Robert McKennly Young

Robert McKennly Young, affectionately known as “Bo” or “Bobo,” answered the Master’s call and rode on to glory on March 9, 2026. Born in Edna, Texas, to the late Robert Ervin Young and Mable Howard, he learned early the values of grit, strength, and independence that defined his life. As a boy, he spent his days on Mitchell Ranch alongside his father and uncle, Walter “Bob” Young, absorbing the ways of the land and the proud legacy of the Black cowboy.

Bo accepted Christ at an early age and was active in the youth department at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Though he often joked that he never graduated high school, he proudly claimed his “PhD from the Hard Knock Life University,” a truth recognized by all who knew him. Life itself became his classroom, and experience his greatest teacher. From the open road to the rodeo arena, he embodied the spirit of a cowboy trucker, chasing horizons, working with quiet determination, and sharing stories that lingered long after the day was done.

He worked for several local trucking companies, where fellow drivers respected “Cornbread” for his dependability and fearlessness. Yet his true passion lay in the arena. Roping steers brought him alive, whether at Nursery Arena, late nights at The Eggs or Cantu’s, or full rodeo weekends in Egypt and Hearne. He pursued every run with heart and left behind countless tales told in the dust.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert Ervin Young and Mable Howard, and his beloved daughter, Rashanda Lashae Young, Bo is survived by his sons, Brashad Dashae Young and Trey McKennly Young (Kevinisha); his sister, Sharon Thomas; his niece, Tamara Traylor; his nephew, Andrae Runnels; his rodeo son, Krystin “2” Gunels; and a wide circle of extended family, rodeo partners, trucking friends, and others whose lives were touched by his laughter, stories, and larger-than-life presence. He lived fully—one mile, one ride, and one story at a time—and the trail he left will not be forgotten.