Elmo had an amazing life during the "short" 52 years he lived. He was admired and respected by all who knew him. Numerous newspaper articles over the years, too many to include, have helped provided a brief glimpse into his life.
Elmo's parents were:
Gaines Rudolph Faver 1889–1973
Willie Lee Knight Faver 1894–1966
He married Marguerite Jewel Wilson Faver in 1943. They had two daughters, Pam and Bonnie.
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Elmo's name was shown as Gaines E. Faver when he enlisted in World War II on May 23, 1941, at Fort Bliss in El Paso.
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Gaines E Faver
Birth Year 1917
Nativity State or Country
State of Residence Texas
County Scurry
Enlistment Date 23 May 1941
Enlistment State Texas
Enlistment City Fort Bliss El Paso
Branch Warrant Officers, USA
Grade Private
Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Education 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation Farm hands, animal and livestock
Marital Status Single, without dependents
Height 68
Weight 178
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Abilene Morning News
Thursday, November 5, 1936
Picture Caption:
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINERS FROM SWEETWATER AREA
These seven performers, picked from more than 15 entertainment units, will present a half-hour program for Sweetwater over KRBC at 5:45 p.m. today. The group, first to appear in the; Know Your West Texas' series includes: top left, Ernestine Sue Quast, Sweetwater, piano accordion and right, Elmo Faver and Edith Freeman of Fluvanna, sing done with guitar accompaniment: ... (only top part of photo shown)
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Abilene Morning News (TX)
Wed. February 17, 1937
"SYNDER LIONS PAY VISIT AT FLUVANNA
Snyder, Feb. 16 - Carrying out one of their 'good neighbor' programs, inaugurated late last year, the Snyder Lions club Tuesday at noon were guests of Fluvanne, progressive community in the northwest portion of Scurry county. ...
A boys' quartet composed of ELMO FAVER, A.V. Ba.., R.B. Willis and Cecil Boren, sang 'Grandfather's Clock' as the first number on a 20 minute entertainment program. ... The remainder of the program follows: Vocal The remainder of the program follows: Vocal solo, Juanita Elkins; reading, Frances E. Jones; vocal duet, Dot Rea and Doris Glen Wills; whistling solo, Dot Rea; vocal solo, four -year-old Dana J Stark; vocal trio, Juanita Elkins, Jettie D. Elkins and ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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El Paso Herald Post
Wednesday, August 12, 1942
"PRIVATE CALLS ACTRESS 'HONEY'
Another Tells of Stopping Germans
Ft. Bliss soldiers spoke their pieces while being interviewed by Carole Landis, Hollywood star, over the Vox Pop coast-to-coast radio program last night, and one of them called her 'honey.' Miss Landis didn't mind.
Sgt. Almon Bates, former bronc buster from Hygiene, Colo/, a horse-shoer at Ft. Bliss, was asked by Miss Landis if it didn't require a ling time to learn horseshoeing. "Yes, and it must have taken you a long time to learn to be an actress, honey," replied Bates.
SGT. ELMO FAVER, of Snyder, former cowhand, confided over the air that he would like to teach Miss Landis to be a 'cowhand.' ... ."
Picture Caption:
Above, grouped around the two interviewers on Vox Pop, radio program, Carole Landis and Warren H8ill, are the six Ft. Bliss men who appeared on the 30 minute broadcast last night. Left to right are: Pvt. Ernest Cimino, Pvt. Donald E. Newbold, Sgt. Howard Smith, Miss Landis, Mr. Hull, Pvt. Jim Campbell, Sgt. Almon Bates, Sgt. Elmo Faver.
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Snyder Daily News
Thursday, May 6, 1954
Personals
"Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver, 1211 Twenty-first, spent the week end in Abilene visiting their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver and children. Elmo Favor was ordained as a deacon in the Wylie Baptist Church of Abilene Sunday."
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Snyder Daily News
Friday, January 15, 1960
"UNION NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Everette Faver of Capulin, N.M. are guests in the home of their nephew, Mr. Elmo Favers and family. ...
Weekend visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver were his parents Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver of Snyder, and Mr. and Mrs. Travis Wilson and son of Dumas."
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Snyder Daily News (TX)
Friday, March 25, 1960
"UNION BAPTIST
The Rev. R.N. Tucker, pastor, will have as his subject, 'Christ's Relation to Truth; at the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday at the Union Baptist Church. ...
Sunday School will start at 9:45 a.m. and Training Union at 6:30 p.m. Congregational singing and the choir will be under direction of ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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Big Spring Daily Herald (TX)
Sunday, June 9, 1963
"OLD TIME CAP MEETING SCHEDULED
Gail - Religious services with the preacher, the singers, and as many of the congregation as possible on horseback will be a feature of the Borden County Camp Meeting June 16. ...
Singing for the services in the auditorium as well as at the Arena will be under the direction of ELMO FAVER, well known in the county and a native of Scurry County for many years. In addition to his musical abilities, Faver is widely known as a cutting horse trainer. He devotes much of his time to working with revivals. ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News
Friday, July 2, 1965
"TWO ABILENE HORSES WIN STAMFORD TITLES
Stamford - Two Abilene horses were named grand champions here Thursday in strong halter competition in the AQHA-approved Quarter Horse Show, an opening - day feature of the 1965 Texas Cowboy Reunion.
... Faver's Mare Champion
Elmo Faver, an Abilene breeder and horse trainer showed his 1961 mare, Holleo, to the championship in the mare halter classes. holleo is a daughter of Helleo, a good strong QH stallion owned by Louis Brooks of Sweetwater. Holleo is a daughter of Holly Badger, a mare formerly owned by Faver. ... ."
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Snyder Daily News
Sunday, March 27, 1966
"Union News
A revival will begin March 27 at the Union Baptist Church and continue through the week with the Rev. Rick Ingle as the visiting evangelist. Elmo Faver of Abilene will be the song leader ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News (TX)
Sunday, October 30, 1966
HORSE TRAINER DEVOTES PART OF TIME TO GOSPEL SINGING
By Benton Watson
Reporter-News Farm Writer
"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, is a man who feels his first purpose in living is to serve the Lord and everything else will take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believes this so strongly that he has turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and hel felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day.
Faver and his wife, Marguerite, live at Wylie with their daughter, Pamela, a senior in Wylie High School. They one other daughter, Mrs. Eugene Jennings of Abilene.
Faver married the former Marguerit Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. ... ."
Snyder Daily News (TX)
Monday, August 11, 1969
"Elmo Faver Rites Here Wednesday
Funeral service will be held here Wednesday for Elmo G. Faver, 52, who died unexpectedly Saturday at Santa Fe, N.M.
Mr. Faver, a native of Scurry County, was well-known throughout the Southwest as an evangelistic singer. He was a member of the Baptist Church. At the time of his death he resided in El Paso.
Surviving are his wife, Marguerite Faver of El Paso; two daughters, Pamela and Bonnie Faver, both of the home in El Paso; his father, G.R. (Dolph) Faver of Snyder; a sister, Mrs. J.C. Pirtle of Boise, Idaho; two brothers, Morris Dean Faver of Roanoke and Jeff Faver of Santa Anna, Calif.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Snyder. Five ministers will participate in the service. They are the Revs. M.P. Bishop of Mansfield, Roy Corley of Portales, N.M., R.N. Tucker of Littlefield, C.R. Bailey of Oklahoma City, Okla., and J.B. Chick of Bangs.
Pallbearers will be Julius Roemisch, Donald Rutledge of Abilene, the Rev. Clarence Minton of Loraine, Bobby Vann of Albuquerque, N.M., W.R. Potter of Roscoe and Ralph Simon of El Paso.
Burial will be in the Snyder Cemetery, under direction of Bell-Seale Funeral Home.
The family has suggested memorials to the Heart Fund ... to the Colorado Camp Meeting, Kiowa, Colo., in care of Hank Smith."
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Elmo's life was ended much to soon. His obituary follows:
El Paso Times (TX)
Sunday, August 10, 1969
"RODEO JUDGE ELMO FAVER DIES AT 52
Word has been received of the death of Elmo Faver, 52, well-known El Paso rodeo and horse show judge, who died Saturday from an apparent heart attack while judging a horse show in Santa Fe, N.M.
A memorial service for Mr. Faver will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the First Baptist Church of El Paso, the Rev. Gene Garrison officiating.
Mr. Faver figured prominently in area rodeos and was a member of the local quarter-horse association. He had judged many rodeo and horse shows during the years.
Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Marguerite Faver of 313 Olivia; and two daughters, Miss Pamela Faver and Mrs. Bonnie Lindop, both of El Paso.
Arrangements were pending Saturday with the Bell-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder, Tex."
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The Mexia daily News (TX)
Sunday, August 24, 1969
"TRIBUTE TO A COWBOY-EVANGELIST
Editor's Note: Early this month, death ended the notable career of Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer from El Paso. Following is a story concerning Mr. Faver's life and is a tribute to the kind of life that he led.
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"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, was a man who felt his first purpose in living was to serve the Lord and everything else would take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believed this so strongly that he turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and he felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day. Faver and his wife, Marguerite, lived at El Paso with their daughter, Pamela, at the time of his passing, August 9, 1969. They have one other daughter, Mrs. Jim Lindop also of of El Paso.
Faver married the former Marguerite Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. Elmo was born in Fluvanna, quit school his sophomore year and started to work in 1934 on the Miller Bros. Ranch at Fluvanna. This was his first experience with horses, and he took the job with the intention of learning more about horses. However, he said, about the closest he came to horses was to drive a team of mules while plowing. He went back and finished high school at Fluvanna in 1937 and in 1941 joined the Army. He spent four years and four months in the Panama Canal but in the meantime took time out to marry. Upon returning from the Army, he and Mrs. Faver started on their first job which was the start of wide traveling and many homes.
Their first home was at Raton, N.M. where Faver worked for an uncle for a year as a ranch hand. Then to Santa Fe whee Faver spent tow and one-half years with the Atomic Energy Commission. The Favers then moved to Santa Rosa, N.M. where Elmo was manager of the Pete Johnson Ranch of some 25,000 acres. After a short time there, they moved to a ranch at Arlington, where Faver said he learned most of what he knows now about training horses. And he gave a lot of the credit for his success as a horse trainer and judge to a man that was at the ranch at the time, Pine Johnson. Johnson was foreman and manager of the ranch wen Elmo was there.
Faver's job was to train horses for reining, roping and cutting under the watchful of Johnson. It was here that he was associated with the horse that he says was the best one he has ever ridden and hopes to ever ride. The name of the horse was Jesse James who was reserve world champion in cutting. At the finals one year, the horse was second in a go round with one of the bridle reins hanging down to the ground. Faver said that it is told among horse trainers that you will only have one horse in a life time that is truly great and Faver felt this was his.
After two years, Faver moved his family to Wichita Falls where he worked for Charlie King. The thing that he remember about his tow year stay there was a horse named Pondors, which is one of the pioneers of the Quarter Horse industry. the horse was the all around champion at Houston in 1951 under the guidance of Faver. Two other horses at the King place that Faver like to talk about were Pussy Cat and Doak Walker.
In 1952, Faver moved to Abilene where he worked for Dr. D.G. Strole as trainer. It was here that he was associated with what he ranked as the second best horse he had ever ridden, Hollywood Snapper. Faver gave most of the credit for the success of the horse to the man who was the trainer when the horse was young, Jim Trammel. Faver spent only about eight months with the Strole outfit, and then wen into business for himself for the next two years at Wylie training horses for the public. One of the horses he was proud of during this time was the one he bought for $100 from Jim Trammel. He later sold the horse for $2,500. Faver often said this just goes to show you can't tell how a horse if going to turn out.
In 1954, Elmo went to work for Pete and LaRue Gooch, who purchased a ranch just out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Faver operated the ranch and trained horses for both the ranch and public. This is where Faver became associated with the third best horse he said he ever rode, Hollywood Sweetheart. The horse was reserve champion cutting horse at the Western States Cutting Horse Association Show for two years. Faver said the he really enjoyed his stay in Colorado and was quick to point out that he thinks the association with the Gooch's was one of the most pleasant of his career.
In 1957, Faver moved to Dumas where he worked for one year with Pat McDowell. He trained the horse, General Lee, while there and the horse later sold for $10,000. In 1958, the Favers moved to Snyder, where Faver worked on the Hayes ranch, training their horses. He remembered the horse Miss Mac best of all the horses at Snyder.
In 1960, the Favers made their home in Sweetwater where he leased a ranch from Lewis Brooks and trained the Brooks head of the horses. He trained Babe Mac best of all the horses at Vandal, while there, which was described by Faver as being the horse to make champion the quickest of any horse he had ever seen. And, of course, he was associated with the famous Heleco that Brooks still owns.
Clairmont was home in 1962 with Faver working for Manuel Davis and the late Hugh Davis. He trained Baldy Davis and Concho W which Faver thought are both real good horses.
The next move for the Favers was in 1964 when they came to Abilene. He was associated with what was formally the Range Riders Association but is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Herring. Fever rented barn space from the Hedrings and trained horses for the public. One of the most famous horses owned by Faver was Holed. She was champion at the State Fair in 1965 as well as Stamford and Abilene. Faver was working her for cutting one day when she broke her leg and had to be retired to a brood mare band.
Another horse owned by Faver was Pamaleo, whose sire was Heleo. Faver kept about six horses on hand at all times for training purposes. He worked them in reining, roping, cutting and just general training. One of the horses trained by Elmo was Steele. Another was martha's holly, owned by James Clark Jr., of Aspermont.
Elmo Faver was considered by many to be one of the top horse judges in the country. But Elmo said that many will disagree, as a horse judge can be one of the most unpopular men around. He said he didn't believe in letting politics or playing favorites enter into his decisions. This year he has judged shows in Louisiana, California, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia, and of course, all over Texas.
In the Fall of 1967, Elmo moved to El Paso after being highly recommended by Rex Cauble of Denton, Texas and began working with some of the Cutter Bill line of horses who were purchased by Ralph Swafford. He worked with a young many by the name of Richard Scott from Clyde, Texas and Elmo said he had 'good hands' when it came to training the young horses. He assisted Elmo in breaking and training there for a period of one year, and then began training for the public again. He set up his training quarters at the Willard Deerman farm headquarters on Westside Road in El Paso, and started working with the fine herd of horses that Willard has.
At the same time, he accepted a young mare name Ellen's Streak, who wwas by Cutter's Streak and out of Sissy Crockett by Crockett King by King. He saw the wonderful potential in this young mare soon after he began riding her and persuaded her owners, Doris and Ralph Simon, of El Paso, to nominate her for the NCHA Cutting Futurity for 1969. Elmo said that she was an unusual mare, in that she took her training with such enthusiasm and responded to correction rapidly and easily as well as being a 'natural' in cutting. He carried her along slowly, but thoroughly, never pressed her, and at the same time earned a number of halter points as well as Register of merit in Western Pleasure in the short time he had to work with her. He not infrequently compared her to the great cutting horse, Jesse James, and said he couldn't believe that he was to be so privileged that he would have two great horses in his lifetime.
he also spent considerable time with Poco Brown Bug, owned by Willard and Florence Deerman and was amazed at the wonderful cow sense the horse had, and showed him and won many times on him. At the same time he was training Debbie and Fletcher Deerman to ride this cutting horse and they too won many trophies with Elmo's patient tutoring. He also tutored others, guided the in handling and training horses ans was especially patient and willing to help the young in showing their horses. The kids loved him and listened intently when he taught them. 'Doc' Simon also had the privilege of being one of Elmo's students. He bought one of Elmo's fine Whimper Hollywood Gold bred mares and Elmo took the time to teach both the mare and the novice rider to cut cattle. They both had many wonderful and amazing times together in the cutting arena.
This is the story that could go on and on in Elmo Faver's association with all the people with whom he came in contact. He always left a lasting and wonderful impression with his love for people and horses. People who had the privilege to meet and know Elmo always went away knowing they had come in contact with not only a fine judge of horses but with one of the finest Christians of today. They were always the richer for this association.
Faver started evangelistic singing in 1950, by being associated with the Cowboy Camp meetings. These originated in 1890 by the late Joe Evans in the Davis Mountains. There were no churches for miles in that area and Evans and some of the families saw the need for having church. There are no 13 across the country.
The Favers were members of the First Baptist Church where Elmo served as a deacon. He usually scheduled about 10 revivals a year for his evangelistic singing, saying that people find this arrangement of a horse trainer and evangelistic singer is rather unusual. But he often said he enjoyed one just as much as the other.
he died doing what he loved to do - riding and showing horses in competition with the horses and people he knew and loved. While showing in Sante Fe, N.M. he had a massive coronary occlusion and died thee on the Rodeo Grounds with all his friends trying desperately to keep him alive. This occurred on August 9, 1969 at 2 p.m. Elmo was 52 years old.
Elmo was a member of AQHA, NCHA, and a certified AQHA Judge. He was one of the finest tributes today to the Horse Industry and Horse loving people, and a credit to all the finest principles we all try to adhere to but seem to fall short of in our daily living. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Paso, Texas and a charter member and director of the Southwest Quarter Horse Association. Everyone who knew Elmo Faver, a fine Christian and a lover of horses will be a little sadder but so much richer for having known him."
