Pearson, Thomas Stephen

Lea County Families and Histories, "Then and Now", Vol II, 1984

Pearson, Thomas Stephen

Submitted by: Tommy Pearson

     I, Thomas Stephen Pearson (Tommy) was born August 22, 1961 to Billie English and Caiborne John Pearson, Sr. at Midland, Texas. My father ws co-owner and operated the "Pearson Brothers' Ranch" in Regan County, Texas. I have an older brother Claiborne John, Jr., (Clabe).

     I moved with my parents to the family owned San Simon Ranch in Lea County, New Mexico in 1966. I started public school at Eunice in 1967 and graduated in 1979. I played on the varsity basketball team and was an active member of the rodeo team. I was very active in American Junior Rodeo Association.

     Clabe and I rode the little school bus driven by Clarice Herricks along with our cousin Crill Pearson,  Phillip Berry, Lynn and Flapjack Sims. When Clabe was old enough for a drivers license, Daddy bought him a pick-up for us to go to school in. When Clabe graduated I had to ride the school bus again. Roberta Tivis was the driver.

     When I was 14 and could take driver's education, I drove my pick-up in every Saturday morning, parked behind the music room, attended class, and had instructions from my parents to come straight home. I could get my license at 15.

     While in high school I learned to snow ski and it's still one of my hobbies, along with golf. Sam Hodges, a friend since first grade, goes skiing with me.

     I received a rodeo scholarship to New Mexico Junior College, then transferred to Sul Ross State University. After a year of college I returned to the ranch and worked for two years.

     I bought a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Permit and filled it at my first rodeo, Del Rio, in Single Steer roping in 1982. I traveled with Crill and her husband Guy Allen, (three times World Champion Single Steer roper). The Pendleton Roundup Rodeo, was one of my favorites, though I didn't place there.

     I was 1982 Rookie Single Steer Roper and received among my awards a saddle abd buckle at the Annual Awards Banquet in Denver, Colorado. I had earned more money than any other rookie single steer roper.

     January 1, 1983, I moved in with Crill and Guy, east of Lovington, to help Guy build his arena. We practice roping every day possible and will travel together again in 1983.