Carolyn Coker Rabon, age 76, of Novice, passed away Friday, December 18, 2015, in Ballinger.  Graveside funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, at the Millersview Cemetery in Concho County with Joe Baucom officiating.  The funeral procession will leave Stevens Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow in the Millersview Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman, Texas.

She was born Mary Carolyn Coker on February 25, 1939 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of Milton Coker and Edna Brown Coker.  She grew up and attended school in Coleman and in 1954 was Rodeo Queen for the Coleman Rodeo Association.   She won the World Champion Barrel Racing in Madison Square Garden.  In 1955, Carolyn married Bobby Rabon and they have celebrated sixty years of marriage.

Carolyn was a horse trainer for many years and trained youth and amateur competitors.  She was a nationally recognized APHA and AQHA horse trainer.  Her barn included horses of world champion caliber.  She traveled extensively for horse shows for most of her life and continued to ride until her health declined at age 72.  She was an inspiration to all who know her and she touched many lives.

Carolyn also worked for several years for the Democrat-Voice in the advertising department.  She was a Baptist.

Survivors include her husband, Bobby Rabon of Novice; one daughter and son-in-law, Tammy Bowen and husband Gary of Early; one son, Todd Rabon and wife Kim of Fredericksburg; four grandchildren, Rabon and Blanton Bowen, Dalton and Dillon Rabon; sisters-in-law, Noreta Fenton and Dalpha “Penn” Dement; one brother-in-law, Johnny Rabon; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ballinger, 112 S. 7th Street, Ballinger, Texas 76821 or the donor’s choice.

Please leave condolences for the family at www.livingmemorials.com.