Walter Lee “Walt” Secrest, age 90, passed away in Miles City, MT on January 06, 2023 at the V.A. Nursing Home.
Walt was born on a thirty-eight degree below zero morning on March 10, 1932. Despite the freezing temperatures, his dad had to ride horseback about four miles to town to get the doctor. Walt was born at home, on his family’s ranch on the outskirts of Hardin, Montana. He was the fourth child of six born to Lee and Ethel (Weast) Secrest.
Before Walt was five years old, the family purchased a ranch east of Crow Agency, Montana. His youth spent here would help him develop into a talented cowboy. He spent his childhood working; helping his dad make a living by raising livestock and doing a little farming with horse-drawn machinery. At age seven he broke his first horse, a tall black gelding named Bullet. At this young age, he had already achieved a high level of responsibility and work ethic that is exemplary of becoming a skilled cowboy.
Walt spent the little free time that he could find chasing wild horses with his older brother, Charlie, across the endless empty rolling hills of eastern Montana. If Walt and his brother got bored with chasing wild horses, they would play with the stock already corralled. Of course, they had to wait for their folks to go to town before they could enjoy such activities. This included tying flank straps on yearling cattle, unbroke horses and green colts and riding them out, competing to see who could stay on the longest. This is what they did for fun as kids, and it served as the foundation for the making of a cowboy.
After an eventful childhood, it was only natural for Walt to soon become a great rodeo competitor. He entered in every event and placed, often winning, in each except bull riding. His rodeo career spanned thirty-six years, as he would be seen in “old man” rodeos, riding saddle bronc, roping, competing in wild horse races, and bulldogging into his fifties. Through his rodeo career, he won a total of thirty-nine buckles. Because of his proficiency in so many events, it was common for Walt to win the all-around cowboy award in many rodeos.
Although he was an excellent competitor, Walt is perhaps best known for role he took into the arena. The job of pickup man began in 1960 at the World Famous Bucking Horse Sale. It was not uncommon for a rodeo crowd to see Walt pick up a ride, then jump on the bucking horse and ride him out. His notoriety as a pickup man that earned him numerous jobs at countless rodeos across the state, the college national finals, the Indian National Finals, and the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1975.
Aside from his rodeo career, Walt continued his cowboy lifestyle on the ranch he purchased in Cohagen, Montana, which he called home for many years. He built up his holdings to about 2,000 head of sheep, 700 head of cattle, and 200 horses. Of course, there was a big arena on the place complete with bucking chutes. Walt put on many youth rodeos and rodeo clinics, and for many aspiring cowboys and rodeo hands, this was the starting place.
After selling his ranch and as Walt neared retirement age, instead of slowing down, Walt was still rearing to go. From 1980 until 1986, he served as the foreman of Benny Binion’s ranch north of Jordan, MT. He then returned to Hardin and remained there for the next 30 years. Throughout the 1900s he made a career as a wrangler on movie sets. These included Far and Away, The Ballad of Little Jo, and Return to Lonesome Dove. IN 1995 her served as wagon boss in “The Great Drive of ‘95” cattle drive from Fort Worth, Texas to Miles City, Montana.
Walt settled down with his wife Maureen on a little ranch they bought in Dunmore, Montana. After a lifetime spent in the saddle, Walt found it difficult to stop. He spent 16 winters work as a pen rider at Edgar Feedlot just across the highway from his place. In 2017 he and Maureen moved to Miles City.
Walt is survived by his wife Maureen Lundby Secrest, his son Cotton (Bobbie) Secrest of Hardin, MT and their families; Jimmie Lee (Will) Sparks, Deanne (Brian) Gierke, Chad (Heather) Toavs and families; brother Charlie of Sheridan, WY; sister Betty Heller of Spokane, WA. He is also survived by Maureen’s family, Bret, Brand & Desta Hirsch. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Loetal, Virginia & Bonnie; adopted son Charley Cole.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 14, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Reception
Following the Funeral Service.
Saturday January 14, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 13, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 14, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Reception
Following the Funeral Service.
Saturday January 14, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Craig Miller says
First rodeo I was ever entered in was Cohagen, Walt had the stock. Been chasing the white lines since 1978. Ride on ahead cowboy!!!
Emmett LaBree says
Though cowboy to beat in the 50s and 60s in the Rodeo World. Treated me like a friend should.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Deb Jerrel says
And yet, another great ol’ cowboy rides off into the sunset. My dad (and Mom) spoke very highly of you back in his truck driving days. A hard-working man of integrity and very much respected. Rest in peace Walt❤
Yvonne M Warren says
My thoughts and prayers to all of the family. A great cowboy and much loved uncle.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
Walt is not suffering anymore. He has left a great legacy in one of the finest young men in his son, Cotton and in the great family Cotton has given the world!
Betty Heller says
I lost a great brother and he will be missed by us. Walt was a true cowboy and a idol to a lot of younger cowboys. Rest in peace brother we love you.
Allison French (Forney) says
Dad and I are sending love to you Cotton and family.
