Family Tradition Canada Style: Zeke Thurston

Derek Barton is a Wyoming native and was raised on a ranch in Buffalo Wyoming. He grew up around cattle, horses, and rodeo all of his life. Derek was a radio broadcaster for over 30 years and progressed into rodeo announcing in the late 80’s. Derek is a PRCA Gold Card member and has announced rodeo all over the country. He is also a sound and music director for many major rodeos and does about approx.75 shows a year. Derek has taken his radio and rodeo background to the next level and is now owner and host of a worldwide radio and internet show, called Talk Rodeo. The show runs five days a week, year-round and features interviews with the biggest names in rodeo. He has also been the internet broadcaster for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the 50th Anniversary of the WNFR!! On top of all that, he works the media room every year at the WNFR, talking with all of the nightly winners and World Champions, he produces shows for all 10 rounds of the WNFR and is a frequent host and master of ceremony and music and production for major events during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In his down time, he likes to sing and write music, he has two grown daughters, and he is a proud Grandpa to 3 Grandsons and 1 Grand Daughter. Lastly Derek thanks, God every day for allowing him to continue on this path in life and is Thankful for every day he has had. He knows life can throw a lot of surprises at you, as he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer back in 2007 and feels very lucky to be here still and knows God still has a plan for him.