WSTR News
Empty Saddles
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.
George "Pete" Zanetti- 1939-2025
Longtime team roper and horse-trailer guru George "Pete" Zanetti passed away on July 30, 2025. He was 86. Pete was born in Victorville, Calif., to Anthony and Pearl Zanetti and grew up working in their donut shop, the Desert Maid Bakery. He began riding horses at a very young age with his father, picking up a rope when he was 9 years old and only putting it down a few years ago.
Chris Glover - 1960-2025
Chris team roped all his life, and qualified for three National Finals Steer Ropings in 2016, ’18 and ’19—his first at age 56. Glover also was a five-time National Circuit Finals Steer Roping contestant in 2010-11, 2015-17 from the Mountain States Circuit. He won that last NCFSR in Torrington, Wyoming in 2017. “Chris loved his family, and he never met a stranger,” JoJo LeMond said. “He had great morals, and respect for people and the land. He was just dang right a good man. He also loved to have fun, and we had a lot of it. I don’t know that I ever saw him in a bad mood. A couple minutes after a bad run, it was washed away. Chris was about 20 years older than me, but we got along perfect."
John Max Robertson, Jr. - 1981-2025
John was born on October 6, 1981, in Burlingame, California, to John Max Robertson, Sr. and Jenine Ann Robertson. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior later in life and lived life with his faith. John will be fondly remembered for his kindness, generous spirit, and larger-than-life smile. He had been a proud member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the American Cowboy Team Roping Association, and the World Series of Team Roping. He lived life to the fullest on the back of a horse and will be remembered for his deep love for family and passion for all things Cowboy and Rodeo.
Ralph "Thunder" Maynard - 1944-2025
Ralph, the youngest of four children grew up on a ranch near Dupree, S.D. Growing up, Ralph and his two brothers and many great friends grew up ranching and hunting. Some of Ralph’s greatest childhood stores include his beloved South Dakota friends who became family for life. As Ralph’s rodeo career took him to the National Finals Rodeo four times in Oklahoma City, OK, he met the most amazing families and friends across the country. Some of the greatest cowboys of all time were Ralph’s closest friends. Ralph stayed in touch with his friends from across the rodeo trail throughout his life.
Thomas Clorine Farwell - 1940-2024
Thomas was an amazing Horseman, roper, and won many Buckles and Saddles. He also was a Jeep Racer and won many times at that as well. He did field Trial and was a great dog trainer. He was a great Hunter, and one of the best brick Layers(mason) ever. He loved life!
Tutt Garnett - 1952- 2025
Garnett, who was from Matador, Texas, worked his way up the rodeo ranks, winning the American Junior Rodeo Association regional championships in calf roping and all-around. He went on to compete at Western Texas College in Snyder and Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. Garnett joined the PRCA in 1976. Initially he competed in all four timed-events – steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and steer roping. "Rodeo has been part of my life since I was about 5 years old," Garnett said in the 1992 PRCA Media Guide. "I learned the basics by working with my dad on the Matador Ranch. I really love rodeo."
David S Brown - 1946-2025
There are few people who touched the world of team roping, specifically in California, like David S. Brown. Born on March 16, 1946, and making his final ride on February 9, 2025, after a private eight-month battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, David will forever be remembered as a big, kind man who loved life and loved people. While many ropers knew him as the man behind the California $hootouts, he was so much more than that. David S. Brown was an advocate, a competitor, a teacher, and a friend.
Delbertine Hurley (Della) Greenwood 1926-2025
Although Della was a “city girl,” she adapted to ranch life. She learned to ride and was, for a time, the only help Hart had. She taught her daughters how to ride by carrying them on a pillow in front of her while she and Hart worked cattle. When the girls and then their son, Trey, were old enough to replace her as cowhands, she stopped riding and perfected her ranch cooking. Her branding dinners were renowned. She learned the ranching business and spent many hours “conjecturing” about which cows to sell and which to keep.