Researched and Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2019
Elmo's parents were:
Gaines Rudolph Faver 1889–1973
Willie Lee Knight Faver 1894–1966
He married Marguerite Jewel Wilson Faver in 1943. They had two daughters, Pam and Bonnie.
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Elmo's name was shown as Gaines E. Faver when he enlisted in World War II on May 23, 1941, at Fort Bliss in El Paso.
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Gaines E Faver
Birth Year 1917
Nativity State or Country
State of Residence Texas
County Scurry
Enlistment Date 23 May 1941
Enlistment State Texas
Enlistment City Fort Bliss El Paso
Branch Warrant Officers, USA
Grade Private
Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Education 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation Farm hands, animal and livestock
Marital Status Single, without dependents
Height 68
Weight 178
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Abilene Morning News
Thursday, November 5, 1936
Picture Caption:
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINERS FROM SWEETWATER AREA
These seven performers, picked from more than 15 entertainment units, will present a half-hour program for Sweetwater over KRBC at 5:45 p.m. today. The group, first to appear in the; Know Your West Texas' series includes: top left, Ernestine Sue Quast, Sweetwater, piano accordion and right, Elmo Faver and Edith Freeman of Fluvanna, sing done with guitar accompaniment: ... (only top part of photo shown)
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Abilene Morning News (TX)
Wed. February 17, 1937
"SYNDER LIONS PAY VISIT AT FLUVANNA
Snyder, Feb. 16 - Carrying out one of their 'good neighbor' programs, inaugurated late last year, the Snyder Lions club Tuesday at noon were guests of Fluvanne, progressive community in the northwest portion of Scurry county. ...
A boys' quartet composed of ELMO FAVER, A.V. Ba.., R.B. Willis and Cecil Boren, sang 'Grandfather's Clock' as the first number on a 20 minute entertainment program. ... The remainder of the program follows: Vocal The remainder of the program follows: Vocal solo, Juanita Elkins; reading, Frances E. Jones; vocal duet, Dot Rea and Doris Glen Wills; whistling solo, Dot Rea; vocal solo, four -year-old Dana J Stark; vocal trio, Juanita Elkins, Jettie D. Elkins and ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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El Paso Herald Post
Wednesday, August 12, 1942
"PRIVATE CALLS ACTRESS 'HONEY'
Another Tells of Stopping Germans
Ft. Bliss soldiers spoke their pieces while being interviewed by Carole Landis, Hollywood star, over the Vox Pop coast-to-coast radio program last night, and one of them called her 'honey.' Miss Landis didn't mind.
Sgt. Almon Bates, former bronc buster from Hygiene, Colo/, a horse-shoer at Ft. Bliss, was asked by Miss Landis if it didn't require a ling time to learn horseshoeing. "Yes, and it must have taken you a long time to learn to be an actress, honey," replied Bates.
SGT. ELMO FAVER, of Snyder, former cowhand, confided over the air that he would like to teach Miss Landis to be a 'cowhand.' ... ."
Picture Caption:
Above, grouped around the two interviewers on Vox Pop, radio program, Carole Landis and Warren H8ill, are the six Ft. Bliss men who appeared on the 30 minute broadcast last night. Left to right are: Pvt. Ernest Cimino, Pvt. Donald E. Newbold, Sgt. Howard Smith, Miss Landis, Mr. Hull, Pvt. Jim Campbell, Sgt. Almon Bates, Sgt. Elmo Faver.
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Snyder Daily News
Thursday, May 6, 1954
Personals
"Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver, 1211 Twenty-first, spent the week end in Abilene visiting their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver and children. Elmo Favor was ordained as a deacon in the Wylie Baptist Church of Abilene Sunday."
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Snyder Daily News
Friday, January 15, 1960
"UNION NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Everette Faver of Capulin, N.M. are guests in the home of their nephew, Mr. Elmo Favers and family. ...
Weekend visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver were his parents Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver of Snyder, and Mr. and Mrs. Travis Wilson and son of Dumas."
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Snyder Daily News (TX)
Friday, March 25, 1960
"UNION BAPTIST
The Rev. R.N. Tucker, pastor, will have as his subject, 'Christ's Relation to Truth; at the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday at the Union Baptist Church. ...
Sunday School will start at 9:45 a.m. and Training Union at 6:30 p.m. Congregational singing and the choir will be under direction of ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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Big Spring Daily Herald (TX)
Sunday, June 9, 1963
"OLD TIME CAP MEETING SCHEDULED
Gail - Religious services with the preacher, the singers, and as many of the congregation as possible on horseback will be a feature of the Borden County Camp Meeting June 16. ...
Singing for the services in the auditorium as well as at the Arena will be under the direction of ELMO FAVER, well known in the county and a native of Scurry County for many years. In addition to his musical abilities, Faver is widely known as a cutting horse trainer. He devotes much of his time to working with revivals. ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News
Friday, July 2, 1965
"TWO ABILENE HORSES WIN STAMFORD TITLES
Stamford - Two Abilene horses were named grand champions here Thursday in strong halter competition in the AQHA-approved Quarter Horse Show, an opening - day feature of the 1965 Texas Cowboy Reunion.
... Faver's Mare Champion
Elmo Faver, an Abilene breeder and horse trainer showed his 1961 mare, Holleo, to the championship in the mare halter classes. holleo is a daughter of Helleo, a good strong QH stallion owned by Louis Brooks of Sweetwater. Holleo is a daughter of Holly Badger, a mare formerly owned by Faver. ... ."
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Snyder Daily News
Sunday, March 27, 1966
"Union News
A revival will begin March 27 at the Union Baptist Church and continue through the week with the Rev. Rick Ingle as the visiting evangelist. Elmo Faver of Abilene will be the song leader ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News (TX)
Sunday, October 30, 1966
HORSE TRAINER DEVOTES PART OF TIME TO GOSPEL SINGING
By Benton Watson
Reporter-News Farm Writer
"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, is a man who feels his first purpose in living is to serve the Lord and everything else will take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believes this so strongly that he has turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and hel felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day.
Faver and his wife, Marguerite, live at Wylie with their daughter, Pamela, a senior in Wylie High School. They one other daughter, Mrs. Eugene Jennings of Abilene.
Faver married the former Marguerit Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. ... ."
Snyder Daily News (TX)
Monday, August 11, 1969
"Elmo Faver Rites Here Wednesday
Funeral service will be held here Wednesday for Elmo G. Faver, 52, who died unexpectedly Saturday at Santa Fe, N.M.
Mr. Faver, a native of Scurry County, was well-known throughout the Southwest as an evangelistic singer. He was a member of the Baptist Church. At the time of his death he resided in El Paso.
Surviving are his wife, Marguerite Faver of El Paso; two daughters, Pamela and Bonnie Faver, both of the home in El Paso; his father, G.R. (Dolph) Faver of Snyder; a sister, Mrs. J.C. Pirtle of Boise, Idaho; two brothers, Morris Dean Faver of Roanoke and Jeff Faver of Santa Anna, Calif.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Snyder. Five ministers will participate in the service. They are the Revs. M.P. Bishop of Mansfield, Roy Corley of Portales, N.M., R.N. Tucker of Littlefield, C.R. Bailey of Oklahoma City, Okla., and J.B. Chick of Bangs.
Pallbearers will be Julius Roemisch, Donald Rutledge of Abilene, the Rev. Clarence Minton of Loraine, Bobby Vann of Albuquerque, N.M., W.R. Potter of Roscoe and Ralph Simon of El Paso.
Burial will be in the Snyder Cemetery, under direction of Bell-Seale Funeral Home.
The family has suggested memorials to the Heart Fund ... to the Colorado Camp Meeting, Kiowa, Colo., in care of Hank Smith."
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Elmo's life was ended much to soon. His obituary follows:
El Paso Times (TX)
Sunday, August 10, 1969
"RODEO JUDGE ELMO FAVER DIES AT 52
Word has been received of the death of Elmo Faver, 52, well-known El Paso rodeo and horse show judge, who died Saturday from an apparent heart attack while judging a horse show in Santa Fe, N.M.
A memorial service for Mr. Faver will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the First Baptist Church of El Paso, the Rev. Gene Garrison officiating.
Mr. Faver figured prominently in area rodeos and was a member of the local quarter-horse association. He had judged many rodeo and horse shows during the years.
Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Marguerite Faver of 313 Olivia; and two daughters, Miss Pamela Faver and Mrs. Bonnie Lindop, both of El Paso.
Arrangements were pending Saturday with the Bell-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder, Tex."
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The Mexia daily News (TX)
Sunday, August 24, 1969
"TRIBUTE TO A COWBOY-EVANGELIST
Editor's Note: Early this month, death ended the notable career of Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer from El Paso. Following is a story concerning Mr. Faver's life and is a tribute to the kind of life that he led.
