WSTR News
Empty Saddles
Colby Lee Crago - 1980-2026
Family was the most important thing to Colby. He loved his girls so much. As they got older, competing in team roping became less important to Colby. He wanted to coach his girls, and take them to area rodeos to compete. He was their number one fan for sure. Nothing could make him more proud than his daughters. Colby was a wonderful husband and father. So many memories were made with him. His smile will never be forgotten, and his loving spirit will be missed forever.
Jamie Glenn Earp - 1973-2026
When the work was finished, Jamie loved to rope. Team roping was far more than a hobby; it was a way of life he proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren. Fiercely competitive, some of his proudest moments came from winning alongside his sons and supporting his daughter and son-in-law in their rodeo company. He took great pride in the arena and facilities he built at home, but he was perhaps happiest in his barn or outside with a good horse nearby, surrounded by family and friends. Jamie leaves behind a life built with hardworking hands, a generous heart, plenty of stories worth retelling, and a family who loved him beyond measure. Despite tremendous sorrow, we know Jamie’s work here is finished, and that the love he gave, the laughter he created, and the memories he made will never be forgotten.
Tucker James Earp - 2004-2026
From the beginning, Tucker had his own big personality. He was mischievous, rowdy, and always ready to make somebody laugh. There was rarely a dull moment when Tucker was around, and those who knew him best probably have a story, or several, to prove it. Underneath that rowdy exterior, though, was an incredibly soft heart. Tucker loved deeply, cared fiercely for his people, and would do anything for those he loved. Tucker rodeoed throughout his childhood and high school years, spending countless hours in the arena, on the road, and doing what he loved alongside his dad, siblings and closest friends. He carried his love for the sport into college, competing for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) on a full ride rodeo scholarship.
Douglas Bailey - 1953- 2026
Doug loved spending time team roping. A love that became a family sport that he was able to share with his daughter Callie, his brother Jack, his nephew Cody and his son Colten Bailey. Doug competed in several rodeo associations, IPRA – International Pro Rodeo Association, CSRA – Central States Rodeo Association and the Senior Pro Rodeo Association in which he won Team Roping Champion Heeler. Doug’s success in the arena is noted by the buckles, saddles and other items he has collected through the years. However, Doug’s true passion was training and selling horses. He had a gift for understanding the nature of horses and was a part of the natural horsemanship movement.
Powhatan Carter - 1949-2026
He continued to rope and put on team roping series with Flash Roping Productions. Pow was the happiest horseback riding out on the ranch to work cattle. Always ready to help his friends and neighbors with brandings and fall gathering, Pow was just a call away. He loved being Dad and later “PowPow” to his grandchildren. Pow was always the biggest fan and yelled loudly at every football and basketball game, track meet, rodeo, horse show, school event, or anything else his family might be involved in. Win or lose, there was always ice cream or some sweet concoction following all family activities.
Randy Charles Brooks - 1949-2026
There really aren’t words big enough to sum up Randy’s life or the hole his absence leaves in his family. He worked hard, played hard, loved his family fiercely and packed more living into 77 years than most people could fit into several lifetimes. He made sure his family knew he loved them, and they loved and admired him beyond measure.
Clyde Yarbrough - 1940-2026
He was a loving father, husband and papa. As the years went by Clyde traveled countless miles to share special events with his daughters and his grand kids. Clyde filled his days working around his house in Almyra; repairing saddles, building roping dummies, and being with his beloved wife Dixie.
Troy Wayne Ragsdale - 1969-2026
Troy’s greatest joy came from being a father and grandfather. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, especially taking Kamden fishing and Kynlee to ride horses at the rodeo. He always ensured that they knew how deeply he loved them and how proud he was of their accomplishments. His big heart extended beyond family—he was known for helping anyone in need and bringing lighthearted humor wherever he went. Whether he was cutting up with his roping friends at a rodeo arena or being the life of the party singing Creed songs at karaoke, Troy’s presence was unforgettable.
James Lee "Jim" Hill - 1948-2026
Jim enjoyed team roping and hauling his daughters to rodeos. He also served Channing ISD as a school board member for many years and Hartley County as a county commissioner for two terms. He was a founding member of the High Plains Ranchers and Breeders Association, giving local ranchers a place to showcase the horses they bred and raised. Whether horseback, working cattle, raising a good horse, or helping neighbors and family, Jim lived with purpose, determination, and a steady devotion to the ranching way of life.
Tommy Joe Hamar Sr. - 1943-2026
Tommy was a member of the Melrose Roping Club, and enjoyed team roping. He worked as a cattle order buyer for many years and owned cattle for most of his life. Later on in life, he went to work for the Roberts family driving a cattle truck and working on the farm. Tommy thoroughly enjoyed the western way of life and believed in working cattle horseback as much as possible.
