Leon Coffee has become a legend in the rodeo community after a career that spanned more than 50 years.
It’s an incredible accomplishment, as for more than two generations Coffee has been the go-to rodeo clown for both the biggest and smallest local acts.
His career, which began in 1973, led to his induction into the Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors a cowboy can receive in the professional Western sports world.
That same career will come to an end Sunday after the final Houston Rodeo performance, according to Nov 26.
Coffee, a native of Blanco, Texas, a miniature town near San Antonio and Austin, grew up a cowboy. He was raised as a fourth-generation cowboy who broke horses with his grandfather, rode bulls and found success in what was then a predominantly white community.
He has spoken many times about the challenges he faced growing up. But he built a career He says he wouldn’t give it up even for a million dollars.
The Crockett High School graduate has numerous accolades to his credit, and the void he leaves behind is so vast it may never be filled.
Coffee’s accomplishments weren’t circumscribed to rodeo. He had Hollywood roles in films such as “8 Seconds” and “My Heroes Were Always Cowboys.” The former is one of the most popular rodeo films because it tells the story of bull rider Lane Frost, who lost his life in Cheyenne after a ride in 1989.
When Coffee wasn’t in the barrel, the legendary clown gave back to his community. He is well known for working with local children’s hospitals across the country when he went on rodeo tours.
Finally, Coffee was a proud American who served his country for three years in the United States Army after graduating from high school.
Mr. Coffee, thank you for all you have done over the last 50 years for this great community, industry and way of life.
