Juan Russell Sewell Sr.

Juan Russell Sewell, Sr., 87, of Bonham, TX saddled up one last time and rode off into the sunrise on the morning of May 19th, 2024.

The man, the myth, the legend was born in Whitesboro, TX on December 7th, 1936 to parents George Russell and Louise (Earnhart) Sewell, who named him after the famous romantic adventure film of the time, “Don Juan.” Juan had two brothers and one sister. His father farmed and worked in construction. His mother was a stenographer. The family made their homes in Whitesboro, Ravenna, and Bonham. Growing up in an exceedingly competitive household, young Juan learned how to rope, ride, and raise animals. He also learned how to sustain himself by “wheeling and dealing” at a very early age. At just eight years young, Juan would purchase one-week-old calves from The Woodmen Circle Home in Sherman, with money he had saved on his own. Juan recounted how the family would take the seat of their old Chevrolet sedan and set it up to load the calf in the back with the kids for a 30-mile, toe-smashing, ride home.

As a teen, Juan helped Haynes Kueckelhan build his first rodeo arena fashioned out of chicken- wire with church pews brought in as the spectator seating. The young men worked on the original arena every day after school, as long as their chores at home were through. Juan graduated from Bonham High School in 1955. A few years later, meeting the love of his life, Glynell (Crelia), Juan was married to his soulmate on July 17, 1959. Thus, embarking upon a 64-year love story.

Early in the marriage, Juan joined the U.S. Army National Guard where he reached the rank of Seargent E-5, also competing in boxing as a Soldier-Athlete, serving from 1959 to 1965. Glynell stood by Juan through many out of state assignments, from as far as Louisiana to New Jersey, conversing with one another only through Telegram. Juan and Glynell had three children in whom he instilled lifelong lessons in hard work, perseverance, and the cowboy art of hanging on. Juan was the type of man that books, songs, and movies are written about, including the 1968 Billboard country music hit “Reno” made famous by American country music artist, Dottie West. Originally written by Glynell’s friend, “Chub” Allmond, about a raven-haired cowboy named Juan. In the 1970’s, Juan was a Class A Paramedic, and received his Horseshoeing Certificate from Grayson County College in 1975.

A Farrier by trade, Juan was known for his large, Grizzly bear-esque working hands. Those signature hands were good for settling debts, scratching grandbaby’s backs, and guiding a lifetime’s worth of horses. Juan had many high-profile clients, even shoeing Belgian Draught horses for the late actor, Patrick Swayze, at Flatiron Ranch. Juan continued to make acquaintance with numerous celebrities throughout his shoeing, rodeoing, and horseracing career days, that he would later call “friend.” Although he never pursued a degree in Veterinary Medicine, many folks in the community and surrounding areas entrusted Juan with the care and treatment of their animals, even more so thanthey did their own vet.

In 1985, Juan became a grandfather, more affectionately known as “Papa,” and wore that title proudly for nearly 39 years. Juan’s main life passion, however, was owning and training winning race horses. He possessed an indisputable understanding of equine behavior, fitness, and nutrition. He had a uniquely keen ability to assess a horse and adjust a training plan to produce a winner, time after time. His fabled mare, “Olympia Joes Babe,” secured the victory at The Yellow Rose of Texas race at Lubbock Downs in 1987. Sewell Ranch is where Juan preferred to spend most of his days; initially in Randolph, then later establishing their forever home in Bonham. Never truly hanging up his signature cowboy hat, Juan spent the later years staying on-his-toes owning bucking stock, and securing 1st Place at a barrel racing when he was 70 plus years old.

Juan Sewell was many things throughout his life, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and a businessman; but at his core, he was a cowboy. His piercing blue eyes beamed with wisdom, and a touch of mischief, earned by watching countless sunsets from atop a well-fed paint horse.

Whoever said “Nobody gets to be a cowboy forever,” never met Juan Sewell. He was as true acowboy as there ever was, right up until his final days. Although his body and mind were nolonger healthy as a horse, one thing he would always say was, “I’m still a cowboy.”

Happy Trails to you, Cowboy. Until we meet again.

Juan is preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 64 years, Glynell Sewell; his parents; brother Bob Sewell; sister Georgia Hayes Whitehurst; and grandson Dustan Sewell.

Juan is survived by his children, Juan Sewell Jr. (Cathy Moncier), Michele Sewell, and Delno (Amber) Sewell; his brother, Jerry Sewell; grandchildren, Courtney Sewell-Adams, Ava Jarratt, Blair Sewell, Tanner Sewell, Kylee Sewell, and Ryner Sewell; his great-grandchildren, RidgeAdams, Cambria Wright, Arielle Wright, Emory Wright, Paisley Wright, Chase Collinsworth; and a host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers: Tanner Sewell, Kevin Hayes, Kim Hayes, Jason Sewell, Jerry Wayne Sewell, andFredy Chandler. Honorary Pallbearers: Blair Sewell and Allen Adams.

Family Night is Thursday, 05/23/2024 from 6 to 8pm at Wise Valley Chapel in Bonham. Funeral Services will be held Friday, 05/24/2024 at 12pm in the same location. Interment will follow at Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham.