Jack Mark Edmo
Shoshone-Bannock/Blackfeet
Induction Category:
Year Inducted
Athlete
2024
Jack Mark Edmo, 83, an all-around Indian cowboy who was a visionary and gifted horseman, passed away July 17, 2023 in Billings, Montana. He was born July 8, 1940 to Helen Monroe Sherman and William Bill Edmo. His beloved stepfather Alex Sherman also helped raise him.
Edmo had an incredible life as an Indian cowboy and lived his dream. He won over 170 belt buckles. His mother Helen made him a pair of elk hide gloves and he used them riding broncs creating the idea of wearing gloves while bronc riding.
He was a traditional cowboy, lived on a ranch, was a gifted horseman and he took pride in that. He rode saddle bronc, bareback, bulls and was a calf roper and team roper. He was a founder of the Rocky Mountain Indian Rodeo Association and helped organize the Indian National Finals Rodeo.
He believed in his tribal traditions and was proud of his culture. He loved his family and his photo collection showed it. He shared his knowledge with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid elk hunter and fisherman. Edmo loved the mountains and told his children that’s where he will be, when they look for him.
Edmo attended schools in Browning, Montana and graduated with a degree in agriculture from Northern Montana College.
He was a tribal government specialist as he worked in planning and transportation. He and a co-worker submitted EDA grants to build the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Human Resource Development Center and Tribal Business Center in the 70s. In addition, the Fort Hall Indoor Arena and rodeo grounds including the grandstand. He worked as a planner for the Blackfeet Tribe for 15 years until he retired at age 70.
His children included: Shelly (Ivan) McDonald, Jack (Casey) Edmo, Gaynell (Tim) Realbird, Dave (Mindy) Edmo, Mark Edmo, Hank McArthur Edmo and Andreen Edmo, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Melvin “Buzzer” Edmo and William Rusty Edmo, along with a grandson Ladel Kelly Omeaso.
He’s buried at Willow Creek Cemetery in Browning, Montana.