Cleo Hearn, founder of the groundbreaking Cowboys of Color Rodeo, died on Sun, Nov 9, at the age of 86. He is remembered as a trailblazer who broke many racial barriers in rodeo history.
A native of Seminole, Oklahoma, Hearn was the first African American to attend college on a rodeo scholarship and the first to win a calf (tie-down) roping event at a major rodeo (Denver National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in 1970). In 1971, he produced his first Black rodeo in Harlem and later changed the name of his Texas Black Rodeo to the more inclusive “Cowboys of Color Rodeo” in 1995. The tour is now the largest multicultural rodeo in the world. His many accolades include induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame (2022) and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (2023) and having May 10 declared “Cleo Hearn Day” in Lancaster, Texas, where he lived most of his adult life.
Hearn brought the Cowboys of Color Rodeo to the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, whose leaders recently released a statement: “Celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of our Western way of life, the Cowboys of Color Rodeo captivates thousands of loyal fans each year. [Hearn’s] legacy, leadership, and love for Western heritage will continue inspiring generations. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who were impacted by his extraordinary life and contributions.”
Hearn also served in the U.S. Army and was one of the first eight African Americans selected for the Presidential Honor Guard under President John F. Kennedy. Hearn is survived by his wife, Wanda Henderson Hearn, and their four sons: Harlan, Eldon, Robby, and Wendell, who have taken over the leadership of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo. A wake service is scheduled for Thu, Nov 20, from 7pm to 7:45pm at the Peggy Jo Mayse Chapel at Evergreen Funeral Home (6449 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, 214-376-1500). Then on Fri, Nov 21, at 11am, there will be a Celebration of Life at Life Center United Methodist Church (220 S Cockrell Hill Rd, DeSoto, 972-230-5538).