- -
"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, was a man who felt his first purpose in living was to serve the Lord and everything else would take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believed this so strongly that he turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and he felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day. Faver and his wife, Marguerite, lived at El Paso with their daughter, Pamela, at the time of his passing, August 9, 1969. They have one other daughter, Mrs. Jim Lindop also of of El Paso.
Faver married the former Marguerite Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. Elmo was born in Fluvanna, quit school his sophomore year and started to work in 1934 on the Miller Bros. Ranch at Fluvanna. This was his first experience with horses, and he took the job with the intention of learning more about horses. However, he said, about the closest he came to horses was to drive a team of mules while plowing. He went back and finished high school at Fluvanna in 1937 and in 1941 joined the Army. He spent four years and four months in the Panama Canal but in the meantime took time out to marry. Upon returning from the Army, he and Mrs. Faver started on their first job which was the start of wide traveling and many homes.
Their first home was at Raton, N.M. where Faver worked for an uncle for a year as a ranch hand. Then to Santa Fe whee Faver spent tow and one-half years with the Atomic Energy Commission. The Favers then moved to Santa Rosa, N.M. where Elmo was manager of the Pete Johnson Ranch of some 25,000 acres. After a short time there, they moved to a ranch at Arlington, where Faver said he learned most of what he knows now about training horses. And he gave a lot of the credit for his success as a horse trainer and judge to a man that was at the ranch at the time, Pine Johnson. Johnson was foreman and manager of the ranch wen Elmo was there.
Faver's job was to train horses for reining, roping and cutting under the watchful of Johnson. It was here that he was associated with the horse that he says was the best one he has ever ridden and hopes to ever ride. The name of the horse was Jesse James who was reserve world champion in cutting. At the finals one year, the horse was second in a go round with one of the bridle reins hanging down to the ground. Faver said that it is told among horse trainers that you will only have one horse in a life time that is truly great and Faver felt this was his.
After two years, Faver moved his family to Wichita Falls where he worked for Charlie King. The thing that he remember about his tow year stay there was a horse named Pondors, which is one of the pioneers of the Quarter Horse industry. the horse was the all around champion at Houston in 1951 under the guidance of Faver. Two other horses at the King place that Faver like to talk about were Pussy Cat and Doak Walker.
In 1952, Faver moved to Abilene where he worked for Dr. D.G. Strole as trainer. It was here that he was associated with what he ranked as the second best horse he had ever ridden, Hollywood Snapper. Faver gave most of the credit for the success of the horse to the man who was the trainer when the horse was young, Jim Trammel. Faver spent only about eight months with the Strole outfit, and then wen into business for himself for the next two years at Wylie training horses for the public. One of the horses he was proud of during this time was the one he bought for $100 from Jim Trammel. He later sold the horse for $2,500. Faver often said this just goes to show you can't tell how a horse if going to turn out.
In 1954, Elmo went to work for Pete and LaRue Gooch, who purchased a ranch just out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Faver operated the ranch and trained horses for both the ranch and public. This is where Faver became associated with the third best horse he said he ever rode, Hollywood Sweetheart. The horse was reserve champion cutting horse at the Western States Cutting Horse Association Show for two years. Faver said the he really enjoyed his stay in Colorado and was quick to point out that he thinks the association with the Gooch's was one of the most pleasant of his career.
In 1957, Faver moved to Dumas where he worked for one year with Pat McDowell. He trained the horse, General Lee, while there and the horse later sold for $10,000. In 1958, the Favers moved to Snyder, where Faver worked on the Hayes ranch, training their horses. He remembered the horse Miss Mac best of all the horses at Snyder.
In 1960, the Favers made their home in Sweetwater where he leased a ranch from Lewis Brooks and trained the Brooks head of the horses. He trained Babe Mac best of all the horses at Vandal, while there, which was described by Faver as being the horse to make champion the quickest of any horse he had ever seen. And, of course, he was associated with the famous Heleco that Brooks still owns.
Clairmont was home in 1962 with Faver working for Manuel Davis and the late Hugh Davis. He trained Baldy Davis and Concho W which Faver thought are both real good horses.
The next move for the Favers was in 1964 when they came to Abilene. He was associated with what was formally the Range Riders Association but is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Herring. Fever rented barn space from the Hedrings and trained horses for the public. One of the most famous horses owned by Faver was Holed. She was champion at the State Fair in 1965 as well as Stamford and Abilene. Faver was working her for cutting one day when she broke her leg and had to be retired to a brood mare band.
Another horse owned by Faver was Pamaleo, whose sire was Heleo. Faver kept about six horses on hand at all times for training purposes. He worked them in reining, roping, cutting and just general training. One of the horses trained by Elmo was Steele. Another was martha's holly, owned by James Clark Jr., of Aspermont.
Elmo Faver was considered by many to be one of the top horse judges in the country. But Elmo said that many will disagree, as a horse judge can be one of the most unpopular men around. He said he didn't believe in letting politics or playing favorites enter into his decisions. This year he has judged shows in Louisiana, California, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia, and of course, all over Texas.
In the Fall of 1967, Elmo moved to El Paso after being highly recommended by Rex Cauble of Denton, Texas and began working with some of the Cutter Bill line of horses who were purchased by Ralph Swafford. He worked with a young many by the name of Richard Scott from Clyde, Texas and Elmo said he had 'good hands' when it came to training the young horses. He assisted Elmo in breaking and training there for a period of one year, and then began training for the public again. He set up his training quarters at the Willard Deerman farm headquarters on Westside Road in El Paso, and started working with the fine herd of horses that Willard has.
At the same time, he accepted a young mare name Ellen's Streak, who wwas by Cutter's Streak and out of Sissy Crockett by Crockett King by King. He saw the wonderful potential in this young mare soon after he began riding her and persuaded her owners, Doris and Ralph Simon, of El Paso, to nominate her for the NCHA Cutting Futurity for 1969. Elmo said that she was an unusual mare, in that she took her training with such enthusiasm and responded to correction rapidly and easily as well as being a 'natural' in cutting. He carried her along slowly, but thoroughly, never pressed her, and at the same time earned a number of halter points as well as Register of merit in Western Pleasure in the short time he had to work with her. He not infrequently compared her to the great cutting horse, Jesse James, and said he couldn't believe that he was to be so privileged that he would have two great horses in his lifetime.
he also spent considerable time with Poco Brown Bug, owned by Willard and Florence Deerman and was amazed at the wonderful cow sense the horse had, and showed him and won many times on him. At the same time he was training Debbie and Fletcher Deerman to ride this cutting horse and they too won many trophies with Elmo's patient tutoring. He also tutored others, guided the in handling and training horses ans was especially patient and willing to help the young in showing their horses. The kids loved him and listened intently when he taught them. 'Doc' Simon also had the privilege of being one of Elmo's students. He bought one of Elmo's fine Whimper Hollywood Gold bred mares and Elmo took the time to teach both the mare and the novice rider to cut cattle. They both had many wonderful and amazing times together in the cutting arena.
This is the story that could go on and on in Elmo Faver's association with all the people with whom he came in contact. He always left a lasting and wonderful impression with his love for people and horses. People who had the privilege to meet and know Elmo always went away knowing they had come in contact with not only a fine judge of horses but with one of the finest Christians of today. They were always the richer for this association.
Faver started evangelistic singing in 1950, by being associated with the Cowboy Camp meetings. These originated in 1890 by the late Joe Evans in the Davis Mountains. There were no churches for miles in that area and Evans and some of the families saw the need for having church. There are no 13 across the country.
The Favers were members of the First Baptist Church where Elmo served as a deacon. He usually scheduled about 10 revivals a year for his evangelistic singing, saying that people find this arrangement of a horse trainer and evangelistic singer is rather unusual. But he often said he enjoyed one just as much as the other.
he died doing what he loved to do - riding and showing horses in competition with the horses and people he knew and loved. While showing in Sante Fe, N.M. he had a massive coronary occlusion and died thee on the Rodeo Grounds with all his friends trying desperately to keep him alive. This occurred on August 9, 1969 at 2 p.m. Elmo was 52 years old.
Elmo was a member of AQHA, NCHA, and a certified AQHA Judge. He was one of the finest tributes today to the Horse Industry and Horse loving people, and a credit to all the finest principles we all try to adhere to but seem to fall short of in our daily living. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Paso, Texas and a charter member and director of the Southwest Quarter Horse Association. Everyone who knew Elmo Faver, a fine Christian and a lover of horses will be a little sadder but so much richer for having known him."
Researched and Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2019
Elmo had an amazing life during the "short" 52 years he lived. He was admired and respected by all who knew him. Numerous newspaper articles over the years, too many to include, have helped provided a brief glimpse into his life.
