Speakers at the service included 1992 world champion Cody Custer from Wickenburg, Ariz., and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers Corey Navarre, from Weatherford, Okla., and Cord McCoy from Tupelo, Okla. They were flanked by Drury’s Wrangler NFR back number from his 2000 qualification and a smiling photo of him taken last May.

“Shane asked me a couple of months ago if I would speak at his service,” Navarre said. “I never thought he’d really hold me to it,” he added with a smile.

Navarre and Drury were part of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s men’s team that claimed the college title in 2000. “I’m a better person for having known Shane,” he said. Navarre made the trip to Nebraska several times to visit his friend, and shared their conversation from the most recent. “I was starting to question my own faith and I asked Shane if he still thought God was good? He said ‘with all my heart’ in a soft voice.”

Those four words were all Navarre needed to hear. Throughout the service, Drury was remembered as a man of faith and determination. Also speaking were older brothers Chad and Jesse who wore shirts that Shane competed in. Dustin Elliott, the 2005 world champ who traveled with Shane when he returned to competition after his first bout with cancer, also came to the service along with many other bull riders that Drury competed with.

Many of those same bull riders were part of a benefit bull riding held in Weatherford, Okla., for Drury in 2002. Elsie Frost, mother of world champion bull rider Lane Frost donated one of the legendary cowboy’s competition shirts for an auction held along with the bull riding.

The bullfighters at the event all chipped in and bought the shirt then presented it to Shane. One of his last requests was to give this very valuable piece of rodeo history to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which provided support for Drury. The shirt will be displayed at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and will be used as to raise money for the fund. Drury updated his many fans on his condition at www.shanedrury.net. His web site will continue to be updated and final fundraising plans will be posted there.

Drury’s legacy of never giving up and believing that all things are possible with God’s help will be remembered annually at the College National Finals Rodeo in June when a scholarship is presented in his honor.

Donations to the scholarship fund are fully tax deductible and can be made to the NIRA Foundation in Shane Drury’s name. They should be sent to: National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Foundation, 2316 Eastgate North Suite 160, Walla Walla WA 99362. For more information about the Shane Drury Scholarship contact Susan Kanode, public relations coordinator for the CNFR (817) 307-6336 or e-mail susan@cowgirlimaging.com.

Susan Kanode