OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, today commented on news of the death of National Rodeo Hall of Fame member Bill Duvall of Checotah. Several of Duvall’s family members live in House District 15, represented by Turner. “Bill was an exceptional rodeo model for many cowboys and cowgirls in Checotah along with many around the world,” Turner said. “Bill’s legacy will never be forgotten.
“Our prayers are with his wife, Imogene, their two sons, Sam and Spud, and their families during this time of loss. Checotah, the steer wrestling capital of the world, lost a true hero today. His memory will live on through many generations of cowboys and cowgirls to come.”
Duvall was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2018. According to the National Cowboy Museum, he was born October 1941 in Boynton, OK. He and his brother, Roy, wrestled steers from the 1960s through the mid-1990s. Bill Duvall is credited with helping many steer wrestlers achieve championships, including his brother, Roy, a Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee, and 2016 inductee Ote Berry.
Bill and Roy Duvall were known for owning some of the best bulldogging horses, several of which were ridden by a number of champions. Bill Duvall took care of breaking and training the horses for these champions. The brothers also held many steer-wrestling schools that helped many young cowboys and cowgirls get their start.
Bill Duvall’s sons both qualified for the National Finals Rodeo – Sam in 1987 and 1988, and Spud in 2001-2004. His grandson, Riley, qualified in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
In 1978, Bill and Roy Duvall established the Duvall Steer Wrestling Jackpot at Checotah, a venue known for competition among the toughest steer wrestlers, which today is operated by their sons and grandsons.
On May 9, Turner, Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, and Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, presented Bill and Roy Duvall and their families with a legislative citation at the annual Duvall Steer Wrestling Jackpot, commending them for their commitment and dedication to the City of Checotah.
A notice online says Bill Duvall’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday July 18 at First Baptist Church of Checotah.
Garrett Family Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family and will have updated information on the website, Garrettfamilyfuneralhome. com, as it becomes available.