-Allison and Porter Ray
Allison French (Forney) says
Dad and I are sending love to you; Cotton and family.
-Allison and Porter Ray
Cathy Thibault Lampert says
Cotton I am you, my condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy
Cody Morris says
When my dad, Johnny Morris, started raising bucking horses in the early 80s, he bought a stud from Walt Secrest. I think he was either full or part Shire. He wasn’t real big, but he was feather footed, and sired some Colts that were athletic and sure looked like broncs. Dad bought a couple paint roan mares from Gene Lehmann, and a few old spoiled saddle mares from Bob Wenande, along with some wild reservation mares from Jim Lei. That stud and those mares produced our first set of Colts. They had the look but weren’t real rank. We went on to use a stud that we raised out of that Shire Seacrest stud, and bought a paint roan stud from Max Burch. We also used a big, long headed, feather footed stud that dad bought from Ernest Tooke … who’s sire was a brother to the good bronc Major Reno. Hank Franzen of Powder River Rodeo ultimately purchased what we had started and added those two his program. The union of these bloodlines produced World Champion Miss Congeniality, and several other NFR caliber bucking horses. My Point in this whole story is to express my thanks to Walt Secrest for his part in contributing to the raising of some very good bucking horses! Walt was a hell of a cowboy, and a real good pick up man! By the way, Cotton Secrest, if you know any more about that Shire stud, I’d be interested in hearing about it.
My condolences for your loss!
Mary Ann Murray says
Condolences to Cotton and all of the family. Remember the good times. Hugs to you all.
Debbie Weyer says
Growing up, Walt was larger than life to most of us Cohagen kids (and terrifying to some of us). Walt was unique, a legend, and the real deal. Cotton, be proud of your heritage. Your folks blazed a lot of trails for western/ranching/rodeo families. My deepest condolences to Renee, Cotton and all of Walt’s family.
Alane Stabler says
So sorry for your loss! I remember helping Walt at the BHS with his pickup horses. He was a great teacher and a kind man. He was a true cowboy!! Deepest Condolences!
Alane
Chuck fossum says
Perhaps the best horse roper ever
Dorthy M Ley says
I always considered Walt my friend & we became very close friends working on my book The Great Drive of “95. I feel so bad that the Covid hit when it did as we had planned the 25th reunion of the Great American Cattle Drive and that changed everything as no one wanted to travel. Anyway it will never happen without Walt. He was the backbone from Montana on that drive. Thank you buddy RIP and one day I’ll see you again.
Dorthy M Ley says
Cotton what can I say hugs Sweetie I have always had a special place in my heart for you. Prayers to you & your family. 🤠
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR ALL OF WALTfamily . He was a one of a kind guy He will always be remembered for his Cowboy and Rodeo legends . He was a Great friend and customer when Phil had the shop . May you
find comfort in your memories and Gods Love . God Bless all of you
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Walt Secrest family we are so sorry to hear about Walt. I remember when he was in the Steer Roping in Miles City in about 1959. He was roping against some of the top Steer Ropers in the country. Walt and Ann were a great pickup team along with Doug Wall. He was a great Cowboy and Horse man. Rest in Peace Walt.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Jim Gregg says
Condolences and prayers go out to Cotton and all of the Walts family. He was a good friend,good man,and a better cowboy. R I P Cowboy. I traded bucking horses with him thru out the years at the ranch at Cohagan. R I P Cowboy until we meet again over the ridge
Howard Watson says
He was a great uncle. He was the inspiration that made me want to be a cowboy and I thank him for all the good horses I got to ride. He was like a second dad to me.
Dave Johnson says
Cotton and Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you for your loss. Walt was an amazing man. I will never forget when we got taught nipping on the whiskey bottle at a rodeo, your dad acted pissed, but he was also chuckling at the same time.
Steven and Lavonne MacDonald says
Our deepest sympathies, so sorry for your loss . God Bless!
Lacey sell says
I got the chance to ride with Walt on the 95 cattle drive. He laughed at me when I flipped back on my horse and took a nap walking down the road. One of the best cowboys I have ever had the chance of knowing!
David R Gibson says
Another Great Cowboy Rides in Heaven tonight! Cottom and Family so sorry for your loss, your Dad created a lot of memories that will last many lifetimes!
Jim Linnell says
Walt was an icon and a legend to many youngsters in Eastern Montana. If someone wanted a definition of a cowboy, Walt was used as the example. Condolences to the family and the many whose lives he touched.
Lynda Hill Johnston says
My dad, Phil Hill, always compared every pickup man to Walt and they never measured up!! He admired his horsemanship skills always. May his memory bless you all.
Karen and clay taylor says
Cotton and family and Maureen- our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Walt was an amazing friend and awesome cowboy. I remember Walt, dad, and my cousin bill thomas win wild horse races and either Walt or bill winning all around cowboy. We enjoyed helping him brand too. Can’t believe he’s gone. Rest in peace dear friend. Hugs to all
Donald & Betty Lou Weedidng says
Our condolences to Cotton and family. So sorry for your loss. God Bless you all.
