Buster Ivory

SERVICES: Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 13, 2003 at the First Christian Church, with Clem McSpadden of Chelsea, Oklahoma, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Honorary pallbearers are PRCA members. Music will be by Joe Lucas of Edmond, Oklahoma and Red Steagall. Mr. Ivory's remains will be returned to the home ranch. <br><br>BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Ivory was born August 9, 1923 in Alturas, California. He married June Bull on July 29, 1954 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He had been a resident of Pampa since 1958, moving here from Denver, Colorado. He was a third-generation Irish ranch-rodeo family from Modoc County, California, entering his first rodeo at MacArthur, California in 1938 at the age of 15. He was declared the All Around Cowboy by winning $58.00 for first place in the bull riding and splitting ½ in the steer stopping. He incorporated the Rodeo Cowboys Association, served as secretary/treasurer for 4 years, and negotiated and signed rodeo's first TV contract. He was National Finals Livestock superintendent for the first 26 consecutive years. He was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1990, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1991, and was selected as the 1999 recipient of the Ben Johnson Award.SURVIVORS: Wife: June Bull Ivory of the home; 3 daughters: Patti Charles of Oakdale, CA; Polly Johnson of Parowan, UT; and Mike Ivory of Oakdale, CA; 1 brother: Edward Ivory of New South Wales, Australia; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.MEMORIALS: National Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1700 NE 63rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, or the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, 101 Pro Rodeo Dr., Colorado Springs,CO 80919.