Gerald "Jerry" Clyde Kendall - 1954-2026
Rodeo was the heartbeat of Jerry’s life. A respected team roper, he won the Dodge Circuit Finals multiple times and even won the Century Roping at the Caldwell Night Rodeo. He had more roping wins than most could count, supported by a long list of great partners who shared in his success. Jerry was well-known for his talent in the arena, his willingness to share his knowledge, and his natural knack for finding a good horse—which almost always ended up with one of his kids or grandkids. Beyond his skill with horses, he had a deep love for trading western silver and could famously turn just about anything into a deal or a trade.
Everett Eugene Glover - 1941- 2026
He was proud to serve as a rodeo chaplain and as a rough stock director for the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association, where he made a lasting impact on many lives. His love for rodeo was matched by his deep love for Jesus and his unwavering devotion to his family.
Jeffrey Scott Homack - 1975-2026
Jeff was proud to be a member of the Cochise/Graham Cattlemen’s Association. He was honored to help promote, protect, and advance the Arizona cattle industry during his term as President. Jeff was full of passion, believing in the love of his family, the ranch, and all things U of A related.
Dwight Julian - 1945-2026
He spent countless hours working on ranches, breaking horses, and team roping—often alongside his brothers. He built his life around the cowboy way, embracing its values and traditions. Throughout the years, he was blessed with the opportunity to travel the country competing in team roping events, collecting many stories and memories along the way.
Jason "JT" Turner - 1972-2026
Jason loved spending time with family. He was an Extension Horse Specialist and teaching people about horses was his passion.
Jerry Glenn Craig - 1963-2026
He loved team roping and spending his evenings and weekends in the arena. Some of his favorite times were spent roping alongside his son Colton. He also enjoyed raising cattle, classic cars, and fishing when he got the chance. Bluegrass music or Elvis was often playing nearby, and he never passed up the chance to dance or have a good time with friends. If you saw him with a styrofoam cup in his hand, chances are it was filled with his famous “Jerry Craig water”. Jerry’s spirit was contagious. His presence filled a room, and his generous heart was felt by everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
Owen "Tooter" Cosper - 1933-2026
A cowboy in both spirit and action, Tooter remained a current member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the United States Team Roping Association, winning multiple awards even after the age of seventy. He helped found the New Mexico Junior Rodeo Association and played a meaningful role in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo 4-H program, shaping the lives of countless young riders. Tooter will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched with his humor, generosity, and cowboy wisdom.
Melody Ann Chapman - 1960-2026
Melody's legacy is a testament to her unwavering faith, deep love for her family and friends, and enduring passion for the cowboy way of life. Although her presence will be dearly missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now with her Heavenly Father, experiencing the eternal peace and joy she longed for.
Randal Scott Bingham - 1951-2026
Over the years, he won numerous saddles, buckles, cash prizes, and even a pickup truck from roping competitions. For the last 10+ years, Randy spent his winters in Wickenburg, Arizona, team roping, of course. Each year, his stays grew longer as he enjoyed the warm weather and his many friendships.
Felix Val Verde Lopez - 1956-2026
He was a proud rodeo dad, not only to his own children but to many others he encouraged along the way. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren enter the arena each moment filling him with pride. Felix was a man of strong faith who deeply loved his family and friends.
Dalton Briar Heath - 2001-2026
Known for his kind heart and genuine care for others, Briar always put those around him first and was quick to lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need. He was a dedicated and hardworking young man who operated heavy equipment with JM Enterprises and also worked alongside his uncle at Fox Valley. Briar’s love for his family, farming, and the sport of roping and riding will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.
William "Lane" Smyer - 1986-2026
Lane had a huge personality and an even bigger heart. He would help anyone he could. He loved his family fiercely, especially his nieces and nephews. He loved good food, good music, and watching movies.
Eddy Womack - 1937-2026
Eddy Womack leaves behind a legacy rooted in hard work, family, and a western way of life. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and kind heart.
Thomas "Virgil" Minshew - 1962-2026
To Virgil no one was a stranger. He touched many lives everywhere he went and was a friend to all. He always had a smile on his face and was eager to help in any way he could, especially through rodeo and sporting clays. He will be missed by many, but is now in the arms of Jesus. There is no doubt he loved the Lord and was welcomed to his eternal home.
Danny Cardoza - 1949-2026
Cardoza was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2002. He learned to rope as a child even before he learned to race ride, and in addition to his professional career, in his free time Cardoza was always a talented team roper and loved to compete on second-career racehorses. Cardoza is survived by his wife, Debbie, and children Tiffany Bohland, Shane Cardoza and Kaelie Cardoza, as well as grandchildren, additional family and countless friends.
John Paboojian - 1937-2026
“John Paboojian was a fierce competitor. He had no fear. One year, I think in 1969 when we roped on the grass in the football stadium at Livermore, John was roping with Billy Darnell and riding his great horse King. The steer slipped on the grass, and John somehow roped him by two feet when his legs were out of the arena. When he dallied, he brought that steer’s feet back inside that panel fence. I was standing in the arena with Leonard Ferreira watching the rest of slack, and when Leonard saw that he swore he’d never enter another rodeo. And he didn’t. Billy and Paboojian had been kicking our ass, and he’d seen enough.”
