ProRodeo Sports News - February 23, 2018

PRCA NOTES

Mary Margaret Richter and Martin (Erin) Richter; grandchildren, Deak Davis and McClain Richter; sister, Tonya (James) Mershon. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Calf Scramble Scholarship Fund or the Windy Ryan Memorial Roping Scholarship Fund, in his memory, are suggested.

international fame and raced across the United States and Canada, as well as at tracks in Russia, Germany, Sweden and Italy. Beissinger learned the horse business from his father, who farmed and raced a few horses. After World War II, when Howard told his mother that he planned to make horse racing his profession, she greeted the news with tears. Her son achieved success quickly, however, becoming one of the leading drivers on the Chicago racing circuit. His abilities and his work ethic drew notice, and he began to attract the support of prominent owners. Beissinger is survived by daughter Jane (Dave) Freeman; daughter Gloria (Joseph) Rickard; son, Orrin (Minna); daughter, Vana Beissinger; and grandchildren, Julia Ganzi and Markus Beissinger. Amemorial service will be held at the Webb- Noonan-Kidd Funeral Home in Hamilton, Ohio, March 10.

PASSAGES

MARTIN LOUIS RICHTER JR.

Martin Louis Richter Jr., a PRCA Gold Card

HOWARD F. BEISSINGER

member and bareback rider, passed away Feb. 14, he was 64. Richter also was a volunteer for the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo, where he served on the board of directors and executive committee.

Howard F. Beissinger, a PRCA Gold Card member and a member of the Harness Racing Hall

of Fame for 44 years, passed away Feb. 6 in Hamilton, Ohio. He was 94. Beissinger also produced rodeos throughout the Midwest in partnership with Don Hight, a South Dakota cowboy

Richter

He was instrumental in starting the Stock Show’s Calf Scramble that his son, Martin, now co-chairs. Better known as “Marty,” Richter was born Aug. 4, 1953, in Fort Worth. A cowboy and horseman from the beginning, Richter spent childhood summers with his uncle S.L., starting racehorses and later working as an order buyer at cattle auctions across Texas. During his rodeo career, Richter enjoyed working for his lifelong friend BillyMinick and his rodeo stock contracting company. In 1978, Richter retired fromprofessional rodeo when he married MaryMartha Edwards. He was a proud father to his three childrenMeredith, MaryMargaret andMartin. Richter was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Richter. He is survived by his wife, Mary Martha; children, Meredith (Jeff ) Davis,

Beissinger

Beissinger admired. Beissinger was well known in the rodeo world to cowboys and cowgirls, as well as stock contractors and officials. He was also a member of the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame and the Butler County (Ohio) Sports Hall of Fame. He was known for his tough, no- nonsense approach to his profession. His attention to detail in matters such as proper shoeing won him the admiration of fellow horsemen. Born on May 16, 1923, on the family farm near Hamilton, Beissinger died only a few miles from where he was born. He won the Hambletonian, America’s greatest trotting classic, three times, earning the nickname “Hambo Howard.” He enjoyed

ARRIVALS

LARIAT LACE MELANCON Born Jan. 2 to PRCA bull rider Cole Melancon and his girlfriend, Raelee Self, of Batson, Texas, a girl, Lariat Lace Melancon. Lariat Lace weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 19 inches long. This is the couple’s first child.

Melancon

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