Salem Championship Rodeo mourns ‘great cowboy,’ Bobby Rowe

Rowe is a longtime face of the rodeo

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo is mourning the loss of a great cowboy.

Bobby Rowe, a longtime face of the rodeo, has passed away. Always greeting people with an infectious smile, he never failed to make everyone feel welcome.

Rowe played an integral role at the rodeo and impacted several on a day-to-day basis. He was the 1965 World Champion Saddle Bronc rider, former hired hand and rodeo producer for the Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo, formerly known as the Loretta Lynn Rodeo.

He even went on to produce the rodeo’s 50th celebration, one of his proudest moments, according to a release. To express his appreciation for those who worked behind the scenes on the event, he had special jackets made for them.

“We ask that everyone please keep the family and rodeo community in their prayers and we’re gonna miss you, you ‘So of a Buck’ and for those wondering about the future the high-quality entertainment will continue as Bobby had handed over the reins in 2020 to longtime stock contractor and friend Bart Futrell,” said DeBusk.

Rowe joins his wife Lenore, a top trick rider who passed away in 2005 after a battle with breast cancer. He is survived by his two sons, Bill and Justin, his sister Irma and many others.

His memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.


Here’s a look at an interview 10 News had with Rowe in 2019:


About the Author:

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.