OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Rodeo Historical Society (RHS) have set their 2019 nominees for induction into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Voting is open to current Rodeo Historical Society members or anyone who becomes a member now through August 1. Nominees selected will be inducted during the Museum’s annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend on November 8 and 9.  The ballot is divided into living and deceased nominees, and voting will determine six living and two deceased inductees for the 2019 class.

The living rodeo legends nominated are Wacey Cathey, Gene O. “Buddy” Cockrell, Lydia Moore, Pat Ommert, Tommy Puryearm, Frank E. Shepperson, Sonny Sikes, Rob Smets, Gary Tucker, Byron Walker, Jack Ward and Chip Whitaker. Deceased rodeo legends nominated this year are Buck LeGrand (1931 – 1997), John and Thomas Rhodes (John 1887 – 1973, Thomas 1915 – 1981), Jim Snively (1911 – 1998) and Thomas Joseph “T.J.” Walter (1949 – 2017).

In addition to these nominees, Dr. Charles “Bud” Townsend will be honored as the 2019 Director Choice inductee.

RHS membership supports the Museum’s rodeo programs, including research, an oral history project, acquisition of materials for the American Rodeo Gallery and the Rodeo Hall of Fame.