Elmo's parents were:
Gaines Rudolph Faver 1889–1973
Willie Lee Knight Faver 1894–1966
He married Marguerite Jewel Wilson Faver in 1943. They had two daughters, Pam and Bonnie.
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Elmo's name was shown as Gaines E. Faver when he enlisted in World War II on May 23, 1941, at Fort Bliss in El Paso.
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Gaines E Faver
Birth Year 1917
Nativity State or Country
State of Residence Texas
County Scurry
Enlistment Date 23 May 1941
Enlistment State Texas
Enlistment City Fort Bliss El Paso
Branch Warrant Officers, USA
Grade Private
Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Education 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation Farm hands, animal and livestock
Marital Status Single, without dependents
Height 68
Weight 178
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Abilene Morning News
Thursday, November 5, 1936
Picture Caption:
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINERS FROM SWEETWATER AREA
These seven performers, picked from more than 15 entertainment units, will present a half-hour program for Sweetwater over KRBC at 5:45 p.m. today. The group, first to appear in the; Know Your West Texas' series includes: top left, Ernestine Sue Quast, Sweetwater, piano accordion and right, Elmo Faver and Edith Freeman of Fluvanna, sing done with guitar accompaniment: ... (only top part of photo shown)
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Abilene Morning News (TX)
Wed. February 17, 1937
"SYNDER LIONS PAY VISIT AT FLUVANNA
Snyder, Feb. 16 - Carrying out one of their 'good neighbor' programs, inaugurated late last year, the Snyder Lions club Tuesday at noon were guests of Fluvanne, progressive community in the northwest portion of Scurry county. ...
A boys' quartet composed of ELMO FAVER, A.V. Ba.., R.B. Willis and Cecil Boren, sang 'Grandfather's Clock' as the first number on a 20 minute entertainment program. ... The remainder of the program follows: Vocal The remainder of the program follows: Vocal solo, Juanita Elkins; reading, Frances E. Jones; vocal duet, Dot Rea and Doris Glen Wills; whistling solo, Dot Rea; vocal solo, four -year-old Dana J Stark; vocal trio, Juanita Elkins, Jettie D. Elkins and ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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El Paso Herald Post
Wednesday, August 12, 1942
"PRIVATE CALLS ACTRESS 'HONEY'
Another Tells of Stopping Germans
Ft. Bliss soldiers spoke their pieces while being interviewed by Carole Landis, Hollywood star, over the Vox Pop coast-to-coast radio program last night, and one of them called her 'honey.' Miss Landis didn't mind.
Sgt. Almon Bates, former bronc buster from Hygiene, Colo/, a horse-shoer at Ft. Bliss, was asked by Miss Landis if it didn't require a ling time to learn horseshoeing. "Yes, and it must have taken you a long time to learn to be an actress, honey," replied Bates.
SGT. ELMO FAVER, of Snyder, former cowhand, confided over the air that he would like to teach Miss Landis to be a 'cowhand.' ... ."
Picture Caption:
Above, grouped around the two interviewers on Vox Pop, radio program, Carole Landis and Warren H8ill, are the six Ft. Bliss men who appeared on the 30 minute broadcast last night. Left to right are: Pvt. Ernest Cimino, Pvt. Donald E. Newbold, Sgt. Howard Smith, Miss Landis, Mr. Hull, Pvt. Jim Campbell, Sgt. Almon Bates, Sgt. Elmo Faver.
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Snyder Daily News
Thursday, May 6, 1954
Personals
"Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver, 1211 Twenty-first, spent the week end in Abilene visiting their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver and children. Elmo Favor was ordained as a deacon in the Wylie Baptist Church of Abilene Sunday."
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Snyder Daily News
Friday, January 15, 1960
"UNION NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Everette Faver of Capulin, N.M. are guests in the home of their nephew, Mr. Elmo Favers and family. ...
Weekend visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver were his parents Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver of Snyder, and Mr. and Mrs. Travis Wilson and son of Dumas."
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Snyder Daily News (TX)
Friday, March 25, 1960
"UNION BAPTIST
The Rev. R.N. Tucker, pastor, will have as his subject, 'Christ's Relation to Truth; at the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday at the Union Baptist Church. ...
Sunday School will start at 9:45 a.m. and Training Union at 6:30 p.m. Congregational singing and the choir will be under direction of ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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Big Spring Daily Herald (TX)
Sunday, June 9, 1963
"OLD TIME CAP MEETING SCHEDULED
Gail - Religious services with the preacher, the singers, and as many of the congregation as possible on horseback will be a feature of the Borden County Camp Meeting June 16. ...
Singing for the services in the auditorium as well as at the Arena will be under the direction of ELMO FAVER, well known in the county and a native of Scurry County for many years. In addition to his musical abilities, Faver is widely known as a cutting horse trainer. He devotes much of his time to working with revivals. ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News
Friday, July 2, 1965
"TWO ABILENE HORSES WIN STAMFORD TITLES
Stamford - Two Abilene horses were named grand champions here Thursday in strong halter competition in the AQHA-approved Quarter Horse Show, an opening - day feature of the 1965 Texas Cowboy Reunion.
... Faver's Mare Champion
Elmo Faver, an Abilene breeder and horse trainer showed his 1961 mare, Holleo, to the championship in the mare halter classes. holleo is a daughter of Helleo, a good strong QH stallion owned by Louis Brooks of Sweetwater. Holleo is a daughter of Holly Badger, a mare formerly owned by Faver. ... ."
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Snyder Daily News
Sunday, March 27, 1966
"Union News
A revival will begin March 27 at the Union Baptist Church and continue through the week with the Rev. Rick Ingle as the visiting evangelist. Elmo Faver of Abilene will be the song leader ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News (TX)
Sunday, October 30, 1966
HORSE TRAINER DEVOTES PART OF TIME TO GOSPEL SINGING
By Benton Watson
Reporter-News Farm Writer
"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, is a man who feels his first purpose in living is to serve the Lord and everything else will take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believes this so strongly that he has turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and hel felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day.
Faver and his wife, Marguerite, live at Wylie with their daughter, Pamela, a senior in Wylie High School. They one other daughter, Mrs. Eugene Jennings of Abilene.
Faver married the former Marguerit Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. ... ."
Snyder Daily News (TX)
Monday, August 11, 1969
"Elmo Faver Rites Here Wednesday
Funeral service will be held here Wednesday for Elmo G. Faver, 52, who died unexpectedly Saturday at Santa Fe, N.M.
Mr. Faver, a native of Scurry County, was well-known throughout the Southwest as an evangelistic singer. He was a member of the Baptist Church. At the time of his death he resided in El Paso.
Surviving are his wife, Marguerite Faver of El Paso; two daughters, Pamela and Bonnie Faver, both of the home in El Paso; his father, G.R. (Dolph) Faver of Snyder; a sister, Mrs. J.C. Pirtle of Boise, Idaho; two brothers, Morris Dean Faver of Roanoke and Jeff Faver of Santa Anna, Calif.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Snyder. Five ministers will participate in the service. They are the Revs. M.P. Bishop of Mansfield, Roy Corley of Portales, N.M., R.N. Tucker of Littlefield, C.R. Bailey of Oklahoma City, Okla., and J.B. Chick of Bangs.
Pallbearers will be Julius Roemisch, Donald Rutledge of Abilene, the Rev. Clarence Minton of Loraine, Bobby Vann of Albuquerque, N.M., W.R. Potter of Roscoe and Ralph Simon of El Paso.
Burial will be in the Snyder Cemetery, under direction of Bell-Seale Funeral Home.
The family has suggested memorials to the Heart Fund ... to the Colorado Camp Meeting, Kiowa, Colo., in care of Hank Smith."
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Elmo's life was ended much to soon. His obituary follows:
El Paso Times (TX)
Sunday, August 10, 1969
"RODEO JUDGE ELMO FAVER DIES AT 52
Word has been received of the death of Elmo Faver, 52, well-known El Paso rodeo and horse show judge, who died Saturday from an apparent heart attack while judging a horse show in Santa Fe, N.M.
A memorial service for Mr. Faver will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the First Baptist Church of El Paso, the Rev. Gene Garrison officiating.
Mr. Faver figured prominently in area rodeos and was a member of the local quarter-horse association. He had judged many rodeo and horse shows during the years.
Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Marguerite Faver of 313 Olivia; and two daughters, Miss Pamela Faver and Mrs. Bonnie Lindop, both of El Paso.
Arrangements were pending Saturday with the Bell-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder, Tex."
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The Mexia daily News (TX)
Sunday, August 24, 1969
"TRIBUTE TO A COWBOY-EVANGELIST
Editor's Note: Early this month, death ended the notable career of Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer from El Paso. Following is a story concerning Mr. Faver's life and is a tribute to the kind of life that he led.