D'Aun B. Lucero - 1939-2026
Later in life, D’Aun met and married Fred Lucero, enjoying almost 40 years blending their lives together. D’Aun was a simple woman, who loved her family, and enjoyed all the simple things in life. She never met a stranger. D’Aun was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Stormy Mullins - 1954-2026
Stormy dedicated 26 years to education as a high school Agricultural Science teacher in Azle, Texas, shaping generations of students through mentorship, high expectations, and genuine care. After retiring from the classroom, he continued to devote his life to the work he loved. He spent several years coaching the rodeo team at Weatherford College, where his leadership and horsemanship influenced countless student-athletes. He later worked for Chris Cox overseeing facility operations, assisting with clinics, and supporting operations. For the past 16 years, he worked for various nonprofit organizations producing mustang training competitions, becoming a trusted and steady presence behind the scenes. He was also a cornerstone of event production at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for more than 30 years, where his professionalism and leadership were widely respected.
Larry Michael Duggan - 1947-2026
Larry competed in youth, college and professional rodeo as a bull rider before turning his attention to the single steer roping event where he earned a qualification to the 1980 National Finals Steer Roping in Laramie, Wyoming. Larry actively competed in single steer roping and team roping into his early 70s. What started as an idea for a hobby – learning the art of saddle making at night school at the Texas State Technical Institute in Amarillo – turned into a five-decade career of building custom saddles for clients that ranged from the casual roper to world champions to the Shiek of Dubai. He returned to TSTI as an instructor for a year and taught several of the top saddle makers currently working in the industry today. He opened Cowboy Saddle Shop in 1972 and since then, he created 773 works of art – all unique to each customer’s specifications and all crafted by him alone. Many of his customers were repeat buyers and along the way became close friends.
Curtis Lynn McKnight - 1947-2026
Curtis owned and operated Wells Siding Company/McKnight Construction, but ranching was his passion and something he did his entire life. Curtis loved his family, his beloved wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, but most of all he loved the Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Wells. He and his wife put on Crossfire Team Ropings where he made many friends.
Rodney Ray Dimitroff - 1941-2026
Above all else, Rodney loved his family. Watching his grandchildren was one of his favorite pastimes, and time spent with them brought him great joy. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and kindness, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Andrew "Jess" Gililland - 1931 - 2026
After retirement, Jess did day work for ranchers until it began interfering with his passion for team roping, a sport in which he truly excelled. Jess roped calves in his younger years but later focused on team roping. In 1997, he won $27,000 at a USTRC event, roping on two horses he trained himself. Over the years, he earned 40 buckles and nine saddles, generously giving away many of those buckles. We say goodbye to a rancher, a horseman, a father, and a keeper of a disappearing way of life. Jess is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren.
Larry Dewayne Barker - 1951-2026
Larry was a devoted friend and family man. He had relentless passion for whatever came his way and believed that if you were going to do something you should do it right, and big. He never turned people away and was always available if you needed help, encouragement, or someone to believe in you. Larry personified the idea that “What you do for yourself dies with you when you leave this world. What you do for others’ lives on forever.”
Cecil Alvin Nichol - 1934- 2026
Cecil's enduring spirit and love for life were evident in every endeavor; age never hindered him in any way. He was a man who transcended generations, finding joy on the back of a horse and in the company of those he loved. Cecil's legacy of resilience, humor, and dedication will forever be cherished by his family and friends.
Shryl Schneemann Cooper - 1955-2025
On December 1, Shryl passed away surrounded by her loving family. Jill shared that her mom is now at home with Jesus. The rodeo community is mourning as Shryl was "home' to many and acted as the "supermom" to anyone she welcomed to her home.
Jim Nichols - 1951- 2025
Jim was a storyteller and a lover of life. If you were around him very long you would see his face light up with a smile and a glimmer in his eye while telling one of his favorite stories. His laugh made you smile and he was never short of a greeting for everyone he met. There was never a question whether he was a cowboy or how much he loved the sport of rodeo.
Don Kimble - 1950-2025
“I would like to be remembered as a person who treated other people jut like he would like to be treated, and that his word was always good. If your word and handshake aren’t good, there are no contracts to make up for that anyway.”
Joseph Dell Millward - 1969-2025
He was respected in the Equine community for his horse shoeing abilities, team roping and work with horses. He was fiercely loyal, genuinely concerned and uncommonly thoughtful to his many friends. He was respectful and congenial to all who knew him in business or as an acquaintance. His greatest joy and focus in life were his two beautiful daughters.
Thomas Edward Braman - 1986-2025
While he loved fishing, hunting and rodeoing, nothing compared to the love he held for his two children, Isabella Grace Braman and Braylen Hawes Braman. They were the center of his world, and he treasured every moment spent with them. He was incredibly proud of them, and he cherished getting to teach them all about the things that were special to him.
Christopher "Cole" Sealy - 1970-2025
A graduate of Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Cole poured his energy into the cowboy way of life. He was a talented team roper, an FFA Lone Star Farmer, and served as Vice President of the Texas High School Rodeo Association. Rodeo, agriculture, and faith weren’t just hobbies for Cole—they were a way of life.
