Clem Rogers McSpadden
November 9, 1925-July 7, 2008

From an early age, Clem McSpadden was a cowboy. He lived the lifestyle, and he told others about it. Over time, he became a legend in our sport of rodeo.

From competitor to announcer to general manager of the National Finals Rodeo during its run in Oklahoma City, Clem did it all in our sport. Besides his run in office, serving from 1954-1972 in the Oklahoma Senate before his one term in the U.S. Congress from 1973-1975, Clem had one of the most recognized voices in all of rodeo.

Born near Bushyhead and raised on the Oologah ranch owned by his great uncle, Will Rogers, Clem was able to roam the world of cowboys and statesmen flawlessly. He was beloved by many, whether it was because of his eloquent voice calling the action at the Calgary Stampede or his voiceover work for television and radio spots or for running the grandest show in ProRodeo, the NFR. He was the voice of rodeo for ABC's Wide World of Sports

"For many of us, he was like a second dad," said David Petty, chairman of the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo. "He touched a lot of lives."

And the annual Claremore event was his hometown rodeo. He took great pride in it and told folks about it at rodeos from Dodge City to Salt Lake City and everywhere else he held a microphone. But that's just a tad bit of whom Clem was. He treated thousands of people as though they were his best friends. He is credited for jumpstarting the career of country singer Reba McEntire, whom Clem hired to sing the national anthem at the 1974 NFR.

But hundreds, if not thousands, of others would tell similar stories. He was a valuable resource to many and a hero to some. And he will be remembered by all who knew him.

In 2008, his alma mater, Oklahoma State University, created the Clem McSpadden Endowed Chair in Agricultural Youth Leadership. To learn more about the endowed chair, click HERE.

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