Butch Myers, 1980 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Champion and 12-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, passed away on July 24 in Athens, Texas. He was 78.
Myers qualified for the NFR in steer wrestling from 1980-87, 1989, 1995, and 1997, and once in tie-down roping in 1989. He was also known for his contributions to rodeo education through his schools.
“I think the legacy of dad is family and rodeo and not only trying to achieve his own success but inspire others and teach others,” his son Cash told ProRodeo.com. “He also was very proud of the fact that his kids and grandkids all competed in rodeo. We were all consumed with rodeo.”
Butch’s rodeo family includes his late wife, Fanchone, a barrel racer, and their children, Rope, Cash, and Tygh, who all excelled in rodeo. His nephew, Ty Murray, a ProRodeo Hall of Famer, and grandson, Quade Hiatt, also continued the family tradition.
Butch’s influence was profound, inspiring many, including Murray.
“When I was a kid, I was getting to see him going to the NFR and winning a world championship,” Murray said. “The first year I won the all-around (world championship) in 1989, it was between me, him and Clay O’Brien Cooper. Butch was a rodeo cowboy to the core. He was competitively roping calves until the day he died.”