In Memory of Russell Crockett

by Bob Dunlap and Claire Hurt

ñMomma, donÍt let your babies

Grow up to be cowboys,î

ThatÍs a song most everyone heard,

But if they ever knew Russell Crockett,

They would have to eat every word.

If evere a man loved a woman,

RussellÍs feelings were known to us all,

He loved Doty for all his lifetime,

Her protector, from most of lifeÍs calls.

And a rodeo just couldnÍt happen,

At least, now thatÍs how it seems,

Without Uncle Russ and Aunt Doty,

Preparing their outstanding beans.

(Chorus) Cause Russell, he was a hero,

And he lived life the cowboy way,

Given up Only gets you zero,

So ride proud, ride your best, he would say.

One time Russell, Lost little Michelle,

As sometimes, She was hard to be found,

Then he caught her at play,

In the dog pens,

All he said was, ñ

SheÍs good for my hounds!î

He thought kids were better than ice cream,

Thought they all should be on a horse,

He taught and encouraged a whole valley full,

And they all were winners of course.

He taught lots of young cowboys some lessons,

Though his manner was humble and lowly,

Like onlyist was to drive cattle fast

Was to patiently drive cattle slowly.

ThereÍs a lot more to being a cowboy

Than the hat or horse that you ride.

ItÍs the people who love you,

The children who care,

And the folks who speak of you with pride.

Folks rave about the horse whisperers,

And the magic that they can perform,

But old Russell & Tom,

TheyÍd been doing just that

Long before this new method was born.

Old partner, weÍre sure gonna miss you,

When we drive out the cattle this fall,

WeÍll be headinÍ and heelinÍ at roundup,

Telling stories of you most of all. Uncle Russ,

I remember you sayinÍ,

When the rumors and talk cause you hurt,

ñItÍs the thunder that makes all the noise, son.

ItÍs the lightening that does all the work.î

Now youÍve taken your last ride to heaven,

Done the best that a fella could do,

Left a trail that the youngons can follow,

To be an honest old cowboy like you.

YouÍve rode on ahead now, old partner,

In our prayers we all ride along too,

Some will ride faster than others,

None will ride prouder than you.

All of us wonder about judgement,

And how we will fare on that day,

But IÍve got no doubt,

God will open the gate, &îWelcome home cowboy,î

HeÍll say. (Chorus) Cause Russell, he was a hero,

And he lived life the cowboy way,

Given up Only gets you zero,

So ride proud, ride your best, he would say.

by Bob Dunlap and Claire Hurt