- -
"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, was a man who felt his first purpose in living was to serve the Lord and everything else would take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believed this so strongly that he turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and he felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day. Faver and his wife, Marguerite, lived at El Paso with their daughter, Pamela, at the time of his passing, August 9, 1969. They have one other daughter, Mrs. Jim Lindop also of of El Paso.
Faver married the former Marguerite Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. Elmo was born in Fluvanna, quit school his sophomore year and started to work in 1934 on the Miller Bros. Ranch at Fluvanna. This was his first experience with horses, and he took the job with the intention of learning more about horses. However, he said, about the closest he came to horses was to drive a team of mules while plowing. He went back and finished high school at Fluvanna in 1937 and in 1941 joined the Army. He spent four years and four months in the Panama Canal but in the meantime took time out to marry. Upon returning from the Army, he and Mrs. Faver started on their first job which was the start of wide traveling and many homes.
Their first home was at Raton, N.M. where Faver worked for an uncle for a year as a ranch hand. Then to Santa Fe whee Faver spent tow and one-half years with the Atomic Energy Commission. The Favers then moved to Santa Rosa, N.M. where Elmo was manager of the Pete Johnson Ranch of some 25,000 acres. After a short time there, they moved to a ranch at Arlington, where Faver said he learned most of what he knows now about training horses. And he gave a lot of the credit for his success as a horse trainer and judge to a man that was at the ranch at the time, Pine Johnson. Johnson was foreman and manager of the ranch wen Elmo was there.
Faver's job was to train horses for reining, roping and cutting under the watchful of Johnson. It was here that he was associated with the horse that he says was the best one he has ever ridden and hopes to ever ride. The name of the horse was Jesse James who was reserve world champion in cutting. At the finals one year, the horse was second in a go round with one of the bridle reins hanging down to the ground. Faver said that it is told among horse trainers that you will only have one horse in a life time that is truly great and Faver felt this was his.
After two years, Faver moved his family to Wichita Falls where he worked for Charlie King. The thing that he remember about his tow year stay there was a horse named Pondors, which is one of the pioneers of the Quarter Horse industry. the horse was the all around champion at Houston in 1951 under the guidance of Faver. Two other horses at the King place that Faver like to talk about were Pussy Cat and Doak Walker.
In 1952, Faver moved to Abilene where he worked for Dr. D.G. Strole as trainer. It was here that he was associated with what he ranked as the second best horse he had ever ridden, Hollywood Snapper. Faver gave most of the credit for the success of the horse to the man who was the trainer when the horse was young, Jim Trammel. Faver spent only about eight months with the Strole outfit, and then wen into business for himself for the next two years at Wylie training horses for the public. One of the horses he was proud of during this time was the one he bought for $100 from Jim Trammel. He later sold the horse for $2,500. Faver often said this just goes to show you can't tell how a horse if going to turn out.
In 1954, Elmo went to work for Pete and LaRue Gooch, who purchased a ranch just out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Faver operated the ranch and trained horses for both the ranch and public. This is where Faver became associated with the third best horse he said he ever rode, Hollywood Sweetheart. The horse was reserve champion cutting horse at the Western States Cutting Horse Association Show for two years. Faver said the he really enjoyed his stay in Colorado and was quick to point out that he thinks the association with the Gooch's was one of the most pleasant of his career.
In 1957, Faver moved to Dumas where he worked for one year with Pat McDowell. He trained the horse, General Lee, while there and the horse later sold for $10,000. In 1958, the Favers moved to Snyder, where Faver worked on the Hayes ranch, training their horses. He remembered the horse Miss Mac best of all the horses at Snyder.
In 1960, the Favers made their home in Sweetwater where he leased a ranch from Lewis Brooks and trained the Brooks head of the horses. He trained Babe Mac best of all the horses at Vandal, while there, which was described by Faver as being the horse to make champion the quickest of any horse he had ever seen. And, of course, he was associated with the famous Heleco that Brooks still owns.
Clairmont was home in 1962 with Faver working for Manuel Davis and the late Hugh Davis. He trained Baldy Davis and Concho W which Faver thought are both real good horses.
The next move for the Favers was in 1964 when they came to Abilene. He was associated with what was formally the Range Riders Association but is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Herring. Fever rented barn space from the Hedrings and trained horses for the public. One of the most famous horses owned by Faver was Holed. She was champion at the State Fair in 1965 as well as Stamford and Abilene. Faver was working her for cutting one day when she broke her leg and had to be retired to a brood mare band.
Another horse owned by Faver was Pamaleo, whose sire was Heleo. Faver kept about six horses on hand at all times for training purposes. He worked them in reining, roping, cutting and just general training. One of the horses trained by Elmo was Steele. Another was martha's holly, owned by James Clark Jr., of Aspermont.
Elmo Faver was considered by many to be one of the top horse judges in the country. But Elmo said that many will disagree, as a horse judge can be one of the most unpopular men around. He said he didn't believe in letting politics or playing favorites enter into his decisions. This year he has judged shows in Louisiana, California, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia, and of course, all over Texas.
In the Fall of 1967, Elmo moved to El Paso after being highly recommended by Rex Cauble of Denton, Texas and began working with some of the Cutter Bill line of horses who were purchased by Ralph Swafford. He worked with a young many by the name of Richard Scott from Clyde, Texas and Elmo said he had 'good hands' when it came to training the young horses. He assisted Elmo in breaking and training there for a period of one year, and then began training for the public again. He set up his training quarters at the Willard Deerman farm headquarters on Westside Road in El Paso, and started working with the fine herd of horses that Willard has.
At the same time, he accepted a young mare name Ellen's Streak, who wwas by Cutter's Streak and out of Sissy Crockett by Crockett King by King. He saw the wonderful potential in this young mare soon after he began riding her and persuaded her owners, Doris and Ralph Simon, of El Paso, to nominate her for the NCHA Cutting Futurity for 1969. Elmo said that she was an unusual mare, in that she took her training with such enthusiasm and responded to correction rapidly and easily as well as being a 'natural' in cutting. He carried her along slowly, but thoroughly, never pressed her, and at the same time earned a number of halter points as well as Register of merit in Western Pleasure in the short time he had to work with her. He not infrequently compared her to the great cutting horse, Jesse James, and said he couldn't believe that he was to be so privileged that he would have two great horses in his lifetime.
he also spent considerable time with Poco Brown Bug, owned by Willard and Florence Deerman and was amazed at the wonderful cow sense the horse had, and showed him and won many times on him. At the same time he was training Debbie and Fletcher Deerman to ride this cutting horse and they too won many trophies with Elmo's patient tutoring. He also tutored others, guided the in handling and training horses ans was especially patient and willing to help the young in showing their horses. The kids loved him and listened intently when he taught them. 'Doc' Simon also had the privilege of being one of Elmo's students. He bought one of Elmo's fine Whimper Hollywood Gold bred mares and Elmo took the time to teach both the mare and the novice rider to cut cattle. They both had many wonderful and amazing times together in the cutting arena.
This is the story that could go on and on in Elmo Faver's association with all the people with whom he came in contact. He always left a lasting and wonderful impression with his love for people and horses. People who had the privilege to meet and know Elmo always went away knowing they had come in contact with not only a fine judge of horses but with one of the finest Christians of today. They were always the richer for this association.
Faver started evangelistic singing in 1950, by being associated with the Cowboy Camp meetings. These originated in 1890 by the late Joe Evans in the Davis Mountains. There were no churches for miles in that area and Evans and some of the families saw the need for having church. There are no 13 across the country.
The Favers were members of the First Baptist Church where Elmo served as a deacon. He usually scheduled about 10 revivals a year for his evangelistic singing, saying that people find this arrangement of a horse trainer and evangelistic singer is rather unusual. But he often said he enjoyed one just as much as the other.
he died doing what he loved to do - riding and showing horses in competition with the horses and people he knew and loved. While showing in Sante Fe, N.M. he had a massive coronary occlusion and died thee on the Rodeo Grounds with all his friends trying desperately to keep him alive. This occurred on August 9, 1969 at 2 p.m. Elmo was 52 years old.
Elmo was a member of AQHA, NCHA, and a certified AQHA Judge. He was one of the finest tributes today to the Horse Industry and Horse loving people, and a credit to all the finest principles we all try to adhere to but seem to fall short of in our daily living. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Paso, Texas and a charter member and director of the Southwest Quarter Horse Association. Everyone who knew Elmo Faver, a fine Christian and a lover of horses will be a little sadder but so much richer for having known him."
Researched and Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2019
Elmo's parents were:
Gaines Rudolph Faver 1889–1973
Willie Lee Knight Faver 1894–1966
He married Marguerite Jewel Wilson Faver in 1943. They had two daughters, Pam and Bonnie.
