach at Santa Ge as well1974-1976. I thank you for all of the Victories and trials and tribulations we shared together! May GOD bless you and your extensive Family!
    Michael McDonald

    Michael McDonald

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