Doug & Teri Zook says
Walt was a true COWBOY. He was most familiar to us from days in Cohagen. Also loved to see him- and Ann- in rodeos as a pickup team – very exciting to watch!
At our wedding, Walt carried Cotton – a cute little boy. Our sympathy to you, Cotton, and your family.
Rest In Peace Walt Secrest
Pat Evanson says
Condolences to your family, Cotton & Bobbie.
Ray and Nancy Schaefer says
Always enjoyed listening to and talking with Walt. Was super knowing him, one of the true cowboys and horsemen. Loved working with him on the bucking horse sake. Our condolences to Maureen and the rest of the family.
Jillian Criswell says
Go rest high on the mountain, Uncle Walt!! I will always remember you very fondly. I was just talking to my boys about you and what a heck of a cowboy you were and they were in such awe!! I remember when I was just a little girl and you liked to tease us so much and gave Gram Bonnie, mom, my siblings, and myself such fond Native American names we have always enjoyed talking about. Always such a great time when we were with you and the stories you could tell!!! Rest easy, Uncle Walt, and make sure you give Gram Bonnie and Papa Mel a big hug from me!!
Aunt Maureen, and Cotton Lee, I am so sorry to hear of this. Sending love, hugs, and prayers your way. Will see you soon. Love you both
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Maureen and family, So sorry to read about Walt’s passing. He lived a great and interesting life. Sending condolences and prayers to all.
Bill & Sandy says
Maureen and Family, Our sincere sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amber McGinnis says
I had the pleasure of working for him and his wife in Crow Agency, MT. Then he walked me down the isle when I got married. He was a very special person. He will be missed. RIP Walt.
Eurrat Saylor, Jr. says
I learned a lot from Walt and Cotton in the short 3 years that I was going to college in Miles City. I have quite a few memories that revolve around the time that I spend with out there and many friends that I don’t get to see as often anymore. I tried to visit whenever I was in town and was happy to see Walt during the Bucking Horse Sale. Condolences to Maureen. Condolences to Cotton and the rest of the family.
Arnell Schmidt Wagner says
Deepest sympathy from the family of Parnell & Iona Schmidt in Glendive. I remember Dad knowing Walt.
Andrita Harris says
Secrest Family So sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. My Deepest sympathy and condolences. PRAYERS RIP COWBOY. Ride high Cowboy. Still remember all the good times. SAY hi to my Dad when you get there.
Sorry I can’t be at the Funeral stuck in the hospital with pneumonia, influenza. This summer will visit your grave. Walt you have the greatest horses up there to ride. Always Ride the Best
late(Lee), Dorothy, Andrita Harris
Walt yes my nephew Dylan is like me and my Dad Lee
Dave and Helen Cogley says
Secrest family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of Walt and Ann brings back good memories of visits to the ranch southwest of Cohagen. I didn’t see any mention of rodeoing in Australia or flying airplanes in the obituary. What a FULL life Walt lived!
glen beecher says
sorry cotton walt was a good pilot
Kolleen, Ginger, Cole, Tim (Surviving Waldo siblings) says
EVERYBODY knew Walt. What a legend he leaves behind. Sympathies from the Waldo family.
Ken and Vicki says
Our thoughts and prayers for Cotton and family at this sad time.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Maureen, Cotton and family, and all of Walt’s extended family,
Our sincere condolences to all, in the loss of another memorable old timer and rodeo icon.
Alvin Wagner says
Condolences to Cotton and Family. Walt was always fun to visit with. One of the Greats to come out of Montana.
Alvin Wagner says
Condolences Cotton and Family. Walt was always fun and interesting to visit with. One of the Greats to come out of Montana
Donnie Rooney says
QWalt did many rodeos as a pickup msn& a greatat that
The 95 cattke drive was another. Ny condolences to the ehole family. RIP my friend.
Brenda Leitholt Schwab says
Although I only knew Walt for a short while I could tell that he was a very kind man. I had the honor of caring for him in his last days. He was a sweet soul to the very end. My condolences to the Secrest and Hirsch families. My he rest in peace.
Delbert & Janice High says
Maureen we are so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing, we just heard about it this morning!! Such a great guy and a true cowboy, and he’s free to do all the things he loved to do and unable to do for so long!!
Ben Dover says
Tits McGee, yeehaw, howdy stupid hillbilly rednecks!
DARLA BALDWIN says
Praying for comfort for the family. Went to first grade in Cohagen with Cotton and participated in the play days. Walt will always be the best pickup man in my memory.
John Miller / Acorn Flats says
Cotton and family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Dad.
Susan Joe phiip says
Just heard about walts passing, I’m sorry for your lose. He had a very good life. He can bullshit my dad, Melvin Thomas now. I remember as kids we were at cohagon ranch. Walt came from the horse corral with shitty boots, stepped on his sandwich, and ate it. Didn’t want to but he’d told us kids he would. I will miss his sense of humor. Best to the family. Love Susan philippi.