Rowdy Joe Atwood
Aug. 3, 1972 ~ July 29, 2023
Rowdy, 50, was born in Meeker, Colorado, on Aug. 3, 1972, to the late Eddie and Carol Atwood. Rowdy earned a diploma from Meeker High School and achieved one of his greatest accomplishments by winning the Team Roping with partner Joel Kidd Prall at the National High School Rodeo Finals in 1990. He attended Lamar Community College for both a higher education and rodeo, but mostly to rodeo. It was rodeos and roping that brought him lifelong friends and the love of his life. Rowdy married Christy Atwood on June 4, 1994. They later welcomed two children who were his prized possessions.
Rowdy was a beloved husband, father, poppy and friend. Not a single day went by that he didn’t have a smile on his face, it was simply contagious. He was a lifelong cowboy, and he was beyond grateful for everything he had. He had the biggest heart and cared so deeply about everyone around him. Rowdy never let you leave or say goodbye without telling you how much he loved you. He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke, or to tell you which hill he killed that big animal on. Hunting, roping, camping, fishing, golfing, taking rides in the side by side, being at the arena and watching westerns and MASH were some of the things he enjoyed. Most of all, he treasured his family and friends.
Rowdy is survived by his wife Christy, his two children Bailey Waldref (spouse Jarett Waldref) and Kash Atwood, two grandchildren Koy and Tate Waldref, sister Shona Richardson and brother-in-law Tiger Richardson, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19. The graveside services will be for the family, but a celebration of life will follow for friends. The celebration will start at 12:30 p.m. and will be held at Evenson’s Grove, 160 CR 57, 10 miles up the White River.
Everyone who knew Rowdy will know what this means: it will be a celebration! Wear comfy clothes, eat some good food, and be ready to talk with old friends and maybe make a couple new ones.
