Elmer D. Anderson, Sr.

Elmer D. Anderson, Sr. was born on August 21, 2024, to David and Esola (Byrd) Anderson in Guthrie, Oklahoma.  He passed away at his home on April 3, 2024, after a long battle with injuries sustained in a car wreck.  He was 82 years old.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the First Christian Church in Guthrie, Oklahoma, at 11:00 am with Rev. R.D. Jacobs officiating.

Elmer was the first African American to cross racial barriers as a stock contractor in the mainstream professional rodeo associations.  He was a member of the International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA), Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), American Cowboy Rodeo Association (ACRA), Central State Rodeo Association (CSRA), Kansas Pro Rodeo Association (KPRA), Southwest Cowboy Association (SCA), and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR). 

In 1984, Anderson worked with Lu Vason to produce and provide livestock for the first Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which is the longest running all-Black touring rodeos in the United States. Circle A Rodeo Company under the leadership of Anderson was the stock producer for the first All Indian Rodeo & Pow Wow sponsored by the Sac & Fox Intertribal Rodeo Club, and over the years produced a series of All Indian Rodeos.

Anderson was invited to produce the first Lane Frost Memorial Rodeo in Louisville, Texas.  He provided stock to the Dodge National Little Britches Finals, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Finals, the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Finals, and the National High School Rodeo Finals. To date, he is the only African American stock contractor to have livestock at the PRCA National Finals Rodeo. He produced both sanctioned and open rodeos across the United States. 

When Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union, toured the United States and visited Oklahoma to experience American culture, rodeo-style, Circle A produced the ranch rodeo at Deer Creek Farms held in Gorbachev’s honor. He started the Oklahoma Law Enforcement and Firefighters Rodeo Association and the Youth Professional Bullriders Association in which he mentored kids like Danelle Tipton, 3-time IPRA World Champion Bull rider.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Charlene Anderson of the home in Guthrie, Oklahoma; his children:  Elmer Doyle Anderson, Jr. of Guthrie, Oklahoma, and Dr. Tonnia L. Anderson of Chickasha, Oklahoma; his grandchildren:  Faith A. Anderson and Jake M. Vulgamore; and a brother, Dwight Anderson.  He has a host of nieces and nephews and cousins.  Elmer was preceded in death by his father, David Anderson; mother, Esola Anderson; sisters Menzola Todd and Verlean Asfaw; and brother, Ellsworth “Andy” Anderson.

Over the years, Anderson and his livestock won many awards.  But the greatest satisfaction for him was that he paved the way for young people, who dare to dream as he did.  Too often we take for granted and forget those who opened the door of the color-line for us to pass through it.  Integration did not automatically happen with Brown (1954) or the Civil Rights Movement.  It took the courage of individuals who dared to stand up, risking property and life to make a difference for those who came after them.  Elmer D. Anderson, Sr. was one of those people who opened doors. 

Elmer left the imprint of love on all he touched. He truly lived a meaningful life filled with love, compassion, and generosity.  He will be missed dearly, but the beacon of light and love that glowed fiercely within him will remain forever.