Howard Westfall was born in Ozona, Crockett County, Texas on July 1, 1895. His parents were Samuel Wesley and Mary Bertha Westfall. Howard was a rodeo champion of champions. His rodeo career covered and amazing 58 years.
He entered his first rodeo in 1918 at Ozona, which marked the beginning of a circuit of travel that included the entire United States and Old Mexico. In 1934 he sailed to London, where won the title of World Champion Calf Roper and a $2,000 purse-a sizable amount then and now. In 1935 Howard won first place in the steer roping at Pendleton, Oregon.
In 1936 he entered the Madison Square Garden Rodeo in New York City. He won first in the wild cow milking contest. It was there that the cowboys went on strike and formed the first professional cowboy association, known as the Cowboy Turtles Association. Sixty cowboys signed the petition, and Howard became the Number 52 card holder, which he held to the end, becoming a Gold Card holder in the PRCA.
In 1948 Howard was honored by receiving an invitation to the first King Merriott Invitational Roping ever held in Encampment, Wyoming, where he placed 5th in the calf roping. Two of Howard’s favorite horses were “Punkin” and “Turkey”, both bays. Pinkin was a calf horse who made the trip to London, and Turkey was one of favorite steer roping horses.
Howard was not only a champion in the arena but was also a top hand on anyone’s ranch. He managed a number of West Texas outfits during his 79 years, the last being the Jack Turney Ranch at Sonora. Howard was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He commanded the highest respect from all his cowboy associates, not only for his roping ability but also because he was a fine gentleman and always a true friend. He was the most sought-after partner in steer roping by young and old alike, for it was widely known that he seldom missed a loop. He was the idol of many young people because of his generosity and unpretentiousness and was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Lois, Howard’s wife of 43 years was always a part of his rodeo career. Lois is still an avid rodeo fan, and she and Howard were an inseparable team, affectionately known as “Mamaw” and “Papaw”. Lois’s spirit of enthusiasm surely helped Howard to be the winner and champion that he was, and their presence in sorely missed.
Howard Westfall died January 18, 1975, in San Angelo, Texas. His wife Lois now resides part-time in Tivoli, Texas and part-time in Barnhart, Texas. He is also survived by two sons, Howard Westfall Jr. and Jim Westfall and two daughters, Doris and Joy.
