Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Shane Drury, the former college bull riding champion at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and 2000 National Finals Rodeo qualifier, has died of cancer at age 27.
Drury died at his home in Ewing, Neb., with his family nearby. Memorial services are scheduled for 6 p.m. , Nov. 7 at Faith Community Church in O'Neill, Neb.
Drury was in Cheyenne, Wyo., and raised in Rapid City, S.D. He graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1999 with a degree in business and joined the PRCA after winning his college bull riding title.
In 2000, he qualified for the NFR, finishing 10th in the final world standings with earnings of $82,978.
"The thing I’ll remember the most is that he never had any quit in him," said Corey Navarre of Weatherford, Okla., a two-time Wrangler NFR cowboy, college teammate and best friend. "He fought to the bitter end. He’ll be remembered by me as a fighter and a good friend. We lost a man of God."
Drury was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that afflicts mostly teenagers, in 2002.
He returned to the rodeo arena in July 2003, recording a qualified ride in Woodward, Kan., but the cancer returned for a second time in 2004, and Drury underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., in September to remove the tumor and the remainder of two of the ribs that had partially been removed during the first surgery.
Drury was later given a clean bill of health and earned his judges card to officiate at PRCA rodeos and stay connected with the sport. He continued to judge at several rodeos around the Prairie Circuit even as his health deteriorated later in 2005, when the cancer returned for a third time.
In June, he was honored at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., by personally awarding a scholarship that bears his name. Susan Kanode, the CNFR media coordinator, established the Shane Drury Scholarship, which was awarded June 16 to Montana State University junior Jyme Peterson.
8 Entries
Shane will always be a shining star in my heart!! He is one of the good guys and will be greatly missed. If you know Shane or even if you didn't you will always have a Shane Drury memory. My thoughts & prayers are with all of Shane's family. Lots of love. god bless you all. God Speed my Buddy Shane.
love you lots
Josie Newton
November 8, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Norma Ward
November 6, 2006
Shane was bigger in life than most of us could ever dream of being. His love for God touched many, many people and through his love for God, his gentleness and peace will continue to touch people and change their lives. God had an angel here on earth and He has taken him home, but Shane will always be a blessing to those who knew him and to those who will come to know him in the future. Shane will be with us forever just becuase of the man he was. My love and prayers are with his family and friends. I was blessed to know Shane and watch him grow into the awesome, God fearing person he came to be.
Starr Skaare
November 4, 2006
My heart and my prayers are forever with you. Your always in my heart and bless you all. Love You Guys
Jessica Convey
November 2, 2006
I want to express my deepest sympathies for Mr. Drury's family. I am a grad of Southwestern, and though I did not know him, he had his heart in the right place.
Chad Hussey
November 1, 2006
Shane was a class act. I am fortunate to call him my friend and was fortunate to write about him in The Oklahoman
Ted Harbin
October 31, 2006
It seems like the good ones are always taken so young. Thank you for making your mark on this world. Your memory will live on in so many of the lives you touched.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kenton and Anna Gonterman
October 31, 2006
Such a great loss. Our prayers are with the family.
R. GONTERMAN
October 31, 2006
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more