Longtime New Mexico horseman Bobby Dan Crenshaw of Carrizozo died on May 11 following a bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

Active in the state’s horsemen’s associations as a board member of the Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Crenshaw also served on the horsemen’s committee at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. In 2009, he was honored with the Jim Curry Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Mexico Horse Breeders Association.

Crenshaw was born in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, and was raised in White Oaks. His high school athletic career gained prominence when he was honored as a national All-American football player, and he set state records competing in hurdle events on the track. He was also active in rodeos.

Crenshaw played football at New Mexico State University, and from 1967-69 he played for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. After his football career, he taught physical education and science in Arkansas and also coached football, track and basketball teams.

After returning to New Mexico, Crenshaw served as the administrator at Fort Stanton Hospital and as the mayor of Carrizozo. He began training racehorses on the New Mexico circuit in the early 1980s.

Crenshaw’s survivors include his wife, Darla, four children – Kenneth Crenshaw, Lisa Crenshaw, Chuck Goodman, and Cash Spanhanks – and five grandchildren. Memorial services were held in White Oaks on May 15.