All Inductees

Sherman Pressley

Empty Saddles

Sherman Pressley was born March 6, 1915. He came from a large family of six children. As a youth, he was always involved with mules, horses and cattle. As an adult, Sherman served as a foreman for many Texas ranches and became active in competition as a calf roper. He and his wife, Emma, had two sons.

From 1959-1978 Pressley served as pick-up man and livestock superintendent at the weekly legendary Kow Bell Arena in Mansfield, Texas. He helped in all capacities to ensure the jackpots and rodeos were successful.

Outside of competition in the arena Pressley was always generous with his time and financial aid to help others. Many children were fortunate to have a ride on “Dusty”, with Sherman as their guide. When not in the rodeo arena Pressley, with his two sons, raised quarter horses and cattle.

In 1978, after being critically injured in an automobile accident and the loss of his beloved wife Emma, Sherman was no longer able to compete in the arena. He focused on his ranching. He remarried and with his blended family Sherman continued many horse activities with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He instilled in his family the rewards of hard work and acts of kindness. Pressley lived the “Cowboy way of Life” until his death in 1997.