Longtime Fort Worth Educator and Rodeo Champion LaTonne Sewalt Enright Dies at 87

Enright spent 34 years teaching business courses at Paschal High School after a successful rodeo career.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a rodeo arena at sunset, with warm pools of light and color blurring the edges, evoking the spirit of the sport that was central to LaTonne Sewalt Enright's life.The vibrant rodeo heritage that defined LaTonne Sewalt Enright's upbringing and early life as a champion barrel racer lives on in the fading light of an empty arena.Decatur Today

LaTonne Sewalt Enright, a former two-time World Champion barrel racer and longtime business teacher in the Fort Worth Independent School District, passed away on March 24, 2026, at her home in Decatur, Texas. She was 87 years old.

Why it matters

Enright's life story highlights the rich history of rodeo in Texas and the lasting impact that dedicated educators can have on their students and communities. As a female athlete and coach in a male-dominated sport, she was a trailblazer who inspired generations.

The details

Enright graduated from Afton High School in Oklahoma and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Texas Woman's University. She taught business courses at Paschal High School in Fort Worth for 34 years. In her younger days, Enright was a champion barrel racer, winning the World Championship title in 1950 and 1954. Her father, Royce Sewalt, was the World Champion calf roper in 1946, and her brother Ronney was also an accomplished professional calf roper.

  • LaTonne Sewalt Enright was born on January 23, 1939 in Brownwood, Texas.
  • She won the World Champion barrel racer title in 1950 and 1954.
  • Enright taught business courses at Paschal High School in Fort Worth for 34 years.
  • She passed away on March 24, 2026 at her home in Decatur, Texas.

The players

LaTonne Sewalt Enright

A former two-time World Champion barrel racer who spent 34 years teaching business courses at Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Texas.

Royce Sewalt

LaTonne's father, who was the World Champion calf roper in 1946.

Ronney Sewalt

LaTonne's brother, who was an outstanding professional calf roper.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nothing was more important to her than her family. She took great pride in her two daughters, Kellye and Rene'; her 'perfect' grandchildren, and her 15 great-grandchildren.”

— Obituary

The takeaway

Enright's life story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. As both a champion rodeo athlete and an influential educator, she left an indelible mark on her community and inspired countless students and fellow competitors over the course of her remarkable life.