Ernest Franklin Spurlin

Ernest (Pete) Franklin Spurlin was born on November 1, 1934, in Stratton, Colorado and passed away on the evening of September 26, 2025, in Calhan, Colorado at his home surrounded by family at the age of 90.

Ernest was known by many names. He was known to his parents, siblings, and their family as Frank; his friends knew him as Pete, and his children and grandchildren knew him by dad and Papa Pete. Pete was one of five children born to Dale and Annie (Connaway) Spurlin on their homestead in Stratton. In 1948, Pete began tagging along with his late brother Jim Spurlin to local rodeos where he would get on any turn out bareback broncs he could. Pete got on his first saddle bronc at a rodeo in Paradise Valley and never looked back or rode another bareback horse. Pete was often found fighting bulls as well and oftentimes rode his saddle bronc in his clown outfit so he could jump right in during the bull riding. In 1955, Pete set off for Santa Fe New Mexico to pursue his passion for art but got sidetracked in Colorado Springs. He took a job setting up pins in a local bowling alley and then went to work for Daniels Chevrolet. It was at Holt's corner on one of his lunch breaks where he met (Mary) Helen Simpson. The couple were married in 1957 in Raton, NM. Pete and Helen welcomed five children: Casey, Devin, Kelly, Aaron, and Shelly.

Pete served in the Army from 1957-1959 and was stationed at Fort Smith, AR for about a year. His oldest son Casey was born while they lived in Arkansas. Pete and family came back to Colorado Springs where he eventually went to work for Whitco (White Automotive) making soft tops for jeeps until 1991 when the company went bankrupt. During his time with Whitco, Pete earned a manufacturing engineering certificate in Durham, NC. He designed and built many tools and machines for the company. Pete moved to Broomfield in 1992 and went to work for Best Top doing the same type of work. He retired from Best Top in 1999. A few years after he retired, Pete moved to Yoder where he lived until 2021. He then went to live with his son Devin and daughter-in-law Kellie until his death in 2025.

Pete was quiet and did not often talk about his accomplishments or the interesting life he lived, but would talk for hours about his dad and Uncle Shorty taking a covered wagon from Stratton, CO to La Salle, UT. He loved his children and shared his love of art, horses, rodeo, hunting, and the outdoors with each of them in his own way. Pete served as a wrangler for the Pikes Peak or Bust Range Riders for many years and included his sons in the yearly ride. He was passionate about the National Little Britches Rodeo association and served on the National Board as well as the local Pikes Peak board. Pete loved to help any kid he could at any rodeo he attended with his family. He shared his knowledge and love of the sport with anyone who asked. He truly was one of the great rodeo dads in his time with the association. Pete and Helen worked together to ensure their children had everything they needed to compete and be successful, not just in rodeo, but in all of life.

Pete was preceded in death by his dad, mom, brothers John and Jim, his sister Mary, and many other family members. Pete leaves behind a full legacy in his family. He is survived by his oldest brother Dean; his five children; Casey Spurlin (wife Paula), Devin Spurlin (wife Kellie), Aaron Spurlin, Kelly Spurlin, Shelly McCaleb; eight grandchildren; Tasha Chevarria (husband Bobby), Ashley Roe (husband Brandon), Mary Von Kessel, Melinda Thompson (husband Gideon), Tim Spurlin (wife Kaitlin), Katie Esposito (husband Steven), Ryan Spurlin, and Emily Mraz (husband Sean); and thirteen great-grandchildren; Callen, Corbyn, Jack, Eleanor, Enoch, Delaney, Elaina, Charlotte, Talia, Kylie, Moses, Holland, and Vincent; and many other family members and friends who counted him as family.

Please join the family for a celebration of life for Pete on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the home of Aaron Spurlin where we will share photos, memories, and maybe a cigar and a bloody mary or two to commemorate a life well lived! Please contact the family for more information.