FORT WORTH, TEXAS (May 9, 2023) — A Memorial Service in Fort Worth, Texas will be held for Larry Mahan, a truly legendary cowboy who passed from our world to heaven on Sunday, May 7 at his home in Valley View, Texas with family by his side. He was 79.
The Service, hosted by Justin McKee, will be held Tuesday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) at Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Open seating will be available to the public. Friends, family, World Champion rodeo contestants, PBR World Finals qualifiers and NFR qualifiers are asked to meet at The Barn Meeting Hall at The Drover Hotel at 5 p.m. and will be escorted to floor seating.
Though he was referred to as “the first rock star of rodeo” with vast accomplishments in the arena as a saddle bronc rider, bareback rider and bull rider during a career that brought six All-Around World Championships (five in a row from 1966-70) and two bull riding World Championships in the PRCA, Mahan was the rare embodiment of a modern authentic American cowboy. More than a rodeo competitor, he was a powerful ambassador for the Western lifestyle.
Mahan would be inducted into ProRodeo Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1979. Later, he became a member of PBR’s Ring of Honor and was recognized with the Ty Murray Top Hand Award for his significant and lasting contributions to enhance the sport of rodeo and its heritage. He has been inducted into every Western hall of fame of significance.
Even with all his successes in and out of the arena, Larry Mahan was as generous of spirit, giving of his time, and humble as a cowboy could be. The Memorial Service will remember and celebrate a man who inspired and touched countless people and will continue to do so even as he is no longer with us.
PBR would like to thank the American Paint Horse Association for working to rearrange their scheduled Cowgirl Gathering events to make Cowtown Coliseum available for this Memorial Service.
There will be a reception following the memorial service for friends, family, World Champion rodeo contestants, PBR World Finals qualifiers and NFR qualifiers courtesy of The Cowboy Channel at Tannehill’s Tavern in the Stockyards featuring a special performance by Annie Bosko.
In lieu of flowers, a foundation will be set up in Larry Mahan’s name. Details on the foundation, and how to donate, will be released at a later date. Updates and additional information will be posted on Facebook at Facebook.com/PBR, Twitter at Twitter.com/PBR, and YouTube at YouTube.com/PBR.
