Elmer Nelson Boebel

Elmer Nelson Boebel II, 70, a resident of Brantley, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024. A celebration of Elmer's life will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 25th, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Brantley with Pastor Mark Perry and Cowboy Preacher Lawrence Bishop Jr officiating.

Elmer and his twin brother, Fred, joined the professional rodeo circuit still in their teens and continued traveling and competing on broncos and bulls across the circuit for several years, where they were most often known as "The Twins." Following those adventures, they both went on to become entrepreneurs in their own small businesses for many more years. Elmer's eventual dream job was working as a sailor in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico for several years and there were few things he enjoyed more than his time there on the water. In truth, he really just loved almost every activity he could do outdoors, especially if it involved hunting or fishing..

One of Elmer's defining passions was horses. His love for them and working with them most definitely had not been left behind in the rodeo arena because he carried it with him throughout his life. There are even pictures of him riding in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Another passion of his was music. I don't mean that he just enjoyed listening to it, however. Oh no, Elmer was a gifted songwriter and dabbled in the music business with it for 20 years, including finding some commercial success a few time (which is more than most can say in that industry) and his credits include "Don't Bring the Cowboy out in Me" by Jimmy Lewis. It wasn't about making it big or tons of money for Elmer though, it was solely for the love and joy it brought to his heart and soul.

Elmer was, at heart. an extremely outgoing and extroverted type of guy. He was also extraordinarily generous with everyone and had one of the best work ethics you would ever find. He had visited this small slice of Southern Alabama due to fellow rodeo friends from the area and simply fell in love with the genteel atmosphere and warm, welcoming community. After he settled in Brantley, he began attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church and remained a faithful member there. Above all, he was a devoted brother, uncle, and friend who meant so very much to so very many. Elmer made friends wherever life took him over the years and I'm sure every single one of them is grateful for the time they were able to spend together. Hopefully, he has found the best bucking bronco in Heaven now where he can just enjoy the ride!

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick William II & Nora Beth Nelson Boebel. He is survived by his twin brother and sister-in-law, Fred W. III & Katherine "Kathy" Boebel; nephew, Fred W. Boebel IV; niece, Katie G. Boebel; and a host of extended family members and beloved friends.

I think Elmer said it best when speaking to The Chicago Tribune back in 1989 about the rodeo lifestyle: "It gets in your blood. You live on the edge. One day chicken, the next feathers." He was already long retired from the job at that time, but there he was at the International World Classic Rodeo in Illinois because it truly was in his blood and remained in his heart forever. Guess the old saying is true: "Cowboys never die."