TLBAA Special Awards

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Elmer Parker Lifetime Award

Lifetime Devotion to the Texas Longhorn Breed and Its Breeders

The Elmer Parker Lifetime Award honors those members, who have been dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Longhorn breed, qualities that Parker was known for.

This award is named after Elmer Parker, who was a longtime employee and manager of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge Longhorn herd. Parker joined the staff at the Refuge in 1946, learning from the previous Longhorn managers: Earl Drummond, Heck Schrader and Joe Bill Lee. In 1968, he took over the responsibilities of the Longhorns at the Refuge and continued until his retirement in 1981. Thus, the continuity of Longhorn expertise at the Refuge continued for more than half a century.

The Parker Brown color designation on Longhorn registrations was named after Elmer Parker – the dark brown, almost black color, with lighter dorsal stripe, was one of his favorite colors.

Past Recipients of the Elmer Parker Award

1987 – J.G. “Jack” Phillips
1988 – Dave Evans
1989 – J.W. Isaacs
1990 – Charles Schreiner III
1991 – Eddie Wood
1992 – F.M. “Blackie” Graves
1993 – Dan. O. Coates
1994 – Leonard Stiles
1995 – Johnnie Hoffman
1996 – Walter B. Scott
1997 – Col. Fraser West
1998 – Linda Moore/Harvey Rasmussen
1999 – Owen McGill
2000 – Charlene Semkin
2001 – Dan W. Coates
2002 – Bob Moore
2003 – Tim Miller
2004 – T.M. Smith
2005 – H.C. Carter
2006 – Sherman Boyles
2007 – Harvey Rassmussen
2008 – Dr. Bob Kropp
2009 – Michael McLeod
2010 – Joe & Lorinda Valentine
2011 – Maurice Ladnier
2012 – Dr. Joyce Kimble
2013 – Kaso Kety
2015 – John Allen
2016 – Wes Watson
2017 – Darol Dickinson
2018 – Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower
2019 – Dr. Darlene Aldridge D.V.M
2020 – Dora Thompson
2021 – Richard Filip
2022 – Keith & Tina DuBose
2023 – Jimmy Jones

Jack Phillips Award

The Jack Phillips Award honors individuals who have worked selflessly for the Texas Longhorn and breeders alike, without recognition.

This award is named after former TLBAA President Jack Phillips who was a quiet, yet forceful presence in the TLBAA. It is hoped that Affiliate Presidents will encourage their members to nominate individuals who have fulfilled this criteria but all members of the TLBAA are encouraged to makes nominations.

Past recipients of the Jack Phillips Award

1994 – John & Silvia Gams
1995 – Kenneth Archer
1996 – Maudeen Marks & Eileen Day
1997 – Noah & Melba Oliver
1998 – R.L. Slater
1999 – Glen Lewis
2000 – Dorie Damuth
2001 – Charley & Doris Snyder
2002 – David Hartshorn
2003 – Ray Moore
2004 – Morgan Cook, Jr.
2005 – Ronnie Cruce
2006 – Albert G. “Pete” Boyce, Jr.
2007 – Trigg & Traci Moore
2008 – Steve & Bodie Quary
2009 – Steven Zunker
2010 – Donnie Taylor
2011 – Elmer Rosenberger
2012 – Kim & Robert Richey
2013 – Dale Hunt & Sherrill Caddel 2014 – Geoff Dawson, Tina Stewart & Charlene Musgrove
2015 – Rodger & Bonnie Damrow
2016 – Joe Sedlacek
2017 – John & Christy Randolph 2018– Keith & Tina Dubose
2019– Neil Glasgow & Jan McDaniel
2020– Donnie Taylor
2021 – The Bass Family, Felix, Della & Felicia Serna
2022 - Eitan & Sandy Barhum / Deb Lesyk
2023 – Scot & Jodie O’Bryan

The Dave Evans Breeder of the Year Award

The Dave Evans Breeder of the Year Award is given to individuals who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of Texas Longhorn cattle through their breeding program.

This award is named after native Texan, Dave Evans, who entered the Texas Longhorn industry in 1977, establishing the Yellow Pine Ranch at Cuchara, CO. He and his wife, Billicarole, quickly became enthusiastic about the breed and additional ranches were purchased to supplement the original ranch.

Evans served on the Board of Directors of both the TLBAA and the Mountain & Plains Texas Longhorn Association. He also served terms as TLBAA Vice-President. He was a founding partner and host of the Colorado National Texas Longhorn Sale, a record-breaking event when it started in 1981, which continued to be one of the industry’s major events for many years.

From the start, Evans realized the necessity of using the best bulls available in the breed in order to develop a top herd. His goal was to breed for consistent size as well as correctness and outstanding horns. He purchased Texas Ranger Jr. in 1980, and then Dixie Rebel and Major Investment. In 1986, Evans acquired CT Spoty Ruler, the bull he considered to be the best he’d ever owned.

Before his untimely death, Evans had succeeded in breeding a herd of Texas Longhorns that were well recognized in the breed. It is therefore a significant honor to be a recipient of this award, named in honor of this dedicated Longhorn breeder.

Past Recipients of the Dave Evans Award

1982 – Babs & Chico Wright
1983 – Jack Montgomery
1984 – Red McCombs
1985 – Ray Moore
1986 – Al Micallef
1987 – Glen W. Lewis
1988 – Dave Evans
1989 – Jerry & Martha Gillespie
1990 – Bob & Linda Moore
1991 – Dr. Joseph Graham
1992 – Dr. L.V. Baker
1993 – Johnnie Hoffman
1994 – Wayne Rumley, Wes & Carrie Hill
1995 – W.O. & Patti Marquess
1996 – El Coyote Ranch
1997 – John T. Baker
1998 – Shady W Ranch
1999 – Bob Coffee
2000 – John & Christy Randolph
2001 – Ben Gravett
2002 – Bob Loomis
2003 – John & Diann Chase
2004 – Mike Bowman
2005 – Johnnie Robinson
2006 – Robert and Kim Richey
2007 – Doug Hunt
2008 – Kaso Kety
2009 – Jimmy Jones/ Dora Thompson
2010 – Brent & Cindy Bolen
2011 – Darlene Aldridge, DVM
2012 – El Coyote Ranch
2013 – Bob Loomis
2015 – Brett & Darcy De Lapp
2016 – Nancy Dunn
2017 – Richard Filip
2018 – John & Brenda Oliver
2019– Bill & Suzanne Torkildsen
2020 – Ross & Curtis Ohlendorf
2021 – Kent & Sandy Harrell
2022 - John & Debra Helm
2023 – Dale Metz

Mel Raley Rising Star

The Mel Raley Rising Star Award is a special recognition awarded to those who have been an active member of the TLBAA for less than five years and through involvement and sustained enthusiasm have made a positive impact on their peers and on the Longhorn breed.

This award is named after Mel Raley, who will always be remembered as a shining star for the TLBAA because of his ability to share his vast knowledge of the Longhorn breed with new members.