Decatur, Texas – The rodeo world has lost one of its brightest stars. With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, family, friends, and the entire cowboy community mourn the passing of Roy “Super Looper” Cooper, a legendary cowboy and cherished patriarch, who tragically died at the age of 69 in a house fire at his home in Decatur.
Roy Cooper wasn’t just a name in rodeo—he was a towering presence, a symbol of excellence, determination, and true Western grit. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the dirt-covered arenas he dominated, the countless stories he told, and the generations of cowboys he inspired.
Born with cowboy blood running through his veins, Roy’s journey in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) began in 1976. From his rookie season, he made it clear he was there to change the game. That year, he competed in his first National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in calf roping and made an immediate impact, winning both the NFR average and his first World Champion title. It was the beginning of a career that would span two decades and redefine what it meant to be a champion.
Nicknamed the “Super Looper” for his incredible skill and lightning-fast hands, Roy racked up accolades that earned him a place among the all-time greats. He captured World Champion Calf Roping titles in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984, bouncing back after a devastating wrist injury in 1979 to reclaim his dominance. His career total included 18 NFR calf roping qualifications and 13 steer roping finals appearances—unmatched feats that speak volumes about his dedication and talent.
In 1983, Roy made history by claiming three major titles in a single year: World Champion Steer Roper, Calf Roping Champion, and the PRCA All-Around title. That same year, he and header H.P. Evetts roped together at the NFR, further cementing his place in the annals of rodeo excellence.
But Roy was more than just a cowboy; he was a storyteller, a family man, and a friend to all who knew him. He was known for his straight-shooting honesty, infectious humor, and the kind of cowboy wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of living by the rope and saddle. To sit with Roy was to laugh, learn, and leave a little better than when you came.
Outside the arena, he was a loving father, a devoted friend, and a mentor to countless young ropers. The legacy he leaves behind lives not just in trophy cases, but in the lives of those he touched—his children, his fellow cowboys, and the many fans who cheered for him from the stands.
Roy’s unexpected death has left the community shaken, but his spirit remains as indomitable as ever. He is now reunited with the greatest cowboys in the skies above—roping under heavenly lights, where the arena never ends.
As the rodeo world tips its hat in honor of the Super Looper, we hold tightly to the memories, the stories, and the mark he made on all of us. His rope may be hung, but his legend rides on.
