Red Steagall introduced Courtney Holt Cowden, Sr. describing him as a man of very few words. Cowden, brother to previous Foy Proctor Award recipient Frand Cowden, Jr., spent a lot of time as a kid in Midland roping calves, working on neighbors’ ranches and honing his horse training skills. The horse training skills he acquired really paid off. Mr. Harmon, a champion cutting horse he purchased from Jess Hankins, won shows in El Paso, Fort Worth and Odessa.
A lifelong rancher under the Cross Bar Brand in Ector, Andrews and Midland counties. Cowden still mows his own grass. He served as president of the Midland Fair, producing championship rodeos during the 1940s and 50s.
Cowden’s acceptance speech was short – and moving – and provided the perfect ending to a memorable occasion.
“I’d like to thank the Library and Museum for this honor – very nice,” Cowden said. Then, as tears came to his eyes, Cowden choked out the words, “God Bless America…and God Bless George Bush!”