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Elmo's name was shown as Gaines E. Faver when he enlisted in World War II on May 23, 1941, at Fort Bliss in El Paso.
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Gaines E Faver
Birth Year 1917
Nativity State or Country
State of Residence Texas
County Scurry
Enlistment Date 23 May 1941
Enlistment State Texas
Enlistment City Fort Bliss El Paso
Branch Warrant Officers, USA
Grade Private
Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Education 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation Farm hands, animal and livestock
Marital Status Single, without dependents
Height 68
Weight 178
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Abilene Morning News
Thursday, November 5, 1936
Picture Caption:
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINERS FROM SWEETWATER AREA
These seven performers, picked from more than 15 entertainment units, will present a half-hour program for Sweetwater over KRBC at 5:45 p.m. today. The group, first to appear in the; Know Your West Texas' series includes: top left, Ernestine Sue Quast, Sweetwater, piano accordion and right, Elmo Faver and Edith Freeman of Fluvanna, sing done with guitar accompaniment: ... (only top part of photo shown)
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Abilene Morning News (TX)
Wed. February 17, 1937
"SYNDER LIONS PAY VISIT AT FLUVANNA
Snyder, Feb. 16 - Carrying out one of their 'good neighbor' programs, inaugurated late last year, the Snyder Lions club Tuesday at noon were guests of Fluvanne, progressive community in the northwest portion of Scurry county. ...
A boys' quartet composed of ELMO FAVER, A.V. Ba.., R.B. Willis and Cecil Boren, sang 'Grandfather's Clock' as the first number on a 20 minute entertainment program. ... The remainder of the program follows: Vocal The remainder of the program follows: Vocal solo, Juanita Elkins; reading, Frances E. Jones; vocal duet, Dot Rea and Doris Glen Wills; whistling solo, Dot Rea; vocal solo, four -year-old Dana J Stark; vocal trio, Juanita Elkins, Jettie D. Elkins and ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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El Paso Herald Post
Wednesday, August 12, 1942
"PRIVATE CALLS ACTRESS 'HONEY'
Another Tells of Stopping Germans
Ft. Bliss soldiers spoke their pieces while being interviewed by Carole Landis, Hollywood star, over the Vox Pop coast-to-coast radio program last night, and one of them called her 'honey.' Miss Landis didn't mind.
Sgt. Almon Bates, former bronc buster from Hygiene, Colo/, a horse-shoer at Ft. Bliss, was asked by Miss Landis if it didn't require a ling time to learn horseshoeing. "Yes, and it must have taken you a long time to learn to be an actress, honey," replied Bates.
SGT. ELMO FAVER, of Snyder, former cowhand, confided over the air that he would like to teach Miss Landis to be a 'cowhand.' ... ."
Picture Caption:
Above, grouped around the two interviewers on Vox Pop, radio program, Carole Landis and Warren H8ill, are the six Ft. Bliss men who appeared on the 30 minute broadcast last night. Left to right are: Pvt. Ernest Cimino, Pvt. Donald E. Newbold, Sgt. Howard Smith, Miss Landis, Mr. Hull, Pvt. Jim Campbell, Sgt. Almon Bates, Sgt. Elmo Faver.
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Snyder Daily News
Thursday, May 6, 1954
Personals
"Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver, 1211 Twenty-first, spent the week end in Abilene visiting their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver and children. Elmo Favor was ordained as a deacon in the Wylie Baptist Church of Abilene Sunday."
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Snyder Daily News
Friday, January 15, 1960
"UNION NEWS
Mr. and Mrs. Everette Faver of Capulin, N.M. are guests in the home of their nephew, Mr. Elmo Favers and family. ...
Weekend visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Faver were his parents Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Faver of Snyder, and Mr. and Mrs. Travis Wilson and son of Dumas."
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Snyder Daily News (TX)
Friday, March 25, 1960
"UNION BAPTIST
The Rev. R.N. Tucker, pastor, will have as his subject, 'Christ's Relation to Truth; at the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday at the Union Baptist Church. ...
Sunday School will start at 9:45 a.m. and Training Union at 6:30 p.m. Congregational singing and the choir will be under direction of ELMO FAVER. ... ."
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Big Spring Daily Herald (TX)
Sunday, June 9, 1963
"OLD TIME CAP MEETING SCHEDULED
Gail - Religious services with the preacher, the singers, and as many of the congregation as possible on horseback will be a feature of the Borden County Camp Meeting June 16. ...
Singing for the services in the auditorium as well as at the Arena will be under the direction of ELMO FAVER, well known in the county and a native of Scurry County for many years. In addition to his musical abilities, Faver is widely known as a cutting horse trainer. He devotes much of his time to working with revivals. ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News
Friday, July 2, 1965
"TWO ABILENE HORSES WIN STAMFORD TITLES
Stamford - Two Abilene horses were named grand champions here Thursday in strong halter competition in the AQHA-approved Quarter Horse Show, an opening - day feature of the 1965 Texas Cowboy Reunion.
... Faver's Mare Champion
Elmo Faver, an Abilene breeder and horse trainer showed his 1961 mare, Holleo, to the championship in the mare halter classes. holleo is a daughter of Helleo, a good strong QH stallion owned by Louis Brooks of Sweetwater. Holleo is a daughter of Holly Badger, a mare formerly owned by Faver. ... ."
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Snyder Daily News
Sunday, March 27, 1966
"Union News
A revival will begin March 27 at the Union Baptist Church and continue through the week with the Rev. Rick Ingle as the visiting evangelist. Elmo Faver of Abilene will be the song leader ... ."
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Abilene Reporter News (TX)
Sunday, October 30, 1966
HORSE TRAINER DEVOTES PART OF TIME TO GOSPEL SINGING
By Benton Watson
Reporter-News Farm Writer
"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, is a man who feels his first purpose in living is to serve the Lord and everything else will take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believes this so strongly that he has turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and hel felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day.
Faver and his wife, Marguerite, live at Wylie with their daughter, Pamela, a senior in Wylie High School. They one other daughter, Mrs. Eugene Jennings of Abilene.
Faver married the former Marguerit Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. ... ."
Snyder Daily News (TX)
Monday, August 11, 1969
"Elmo Faver Rites Here Wednesday
Funeral service will be held here Wednesday for Elmo G. Faver, 52, who died unexpectedly Saturday at Santa Fe, N.M.
Mr. Faver, a native of Scurry County, was well-known throughout the Southwest as an evangelistic singer. He was a member of the Baptist Church. At the time of his death he resided in El Paso.
Surviving are his wife, Marguerite Faver of El Paso; two daughters, Pamela and Bonnie Faver, both of the home in El Paso; his father, G.R. (Dolph) Faver of Snyder; a sister, Mrs. J.C. Pirtle of Boise, Idaho; two brothers, Morris Dean Faver of Roanoke and Jeff Faver of Santa Anna, Calif.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Snyder. Five ministers will participate in the service. They are the Revs. M.P. Bishop of Mansfield, Roy Corley of Portales, N.M., R.N. Tucker of Littlefield, C.R. Bailey of Oklahoma City, Okla., and J.B. Chick of Bangs.
Pallbearers will be Julius Roemisch, Donald Rutledge of Abilene, the Rev. Clarence Minton of Loraine, Bobby Vann of Albuquerque, N.M., W.R. Potter of Roscoe and Ralph Simon of El Paso.
Burial will be in the Snyder Cemetery, under direction of Bell-Seale Funeral Home.
The family has suggested memorials to the Heart Fund ... to the Colorado Camp Meeting, Kiowa, Colo., in care of Hank Smith."
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Elmo's life was ended much to soon. His obituary follows:
El Paso Times (TX)
Sunday, August 10, 1969
"RODEO JUDGE ELMO FAVER DIES AT 52
Word has been received of the death of Elmo Faver, 52, well-known El Paso rodeo and horse show judge, who died Saturday from an apparent heart attack while judging a horse show in Santa Fe, N.M.
A memorial service for Mr. Faver will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the First Baptist Church of El Paso, the Rev. Gene Garrison officiating.
Mr. Faver figured prominently in area rodeos and was a member of the local quarter-horse association. He had judged many rodeo and horse shows during the years.
Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Marguerite Faver of 313 Olivia; and two daughters, Miss Pamela Faver and Mrs. Bonnie Lindop, both of El Paso.
Arrangements were pending Saturday with the Bell-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder, Tex."
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The Mexia daily News (TX)
Sunday, August 24, 1969
"TRIBUTE TO A COWBOY-EVANGELIST
Editor's Note: Early this month, death ended the notable career of Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer from El Paso. Following is a story concerning Mr. Faver's life and is a tribute to the kind of life that he led.
