ProRodeo Sports News - June 23, 2022

STOCK CONTRACTOR

PRCA ProRodeo file photo

Jake Beutler Stock contractor forever enshrined BY TANNER BARTH G The Beutler family legacy is engrained in the rodeo world and continues to be celebrated to this day. Lynn Beutler of Elk City, Okla., was an integral part of professional rodeo for 40 years, becoming one of the sport’s most widely known stock contractors in the family rodeo company known as Beutler Brothers. manager of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for over 30 years said he was integral in the growth of rodeo. “The Beutler family has always been instrumental in being a forerunner in the sport of rodeo,” Davis said. “Lynn was the one that always did most the talking, but Jake was the one that did a majority of the work behind the scenes. He knew stock, he flanked horses, he did just about everything.” His family said he loved the sport unlike anything else. He always stayed loyal to rodeo and those who helped them build their legacy.

“Jake always thought of the rodeos first and foremost, he wanted to make sure ev erything was always good for them.”

The company, started in 1929 with Lynn, Jake, and Elra Beutler, was recognized as one of the top stock contracting firms producing rodeos across the Southwest and Northwest. Now, Jake is a ProRodeo Hall of Fame member like family members Lynn, Elra, Jiggs, and Bennie. “Jake is long overdue to be selected for the Hall of Fame because it’s always been the Beutler Brothers,” Bennie said. “He meant as much to our operation as anyone. He was always behind the chutes and the guys loved him. This means a lot because he has been gone a long time but hopefully, he’s smiling up there in heaven after this because I know he’s up there.” Jake Beutler passed away in March of 1975. He was 72. Those around the sport say Beutler was always known for his hardworking fun demeanor whether that was during the rodeo or after it. Shawn Davis, who was the general

“Jake always thought of the rodeos first and foremost, he wanted to make sure everything was always good for them,” Bennie said. “He worked as hard at what he was doing as anyone in the sport of rodeo. “He always said the rodeo business has been good for us and to us, he loved it with everything he had. Jake thought the world of it and even when they started having success with it, they still stayed loyal to the people that brought them to the dance.” Now, those same people will travel to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame on July 16 to celebrate Jake’s name forever being etched in rodeo history.

– BENNIE BEUTLER

ProRodeo Sports News 6/24/2022

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