R.D. (Bob) Johnson of Eldorado, epitomized the Texas Rodeo Cowboy. He truly lived, worked, and rodeoed almost exclusively in Texas. He was able to have a successful rodeo career and continued to be competitive, well into his 70s. Not many cowboys of any caliber were able to stay successful in the arena over 7 decades!
Bob grew up as a ranch kid in West Texas. He rodeoed at San Angelo College and Sul Ross State University. He qualified three times for the NIRA finals with his team at Sul Ross winning the National Champion men’s team.
After college he continued to amateur rodeo. He bought many PRCA permits but never purchased his card. When he filled his permits, he chose to go to rodeos around Texas and not give up his amateur status. He was well known as a calf roper, team tyer, and team roper, especially known for his consistency and horsemanship. It is said that he was one of the first to flank calves versus legging them down. During the 60’s and 70’s, he won many of the notable Texas rodeos in both calf and team roping, including the Post Stampede, Rocksprings, Roaring Springs, Wimberley, Pecos, Eldorado and Houston, to name a few.
The ranch was always Bob’s priority, with rodeos coming second. He married Sherry in 1968 and the addition of children Ashley and Lindsay in the 70’s also kept him closer to home. After a knee injury, he focused on team roping, competing into his 70’s. He won one of the first “Truck” ropings when he was 62.
Bob was a cowboy in every sense of the word every day of his life. He was a generous and humble family man and a steward of land and livestock.
