The Espey family was selected to be the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Tarkio Rodeo Parade. The family was recognized for its long service to the community and the Tarkio Rodeo and the continuation of that family rodeo legacy. (Ken Miller photo)

Dr. and Mrs. Robert Espey made Tarkio, Missouri, their home in 1952. This was after Robert “Doc” served his country in WWII and then graduated from MU with his veterinary medicine degree. Doc and Deloris settled in the lovely community of Tarkio to raise their three children, Jerry, Janice and Joan. All the family members were devoted members of the First Baptist Church. Doc served the community well by providing quality veterinary care. He played a big part in bringing a yearly rodeo to the Tarkio community. And so the Espey rodeo legacy began.

Their beautiful daughter, Janice, was talented in horsemanship and was crowned the 1968 Missouri Rodeo Queen in the Tarkio Rodeo Arena. Janice went to be with the Lord in 1971 (Robert passed away in 1994 and Deloris in 1997).

Their son, Jerry, followed in his father’s footsteps and practiced veterinary medicine in Tarkio with his dad. Jerry and his wife, Dale, also raised their children, Rob and Jodi, in Tarkio. Jerry’s first rodeo memory was calf roping at the age of nine in the Tarkio Rodeo Arena. He also continued rodeoing as team roper throughout his adult life. Jodi also competed in the same arena in goat tying competitions.

After Rob graduated from veterinary school in 1997, he and Jerry began discussing how they might one day practice together – just as Doc and Jerry had for so many years. In 1998, that dream became a reality when Jerry and Dale relocated to the Grain Valley area, and Jerry and Rob purchased a veterinary practice. Together, they continued to care for the community of Grain Valley with the same dedication the Espey family had shown to Tarkio for generations.

In 2000, Rob married his wife, Kendra, and the two began building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. They raised two beautiful children, Sam and Ruby, and found joy in spending time together – often on horseback, winding through the wooded trails around their home.

When Ruby turned six, she expressed an interest in rodeo. Rob and Kendra were thrilled to support their children in any passion their hearts pursued, and so began the continuation of the Espey rodeo legacy. Ruby entered her first rodeo in August of 2013, and less than a year later, her brother Sam picked up a rope and jumped into the sport as well. Rodeo quickly became their family’s happy place, leading them through countless weekends on the road – from MOKan and Little Britches to junior high, high school, and eventually amateur circuits.

Today, Ruby competes in college rodeo for Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri. But in June of 2024, while attending a rodeo, Rob was struck by lightning and went home to be with Jesus. For many, such a loss might have ended any desire to go on – but not for this family. Ruby had qualified for nationals and was set to leave for Wyoming just weeks after losing her father and biggest supporter. In an incredible display of courage and strength, Ruby and Kendra decided she would compete in Rob’s honor. That year, she finished 21st in the nation in breakaway calf roping.

And so the legacy continues.

Together, Kendra, Sam and Ruby are committed to carrying on the Espey rodeo legacy – continuing to love and live the sport that began, for them, in the Tarkio arena so many years ago.

A note from the Espey family: “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition. However, our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Tarkio community for the role it played in shaping the Espey family and the legacy of rodeo. From the early days with the graduations of Jerry, Janice, Joan, Rob and Jodi from Tarkio High School, to the establishing of the Espey Veterinary Clinic with Old Doc and Young Doc, to the launch of a yearly rodeo being brought to town – none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of this community. Tarkio’s influence has been woven into every part of our story, and for that, we are truly thankful.” Jerry and Dale Espey; Kendra and Ruby Espey, Sam and Abby Espey; Jodi (Espey) and Christian Nafzger, Henry and Will; Joan (Espey) and Tony Bryan, Jake and Kailey Bryan and Frank; Amy and David Chou, Collins, Halle and Jordan; and Alyssa and Collin Huff, Cam and Wes.