text: "Rodeo legend G.K. Lewallen, who played a central role in making Stephenville, Texas, the Cowboy Capital of the World, passed away last week.  Lewallen was born in the 11th District town of Blackwell in 1919.  He rode roughstock in rodeos from 1936 until retiring in 1956.   Along the way he competed in rodeo's in Madison Square Garden and married Rockettes dancer Ethel Spanier.  G.K. and Ethel opened what is now Chick Elms Rodeo Shop and Grand Entry Western Store in Stephenville.  In a story in the Stephenville Empire Tribune, Suzi Robertson remembered his generosity the year she entered a rodeo queen contest.  ?ÛÏI went into his store and picked out a new white hat and white pearlized boots,"" Robertson said. ""When I went to the register to pay, he told me I owed him nothing, but to do my best. What an encouragement to a teenager. May all the cowboys in heaven welcome him home.?Û? Yes, may all the cowboys welcome G.K. Lewallen home.   This is a photograph of G.K. in the Great Falls, Montana, rodeo in 1939."