Robert Howell ‘R.H.” was born on September 22, 1929, in McCamey, Texas. He has 2 sisters and 1 brother. At an early age, his family moved from far west Texas across the state to Hearne, in central Texas. It was there that he was coached by local cowboys, including a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) finalist, Vernon Kerns. On a borrowed horse, borrowed truck and trailer, and borrowed entry fees, he entered his first competition at age 16. At this Pasadena, Texas rodeo, he was fortunate to win money, thus the start of his competitive drive.
Fellow ropers nicknamed him “Mighty Mouse” due to his small stature yet competitive drive. It was in 1966, while in his mid-30s, he performed on opening night of the PRCA rodeo at the new Astrodome in Houston, Texas. When a cantankerous calf refused to lay properly, R. H. chose to hop on the calf and go for a ride. The crowd went wild, but the rodeo producer, Harry Knight, was not amused.
Rodeos and ropings were his lifestyle during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. It was in 1956 that he and 15-20 cowboys founded the Central Rodeo Association (CRA). The association, now known as the United Professional Rodeo Association, has grown into one of the largest rodeo associations in the southwest with over 100 rodeos yearly. Whether competing in the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA), the CRA, or the PRCA, R. H., as a 4th generation Texan, was competitive and well respected.
In the 1960s, R.H, and fellow calf ropers helped form the “Cowboys Association,” an association just for calf ropers. Many match ropings were held across the state with R. H. often winning the big money. R. H., though working a full-time job during the week, would be found with his wife, Willie Mae, and family in tow at some rodeo over the long weekend. R. H. had the competitive drive well into his 70 years “young” and took part in the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association as well as the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association. Currently, at 80, the team roping competition is his main event and he is still winning those buckles, saddles, and trailers.
Today, with the support of his daughters, Diana, Sharon, Deborah, and son Bob, and their children, his love of the sport continues while living on his ranch in Decatur, Texas.
