Cowboy Passings

Going to a visitation tonight at the funeral home. Been to quite a few of those recently. All the old guard are passing away. I know they are of that age, but it does not make it any easier.  Jack Parks, one of the horse folks from the '60s horse show era, passed away......I recall so many no longer with us that were real-deal, old-time horse people ......To name a few:   Jack Johnson.....he was Margaret's husband, Billy Jack's father, and famous for his Appaloosa horses and the Tuesday Night Horse Sale at his JMB Appaloosa Ranch in Robinson.....Stanley Holmes, way too young, and a childhood friend.....Gene Tanksley, husband of Ann, father of Corey----Gene is with them now.....Raymond Parks, father of Ronnie, grandfather of Todd, and a champion horseshoe player....Glenn Wingo, one of the best old-time ropers and one sweet man.....the unkindest cut of all is with the passing of John Crawshaw, husband of Betty, father of Jane, Susie, Bill, and George, and so dear a friend that my daughter, Jon Marie, is named for Big John, and so close for many years that my children called her "Aunt Betty" and him "Uncle John". He lived away from here the last twenty-five years,  but the one consolation is that he is now home where he belongs, laid to final rest beside his beloved Betty. I remember these great cowboys with sorrow at their passing and joy and honor in having known them.