Welcome to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame website. Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame features many unique Western Exhibits such as: the Sterquell Wagon Collection, John Justin Trail of Fame, Chisholm Trail Exhibit, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Zigrang Bit Collection, Adventures of the Cowboy Trail, our Western Gift Shop, and the Jersey Lilly Old-Tyme Photo Parlor.
James Jennings (1933-2004) -- James was one of the voices of rodeo for over three decades. He was the announcer for the Mesquite Championship Rodeo for thirty-five years and the voice of the Dallas Cowboys from 1968-1988. Among his many affiliations, James was a member of the Dallas School Board (1971-1975), Central Rodeo Association, Southern Rodeo Association, International Rodeo Association, Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA), Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Mr. Jennings was also an accomplished author. His book, “Touring Texas Towns…and some that ain’t” was in its third printing when he passed away. Nolan Ryan – Nolan Ryan has been raising Beefmaster Cattle since 1972. He is a member of the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the American Breeders Association. He and wife, Ruth, started the Nolan Ryan Foundation in 1990, which benefits students in Ranch Management programs. He served on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission from 1995-2001. Mr. Ryan is currently the President of the Texas Rangers. He is also a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Tom Reeves – Tom was 14 when he entered his first rodeo. At 17, he earned his PRCA card. Tom is an 18-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier. In 1993, he took home the NFR Average title and in 2001, he became the World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. In 2003, he was sidelined with a knee injury. Tom retired from rodeo in 2005 and entered the rodeo field as a stock contractor, as well as becoming the Ranger [Texas] Rodeo Coach. As a second season coach, Tom coached the Men’s Rodeo Team to a College National Finals title in 2007. Tom won the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Mentoring Award in 2007 and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2008. Today, Tom is the owner/operator of Wild Card Rodeo Rough Stock, Inc. Dean Smith – Dean Smith grew up watching westerns and dreaming of going to Hollywood to make movies alongside his idols. While attending the University of Texas, Smith, an outstanding athlete in football and track helped the men’s 400-meter relay team win a gold medal at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. After college, he had a two-year stint with the Army and went on to play football for the former Los Angeles Rams football team. Mr. Smith's Olympic roommate introduced him to the "Hollywood crowd,” that led to his successful career as a stuntman. Mr. Smith has doubled for leading men such as Robert Redford and Dale Robertson. He Made 10 movies with John Wayne including his favorite “The Alamo.” He retired in 1992 and returned to Texas. Today Mr. Smith is still active in many charity events. Among them: The Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism and his own Dean Smith Celebrity Rodeo, which benefits the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The Warvell Family - based in Weatherford, Texas has performed in almost every major American city, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Japan, Brazil, England, Singapore and even Kuwait. Their spectacular acts have been the highlight of PRCA Rodeos, Fairs and Wild West Shows. Jim and Jan Warvell along with daughters Toni and Sonna, kept audiences thrilled with acts featuring Roman Riding, Trick Riding, Trick Roping, Comedy Routines and Dancing Horses. One of the most spectacular acts featured Jan riding a beautiful white horse at liberty without a bridle or saddle. Trained by Jim Warvell, 'White Feather' and Jan would jump a white Convertible car in the arena in front of a spellbound audience. Today, 2009, finds the Warvells still active in the horse business. Jim and Jan are owners and trainers of race horses, Toni is active in cutting, training and judging Equine events and since the 1992 Euro Disney opening, Sonna has had the starring role as 'Annie Oakley' in 'Le Legende de Buffalo Bill', Disney's largest dinner show located in Paris, France. Rick Smith Spirit of Texas Award Recipeient
Dr. James H. “Red” Duke, Jr. – Dr. “Red” Duke is a true Texas icon. Dr. Duke’s life as well as his list of achievements and accolades is as endless as his Texas spirit. Growing up in Central Texas, Duke’s work ethic began at an early age. As a young boy, he ran paper routes, dug ditches, harvested cotton and earned the honor of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Duke, a member of the Corps of Cadets and Yell Leader, graduated from Texas A&M University in 1950 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Upon graduation, he became a U.S. Army commissioned officer and member of the 67th Medium Tank Battalion of the Second Armor Division stationed in Germany. He returned to Texas in 1956 and enrolled in Medical School at the UT Southwestern. After completing his internal medicine internship at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Duke received the NIH Special Fellowship at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York City. Dr. Duke’s medical endeavors have taken him all over the United States and around the world. After spending the early 70s assisting in the development of a medical school in Afghanistan, Dr. Duke returned home to Texas. Upon his return, Dr. Duke was asked to establish the trauma unit at Hermann Hospital in Houston. During his tenure as Chief of Trauma, Dr. Duke established the first Life Flight Helicopter System in Texas. Duke also hosted the nationally syndicated television show Texas Health Reports. Among his many honors, Dr. Duke is a member of the Texas A&M University Corps Hall of Honor; selected as “Surgeon of the Year” in 1988 by the James F. Mitchell Foundation and the recipient of the 2008 Thurman Award for excellence in Telemedicine and Advanced Medical Technology. Dr. Duke is also a founding member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (International Committee & Health Committee), founder of the Texas Big Horn Society, and past President of the Boone & Crockett Club.
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors Texas men and women who have excelled in the sports of rodeo, cutting and the equine industry. A few of our Inductees includes: Trevor Brazile, Don Edwards, George Strait, Lane Frost, Ty Murray, Tuff Hedeman, Charmayne James, and Don Gay (8 time World Champion Bull Rider)!! Each Inductee has their own booth that contains personal photographs, memorabilia and more.
