COLCORD, Okla. — The late Charley Beals (1918-1994) was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City on Oct. 24, 2010.

Charley Beals and his wife Imogene Veach Beals owned and operated the Veach Saddlery Company in Tulsa for almost forty years (1945-1984), retiring to the Clark-Beals Ranch in Colcord, Okla.

Charley continued to operate the Veach Saddle Shop on the ranch until his death. The saddle shop is now in the capable hands of his grandson, Drew Clark.

Charley was an early member of the RCA, now Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association, joining in 1937. He competed in saddle bronc riding and bull riding, winning many of the major rodeos of that time. He retired from active competition in 1957.

Beside being known forthe roping saddles he made, such as the Fred Lowry Roper and Oklahoma Roper, he was very well known for the Charley Beals bareback rigging he designed and made. This bareback rigging was used by many bareback riders from 1945 to the mid 1970s, including all the champions. He was named Saddle Maker of the Year by his peers in 1992.

Charley and Imogene were instrumental in the formation of the Rodeo Historical Society, a major part of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. He was honored as well for his devotion to rodeo’s history and preservation.

Charley was also very proud of the rodeo achievements of his grandsons Derek, Doug and Drew Clark, sons of daughter Donna and her husband Duke Clark. Currently, his great-grandchildren are carrying on the rodeo tradition.

The Beals-Clark Family was honored and is proud of this posthumous award, according to Donna Beals Clark of Colcord.

News, Pages 8 on 11/17/2010