Don W Smith fundraiser

By James Lockhart

Don W Smith won the calf roping at Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1975. His trophy belt buckle was stolen several years ago. Saturday evening a small fundraiser was held in Poteau to raise money for Don to get a new buckle all the way from Cheyenne. A new buckle costs $1802, it has real diamonds in it. 

Charles McCall served as Speaker of the House with former Representative James Lockhart. A few days before the fundraiser James was visiting with Charles and Charles volunteered to come. James said, “Charles is so easy to talk to, he’s always been there and helped me out anyway he can. When I told him how Don helped me with my roping when I was kid and then I went to college on rodeo scholarships, Charles was all in ready to help.” 

Representative Rick West is another that has been friends with Don W Smith for several years. He wants to see Don get a new buckle as well. Don trained a roping horse for Rick in 1986. Former Representative Lockhart said he could remember Representative West riding the horse while he was hauling hay for him one hot summer day. 

Pake McEntire, Reba McEntire’s brother came as well. Pake played the fiddle, signed autographs and kept everyone entertained. James said, “I was impressed at how easily Pake could play any song I requested. There’s a world of musical talent between Pake and Reba. Pake even has a song about roping horses. The song mentions the local veterinarian, Brian Renegar. James Lockhart and Brian Reneger shared an apartment while they were in the legislature together. 

Don W Smith is a five time world champion cowboy. He has helped many local cowboys with their roping over the last fifty years. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship. Many stories were swapped and there was a lot of laughing. It was a good evening to help a person that has donated thousands of hours helping others. 

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