Curtis McElroy

Calf Roper, Dogger, & Reeves County Chief of Police
1897-1966

Born on October 30, 1897, John Curtis McElroy (Curtis) was destined to be a cowboy. While competing at many local rodeos, including Pecos, he also served as Reeves County Chief of Police, and Chief Deputy and was a Game Warden.

          In the early 1930s, McElroy would enter the Calf Roping and the Heading and Heeling as well as the Dogging and any other timed event at the West of the Pecos Rodeo. He often rode his sorrel horse named Rowdy placing in every go-round and declared the overall winner.

          Curtis was a charter member of the Cowboy’s Turtle Association, the forerunner of the PRCA. He was a Director of the West of the Pecos Rodeo for several years and along the way roped at Cheyenne, Wyoming, and other major rodeos. He also roped in numerous matched roping events throughout West Texas.

          McElroy married Myrtle Vest and they did not have children. He passed away on May 15, 1966, at the age of 68.  John Curtis McElroy was posthumously inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame.