Clark McEntire, born on November 30, 1927, in Graham, Oklahoma, was a legendary steer roper and influential figure in professional rodeo. From a young age, Clark developed a passion for roping, learning from his father, John McEntire, a world champion steer roper in 1934. He left school in the ninth grade to help on the family ranch, and by 19, he had won the prestigious 1947 Pendleton Roundup All-Around title.
Throughout his career, Clark achieved remarkable success, winning three World Championship Steer Roping titles in 1957, 1958, and 1961, and claiming victory at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1954 and 1961. He consistently competed in major events like the West of the Pecos Rodeo, setting records for the fastest time on a single steer and on five head. His success was attributed not only to his talent but also to his trusted horse, Joe, regarded as one of the best roping horses of all time.
Clark’s achievements allowed him to build a prosperous life, acquiring 8,000 acres of grazing land in Oklahoma. Known for his wit and humor, he married Jacqueline Smith in 1950, and they had four children, including Reba McEntire, whom Clark encouraged to pursue a career in country music. Reba’s big break came when she sang the National Anthem at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo.
Clark was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979 and posthumously into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame. He passed away on October 23, 2014, leaving a legacy as a rodeo champion and family patriarch.
