A local Cowboy John B Escobedo, 62, of Silver City was called to his final ride on November 17, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces. John was born May 28, 1959 to Pete and Juanita Escobedo, both of Silver City. He attended St Mary's Academy for elementary school and graduated from Cobre High School in 1977. After high school, with his rodeo career in full swing, he hit the rodeo trail and rode rough stock for many years competing in the bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding. His life’s path changed direction and he enrolled in the NMSU vocational school and graduated as a certified farrier and leathersmith. He then decided to go into business for himself and opened Escobedo Boot & Shoe Repair. At the shop he also sold Rodeo equipment and was well-known for sponsoring and mentoring many local youth in their events in rodeo.
In 1989 he married Charnelle Parmalee, turned into a family man, and raised two children of whom he loved dearly. His career continued to grow and now his gear bag and chaps were exchanged for a rope and glove and he took to the sport of roping and excelled at it. His competitive spirit led him numerous times to the winner's circle competing in steer roping as well as in Team Roping. In 2007 he and his son Jake Lowery, after returning home from the Army, began competing in the US Armed Forces Professional Rodeo Association they ended that season qualifying for competing and winning the world championship title. In 2012 the team returned again and won a second world championship title. Throughout his life every obstacle he encountered he hit head-on and finished not only with the pack but usually at the head of it. Up to the time of his illness he could be found every weekend roping New Mexico Businessman Association ropings around the state.
From the time John was able to walk his favorite place to be was horseback and he had a special fondness for the Dragonfly Trail in Arenas Valley. He will be forever remembered for his lock solid work ethic, quirky smile and quick banter. John loved the outdoors his horses and especially his family. To sum up the life of such a great man in the pages of a paper is nearly impossible. However, it is with a heavy heart that we say “Adios” to a great cowboy, a trusted businessman, loving family man, loyal friend and worthy partner.
He is preceded in death by his older brother Peter B. Escobedo III and his father Peter B Escobedo, Sr. He is survived by his mother Juanita G Escobedo; sister Rosella B Escobedo; son Jake Lowery; his daughter Shelly Lowry Reno; grandson Gunner Lowry; niece Zia Escobedo-Nix; one nephew Ciye Yniguez; two great-nephews Cooper Escobedo-Nix and Espen Yniguez; and one great niece Aria Yniguez. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel with a rosary service on Thursday December 9 at 6 p.m. at Terrazas Funeral Chapels the funeral mass Friday December 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church inurnment following at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery. Fellowship reception will be at the Grant County Conference Center next to Ace Hardware following inurnment. Flowers and donations, the family requests that a contribution be made.to the Cowboys for Cancer Research fund in John’s name.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrzasfuneralchapel.com.