Lee “Junior” Robertson, 87, of Waurika, Okla., died May 20, 2017. Robertson was a founding member of the American Paint Stock Horse Association (APHA) and served as that association’s president in 1976 and 1977. He was among the first inductees into APHA’s Hall of Fame in 2012.
Robertson was born September 2, 1930, in Wirt, Okla., the youngest child of Lee Morgan and Leola Sally Robertson. He married Bennie Ruth Bennett on July 29, 1950, and the couple had five children.
A gold-card carrying member of the Rodeo Cowboy Association, Robertson was a top hand at roping, and he participated in a 1958 U.S. exhibition rodeo team with Gene Autry in Havana, Cuba. Athletic, flashy horses were his calling card as he played a leading role in fostering the development of APHA. Two of his horses, Wahoo King and Mister J. Bar, were inducted into the APHA Hall of Fame.
Robertson is survived by his wife, Bennie Ruth; children Loyce Lee Alligood, Sue Sarratt and Dru Robertson; grandchildren Morgan Brett Gandy, Lee Sarratt, Courtney Pallfreeman, Brian Dru Robertson, Dana Ehtisham, Aaron Paul and Lisa Robertson; and 25 great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the First Baptist Church of Waurika.