Skipper & Wanda Driver

Calf, Steer & Team Roper and Steer Wrestler
1943-2011

Barrel Racer, Goat Tyer, and All Around Cowgirl
1942-Living

Skipper and Wanda Driver of Big Spring, Texas competed at the West of the Pecos Rodeo for almost 40 years.  Skipper in Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Steer Roping, and Team Roping, and Wanda in the Barrel Racing.  Each placed in many go-rounds many times and always looked forward to coming to Pecos.  They first competed in the early 1960s and last competed in the 1990s.

            Skipper was born on November 23, 1943, in Big Spring, Texas, and graduated from High School there and then attended Texas Tech where he was a member of their rodeo team.  After college, Skipper returned to Big Spring, continued to compete at rodeos, and eventually followed his dad in the insurance business.

            Skipper’s sense of pride in the community was second to none and it showed in his dedication to the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo.  He served 30 years as a director, 10 years as secretary/treasurer, and 6 years as president.  He was a PRCA Gold Card Member throughout his entire life.  Skipper passed away on April 20, 2011.  

            In 2013 he was inducted into the West Texas Junior College Hall of Fame and in 2016 into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame. 

            Wanda Boatler Driver was always as dedicated to rodeo as her husband.  She was also born in Big Spring, Texas on September 27, 1942.  After graduating from school there, Wanda attended Texas Tech where she won the All Around Cowgirl in 1965, was on the rodeo team at Tech, and was a National Barrel and Goat Tying Qualifier.  She is a WPRA Gold Card Member.

            After Wanda and Skipper married, they resided in Big Spring and both continued to compete at rodeos.  In 1974, they had their only child, Dane.  Following family tradition, Dane competes in the timed events at rodeos, and his wife, Jennifer also competes.  They are blessed with one daughter, Jordan who is a top AJRA and Jr. High Rodeo Star.

            Wanda and Dane and Jennifer built homes out of Garden City where both families now ranch and take great pride in watching Jordon compete at contests. Wanda was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2016.