Walton Poage

Walton Poage (Big Walt) was born on a ranch out of Mertzon, Texas on August 8, 1908. He was destined to be a roper from the start and first entered the West of the Pecos Rodeo in 1938. He last attended the rodeo in 1988. Walton was the calf roping champion at the Pecos rodeo 8 times and also competed in team roping.

Competing professionally, Poage won Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1947, Tucson, Arizona in 1947 and new York, Madison Square Garden in 1950.

Walton along with his wife Helen, raised their two children, Genevieve and Bud, ranching when he was not on the rodeo road. He passed away on December 8, 1995 and will always be mentioned as one of the ropers to beat at the West of the Pecos Rodeo.