Charles Beggs Moncrief ’72, a former TCU Trustee, was a straightforward oilman and rancher, and a man with causes dear to his heart, said his wife, Kit Tennison Moncrief, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The grandson of legendary wildcatter W.A. “Monty” Moncrief, he joined the family oil and ranching businesses after serving in the U.S. Marines. Expert at finding oil and gas, the geologist complemented the petroleum engineering skills of his father, W.A. “Tex” Moncrief, Kit Moncrief said.

“They talked business at breakfast every day, seven days a week,” she said. “They were best friends.” Tex Moncrief, 101, survives his son.

The Charles B. Moncrief Chair of Geology, held by Nowell Donovan, is named for him.

Kit Moncrief said she had known Charlie Moncrief “off and on all our lives.” After a chance encounter, they bonded over their love of the outdoors on their first date. Six months later they were married.

He had an adventurous spirit, riding elephants in Nepal and gazing spellbound by gorillas in Africa, she said. He was funny and well-liked by his employees.

Both from ranching families, they raised cattle and quarter horses. At 25, Charles Moncrief became a Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo director, serving 47 years, said Brad Barnes, president and general manager. It was a family affair, with the Moncriefs’ daughters competing in the horse shows.

It was also family that led to his support of the UT Southwestern Moncrief Cancer Institute and Medical Center after his sister, Monty, 8, died of leukemia.

A dog lover, Moncrief campaigned against animal cruelty after a pug mix, stabbed and her mouth taped shut, strayed onto the couple’s ranch. Today, their Saving Hope Foundation funds spaying and neutering and pet adoptions. And Hope the dog found love and a home on the ranch.