George Westby was born June 19, 1945 in Seattle, WA, but his mother was from Fort Worth. When his father was transferred into the Boeing Space Program in 1962, his mother whooped, “We’re going back to the South!”

A friend lured him to Dallas to check out the parking business. Westby seemed to have a knack for it and after gaining some knowledge and experience, he moved to Fort Worth in 1988.

The very first Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering was held at the Fort Worth Stockyards in 1990. Westby said that it rained that weekend, but everybody still had a good time. He subsequently joined the advisory committee for the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival.

At the second annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering, held in October, 1991, Westby attended the church service for the gathering and was impressed by the sincere yet simple service, Westby said, “I wish we could worship like this every week.” “I’m glad you said that,” little Ms. Jean Marlow replied. “Well, let’s do it.” And Cowboy Church of the Fort Worth Stockyards was born and George became the pastor, where he remained until around 2019.



In 1996, Westby and a few others, including Allen Short, Hub Baker, Sue McCafferty, and Floyd Wade, organized the Texas Trail of Fame. The non-profit organization recognizes individuals, groups and animals “who have made major contributions to the creation and/or preservation of our western way of life and western heritage.” George remains president of the Texas Trail of Fame

George lives by a code. “He is greatest is he who serves.”