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"Elmo Faver, horse trainer and evangelistic singer, was a man who felt his first purpose in living was to serve the Lord and everything else would take care of itself.
In fact, Elmo believed this so strongly that he turned down invitations to judge many major horse shows in the country because they came on Sunday and he felt a horse show just wasn't where he was supposed to be on the Lord's day. Faver and his wife, Marguerite, lived at El Paso with their daughter, Pamela, at the time of his passing, August 9, 1969. They have one other daughter, Mrs. Jim Lindop also of of El Paso.
Faver married the former Marguerite Wilson of Gail in 1943 and the list of places where the Favers have lived reads like a travel agency's tour guide. Elmo was born in Fluvanna, quit school his sophomore year and started to work in 1934 on the Miller Bros. Ranch at Fluvanna. This was his first experience with horses, and he took the job with the intention of learning more about horses. However, he said, about the closest he came to horses was to drive a team of mules while plowing. He went back and finished high school at Fluvanna in 1937 and in 1941 joined the Army. He spent four years and four months in the Panama Canal but in the meantime took time out to marry. Upon returning from the Army, he and Mrs. Faver started on their first job which was the start of wide traveling and many homes.
Their first home was at Raton, N.M. where Faver worked for an uncle for a year as a ranch hand. Then to Santa Fe whee Faver spent tow and one-half years with the Atomic Energy Commission. The Favers then moved to Santa Rosa, N.M. where Elmo was manager of the Pete Johnson Ranch of some 25,000 acres. After a short time there, they moved to a ranch at Arlington, where Faver said he learned most of what he knows now about training horses. And he gave a lot of the credit for his success as a horse trainer and judge to a man that was at the ranch at the time, Pine Johnson. Johnson was foreman and manager of the ranch wen Elmo was there.
Faver's job was to train horses for reining, roping and cutting under the watchful of Johnson. It was here that he was associated with the horse that he says was the best one he has ever ridden and hopes to ever ride. The name of the horse was Jesse James who was reserve world champion in cutting. At the finals one year, the horse was second in a go round with one of the bridle reins hanging down to the ground. Faver said that it is told among horse trainers that you will only have one horse in a life time that is truly great and Faver felt this was his.
After two years, Faver moved his family to Wichita Falls where he worked for Charlie King. The thing that he remember about his tow year stay there was a horse named Pondors, which is one of the pioneers of the Quarter Horse industry. the horse was the all around champion at Houston in 1951 under the guidance of Faver. Two other horses at the King place that Faver like to talk about were Pussy Cat and Doak Walker.
In 1952, Faver moved to Abilene where he worked for Dr. D.G. Strole as trainer. It was here that he was associated with what he ranked as the second best horse he had ever ridden, Hollywood Snapper. Faver gave most of the credit for the success of the horse to the man who was the trainer when the horse was young, Jim Trammel. Faver spent only about eight months with the Strole outfit, and then wen into business for himself for the next two years at Wylie training horses for the public. One of the horses he was proud of during this time was the one he bought for $100 from Jim Trammel. He later sold the horse for $2,500. Faver often said this just goes to show you can't tell how a horse if going to turn out.
In 1954, Elmo went to work for Pete and LaRue Gooch, who purchased a ranch just out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Faver operated the ranch and trained horses for both the ranch and public. This is where Faver became associated with the third best horse he said he ever rode, Hollywood Sweetheart. The horse was reserve champion cutting horse at the Western States Cutting Horse Association Show for two years. Faver said the he really enjoyed his stay in Colorado and was quick to point out that he thinks the association with the Gooch's was one of the most pleasant of his career.
In 1957, Faver moved to Dumas where he worked for one year with Pat McDowell. He trained the horse, General Lee, while there and the horse later sold for $10,000. In 1958, the Favers moved to Snyder, where Faver worked on the Hayes ranch, training their horses. He remembered the horse Miss Mac best of all the horses at Snyder.
In 1960, the Favers made their home in Sweetwater where he leased a ranch from Lewis Brooks and trained the Brooks head of the horses. He trained Babe Mac best of all the horses at Vandal, while there, which was described by Faver as being the horse to make champion the quickest of any horse he had ever seen. And, of course, he was associated with the famous Heleco that Brooks still owns.
Clairmont was home in 1962 with Faver working for Manuel Davis and the late Hugh Davis. He trained Baldy Davis and Concho W which Faver thought are both real good horses.
The next move for the Favers was in 1964 when they came to Abilene. He was associated with what was formally the Range Riders Association but is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Herring. Fever rented barn space from the Hedrings and trained horses for the public. One of the most famous horses owned by Faver was Holed. She was champion at the State Fair in 1965 as well as Stamford and Abilene. Faver was working her for cutting one day when she broke her leg and had to be retired to a brood mare band.
Another horse owned by Faver was Pamaleo, whose sire was Heleo. Faver kept about six horses on hand at all times for training purposes. He worked them in reining, roping, cutting and just general training. One of the horses trained by Elmo was Steele. Another was martha's holly, owned by James Clark Jr., of Aspermont.
Elmo Faver was considered by many to be one of the top horse judges in the country. But Elmo said that many will disagree, as a horse judge can be one of the most unpopular men around. He said he didn't believe in letting politics or playing favorites enter into his decisions. This year he has judged shows in Louisiana, California, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Virginia, and of course, all over Texas.
In the Fall of 1967, Elmo moved to El Paso after being highly recommended by Rex Cauble of Denton, Texas and began working with some of the Cutter Bill line of horses who were purchased by Ralph Swafford. He worked with a young many by the name of Richard Scott from Clyde, Texas and Elmo said he had 'good hands' when it came to training the young horses. He assisted Elmo in breaking and training there for a period of one year, and then began training for the public again. He set up his training quarters at the Willard Deerman farm headquarters on Westside Road in El Paso, and started working with the fine herd of horses that Willard has.
At the same time, he accepted a young mare name Ellen's Streak, who wwas by Cutter's Streak and out of Sissy Crockett by Crockett King by King. He saw the wonderful potential in this young mare soon after he began riding her and persuaded her owners, Doris and Ralph Simon, of El Paso, to nominate her for the NCHA Cutting Futurity for 1969. Elmo said that she was an unusual mare, in that she took her training with such enthusiasm and responded to correction rapidly and easily as well as being a 'natural' in cutting. He carried her along slowly, but thoroughly, never pressed her, and at the same time earned a number of halter points as well as Register of merit in Western Pleasure in the short time he had to work with her. He not infrequently compared her to the great cutting horse, Jesse James, and said he couldn't believe that he was to be so privileged that he would have two great horses in his lifetime.
he also spent considerable time with Poco Brown Bug, owned by Willard and Florence Deerman and was amazed at the wonderful cow sense the horse had, and showed him and won many times on him. At the same time he was training Debbie and Fletcher Deerman to ride this cutting horse and they too won many trophies with Elmo's patient tutoring. He also tutored others, guided the in handling and training horses ans was especially patient and willing to help the young in showing their horses. The kids loved him and listened intently when he taught them. 'Doc' Simon also had the privilege of being one of Elmo's students. He bought one of Elmo's fine Whimper Hollywood Gold bred mares and Elmo took the time to teach both the mare and the novice rider to cut cattle. They both had many wonderful and amazing times together in the cutting arena.
This is the story that could go on and on in Elmo Faver's association with all the people with whom he came in contact. He always left a lasting and wonderful impression with his love for people and horses. People who had the privilege to meet and know Elmo always went away knowing they had come in contact with not only a fine judge of horses but with one of the finest Christians of today. They were always the richer for this association.
Faver started evangelistic singing in 1950, by being associated with the Cowboy Camp meetings. These originated in 1890 by the late Joe Evans in the Davis Mountains. There were no churches for miles in that area and Evans and some of the families saw the need for having church. There are no 13 across the country.
The Favers were members of the First Baptist Church where Elmo served as a deacon. He usually scheduled about 10 revivals a year for his evangelistic singing, saying that people find this arrangement of a horse trainer and evangelistic singer is rather unusual. But he often said he enjoyed one just as much as the other.
he died doing what he loved to do - riding and showing horses in competition with the horses and people he knew and loved. While showing in Sante Fe, N.M. he had a massive coronary occlusion and died thee on the Rodeo Grounds with all his friends trying desperately to keep him alive. This occurred on August 9, 1969 at 2 p.m. Elmo was 52 years old.
Elmo was a member of AQHA, NCHA, and a certified AQHA Judge. He was one of the finest tributes today to the Horse Industry and Horse loving people, and a credit to all the finest principles we all try to adhere to but seem to fall short of in our daily living. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Paso, Texas and a charter member and director of the Southwest Quarter Horse Association. Everyone who knew Elmo Faver, a fine Christian and a lover of horses will be a little sadder but so much richer for having known him."
Researched and Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2019
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