Former PRCA saddle bronc rider Shawn Tibbs passes away

Shawn Tibbs, a former PRCA saddle bronc rider, passed away June 3, near Aurora, S.D. He was 56.

Tibbs joined the PRCA in June of 1989 and was a member of the Association until 1993. He had $39,900 in career earnings. He was the 1987 South Dakota High School Saddle Bronc Riding State Champion. Tibbs also team roped as a header, and competed for Western Texas College in Snyder.

Legendary ProRodeo Hall of Famer Casey Tibbs is the uncle to Mike Tibbs, Shawn’s father, and the great uncle to Shawn.

“There will never be another person like Shawn Tibbs. He had his own unique way … if you didn’t know him, he’d come across as loud and rude. And he’d tell you what’s on his mind. He’d come across gruff, but he had a heart of gold,” said Rorey Lemmel, a PRCA bull rider and Tibbs’ longtime friend. “If he was your buddy, he was there no matter what. He had the funniest wit about him. I was talking to some of the guys in our age group the other day and you could get down on your riding, and you would say, ‘Man, I rode terrible.’ And he’d say, ‘You’re right. You sucked.’ And it would make you laugh and you would snap out of it. He was something. That’s a big weight to pack around that name (Tibbs) in South Dakota or anywhere in rodeo. But Shawn did it with his style. He was known and loved everywhere just because of it. He’s hard to describe. You just had to meet him.

“I would want people to remember Shawn Tibbs as a cowboy who always had your back. He was a friend. And the beauty of Shawn that I tell everybody, he didn’t care if you were the CEO or the janitor, Shawn treated everybody the same. I don’t get rattled very easily and it hurt me when he died. He was something. He dang sure was a cowboy and loved the cowboy way. Sometimes cowboys get a little bitter when they get older, but he liked watching young kids and encouraging them and telling stories. Shawn was a true friend.”

Red Lemmel, a fellow saddle bronc rider, echoed his younger brother, Rorey.

“Shawn probably had more friends than the average fella. He just took the time with everybody,” Red said. “He was a character, of course, the Tibbs, you know, they’re known for being characters. Shawn had more one-liners that could make you laugh so hard you bawled. He was just a great guy and a good bronc rider. He rode at San Antonio and Houston and, and (was runner-up) at Pendleton, (Ore.). He rode at all the big ones there for a few years.”

Tibbs was a respected Xcel Energy employee, active member of IBEW Local 160, and beloved friend.

Some people leave an impression. Shawn left a mark.

Larger than life, a hard worker, and the kind of guy you didn’t forget once you met him, Tibbs earned the respect of those around him through his work ethic, his character, and the way he carried himself every day.

He was a valued brother, coworker, and friend whose contributions to our industry and our union will not be forgotten. His passing is felt throughout the Local 160 family and by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

His death has left a profound void in the hearts of family members, friends, coworkers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Tibbs is being remembered as a man whose presence brought steadiness, kindness, and quiet strength to those around him.

Tibbs was deeply proud of his roots and carried the values of his hometown throughout his life. Those who knew him describe him as dependable, humble, and sincere – someone who believed in hard work, honesty, and showing up for others when it mattered most. He lived with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity, qualities that earned him the respect of everyone he encountered.

Professionally, Tibbs dedicated his career to Xcel Energy, where he was known for his commitment to safety, teamwork, and excellence. He took pride in his work and understood the importance of serving communities through reliable and careful service. Coworkers remember him not only as a skilled and dedicated employee, but also as a supportive teammate who made the workplace better through his calm presence and willingness to help others.

Tibbs’ early years included his time at Dupree (S.D.) High School, where he formed lasting friendships and developed many of the values that guided him throughout his life. The lessons of perseverance, respect, and loyalty stayed with him and shaped the way he approached both personal and professional relationships. He remained connected to those roots and valued the bonds he formed during those formative years.

Beyond his work and education, Tibbs was a devoted family member and friend. He expressed care through actions rather than words – showing up when needed, offering support without hesitation, and standing by those he loved through both challenges and celebrations. His quiet humor, thoughtful nature, and ability to listen made others feel seen, valued, and understood.

As loved ones mourn his passing, they also reflect on the meaningful legacy he leaves behind.

Tibbs’ life serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, integrity, and commitment to others. The memories shared with him – simple conversations, moments of laughter, and everyday acts of care – now hold even greater significance for those who knew him.

Though his absence is deeply felt, Shawn Tibbs will be remembered with love and gratitude. His influence lives on in the people he touched and the example he set through his life. He will be deeply missed, forever honored, and always remembered by his family, friends, and community.

Tibbs is survived by his partner, Steph, and daughters, Jordan who is a sophomore-to-be at South Dakota State University and she competes on the school’s rodeo team as a breakaway roper and team roper. Cayle, competes as a barrel racer and pole bender, and will be attending college in the fall. Father, Mike; mother, Kathy McPherson; and sisters Mika; and Neilie; and brother, Kevin.

Funeral services for Tibbs will take place at 11:30 a.m. (MT), Thursday, June 11, at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Ft. Pierre, S.D. Burial will be in the Scotty Phillips Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will take place at 10:30 a.m., June 11, 2026, at the Stanley County Fairgrounds.

-PRCA