Rodeo

Patrick Gottsch (1953–2024), founder of RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel

Patrick Gottsch was a media executive who helped shine a spotlight on rural, western American life via RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel, both of which he founded.

Larry Mahan (1943–2023), Hall of Fame rodeo cowboy 

Larry Mahan was a legendary rodeo cowboy who was profiled in the Oscar-winning 1973 documentary “The Great American Cowboy.” 

Cotton Rosser (1928–2022), rodeo legend

Cotton Rosser was a legend in the rodeo world, who brought new showmanship to the sport as he operated the Flying U Rodeo Ranch.

Alex Cord (1933–2021), actor who starred on "Airwolf"

Alex Cord was an actor who starred on the TV series"Airwolf" as Michael Coldsmith Briggs III, better known as Archangel.

Lecile Harris (2020), rodeo clown who appeared on “Hee Haw”

Lecile Harris was a legendary rodeo clown who appeared on TV shows including “Hee Haw,” where he performed for five years. When Harris got into rodeo as a young man, rodeo clowns also fought the bulls that bucked off bullriders. He continued fighting bulls until his 50s, when he became solely a rodeo clown. He performed for decades, with his last performance at the 55th Annual Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Show in Jackson. Mississippi, just before his death.

Mason Lowe (1993–2019), professional bull rider

Mason Lowe (1993–2019), one of the top bull fighters on the PBR professional circuit, died from injuries sustained in competition Tuesday night in Denver when he was thrown from a bull who then accidentally stomped on his chest. He was one of the most popular riders on the tour, known for his wry wit and warmth. Though a risky sport, Lowe is only the third rider to die in a bull riding competition since PBR was founded in 1992.