Cleo Hearn, the founder of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour and a Hall of Fame cowboy, passed away on the morning of November 9, 2025, leaving behind his beloved wife, four sons, and grandchildren.
His life was filled with firsts, hard work, and a deep love for rodeo and his family.
Cleo was born in May 1939 in Seminole, Oklahoma, to Doc and Gertrude Hearn. His parents had Indian and Black heritage.
He grew up and attended Douglass High School in Oklahoma City.
Later, he attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from Langston University with a degree in business.
Cleo made history as the first African American to attend college on a rodeo scholarship. He loved the rodeo world from a young age.
In 1959, he earned his membership in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). This was just the start of his fantastic journey.
In 1961, Cleo was drafted into the U.S. Army. He became one of the first eight African Americans to serve in the Presidential Honor Guard under President John F. Kennedy.
This role taught him discipline, honor, and the value of service. These lessons stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Back in rodeo, Cleo kept pushing boundaries. In 1970, he became the first African American to win a major calf roping event at Denver’s National Western Rodeo.
He was a skilled calf roper and never backed down from a challenge.
Family Life with Cleo Hearn’s Wife
Cleo married his wife, Verna, and they built a strong family together.
Though details about Cleo Hearn’s wife are not widely publicized, she was always a huge supporter behind the scenes.
She stood by him through his rodeo travels, his long career, and his big dreams.
Verna helped raise their four sons: Harlan, Robby, Eldon, and Wendell.
She was there for the children, grandchildren, and other family members with quiet strength and love.
All four sons followed in their father’s footsteps. They earned college degrees through rodeo scholarships.
Like Cleo, they became calf ropers and held professional jobs. Today, they help manage the Cowboys of Color Rodeo. The family bond was clear in everything Cleo did.
After college, Cleo joined Ford Motor Company in sales and marketing. He worked there for 33 years.
Even with a full-time job, he never stopped riding in the rodeo. He competed, produced events, and inspired others.
In 1969, Cleo co-founded the American Black Cowboy Association. This group produced the famous “Black Rodeo” in Harlem.
They also put on five all-Black rodeos on the East Coast from spring 1970 to June 1973.
In 1971, he started the Texas Black Rodeo. He changed the name to Cowboys of Color Rodeo in 1995.
This made it inclusive for all races in the audience and among participants.
The tour continues today, training young riders for the PRCA and educating everyone about cowboy life.
Cleo earned many honors. He received a star on the Texas Trail of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
This was in recognition of his lifelong commitment to rodeo and the cowboy way.
In February 2016, he won the Lane Frost Award. Many believe the Cowboy Hall of Fame will induct him soon.
Cleo’s life had clear phases that built on each other. The Army gave him structure. Rodeo made him bold and athletic. His Ford career taught him business and people skills.
He used all this to lead the Cowboys of Color Rodeo and mentor the next generation.
Inspiration from Myrtis Dightman, Sr.
Cleo often spoke about Hall of Famer Myrtis Dightman, Sr. Myrtis was the first African American to reach the bull riding finals.
He was one of the best bull riders of his time. But the color of his skin held him back from a World Championship.
Judges would lower his high scores, such as an 80-90 point ride, by 5 points so that others could win. Cleo saw this happen many times.
Myrtis broke barriers for riders like Charlie Sampson, who went on to become a World Champion. He was a big influence on Cleo.
Myrtis had the enormous courage to keep trying great things. He rode hard for years. On weekdays, he drove a truck in Houston. On Sundays, he competed in all-colored rodeos.
Later, Myrtis worked for stock producer Mr. Coleman in Dublin, Texas. Coleman ran big events, such as Madison Square Garden and Boston Garden, in the 1960s.
Myrtis handled the ranch, drove the stock, and then rode in the shows.
Most Black cowboys of that time were all-around hands. Myrtis would rather take a beating than get bucked off a bull.
Cleo Hearn is survived by his wife, Verna, their four sons, and grandchildren. His story shows what one person can do with heart and hard work.
He opened doors in rodeo for people of all backgrounds. Through the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, his vision lives on.
Cleo was a pioneer, a family man, and a true cowboy legend.
