Poolville, Texas, farrier Joe Rudibaugh, formerly of Gunnison, Colo., passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019, after a bout with cancer. He was 56.

Rudibaugh where he led the cowboy life, guided, outfitted and rodeoed. He graduated from Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colo., with degrees in farrier science and business and ranch management. The Rudibaugh family left Gunnison for Poolville in August 1993. He belonged to various associations including FFA, 4-H, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assoc. and the Central States Rodeo Assoc., the United States Team Roping Assoc., and a member of the board of directors of the Colorado High School Rodeo Assoc., National High School Rodeo Assoc., and the North Texas High School Rodeo Assoc. He coached calf roping, bronc riding and bull riding to many youth. 

Rudibaugh was an active member of Christian Missions in Jacksboro, Texas, and was a minister and taught Bible study at the Jacksboro prison. He was a man of God, a loving husband and father. He would go out of his way to help others.

A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2019, with a fellowship and lunch to follow at Christian Missions, 2381 U.S. Hwy. 380 W., Jacksboro, Texas. A memorial will be at a date yet to be determined in Gunnison.

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