Dave doesn’t plan any of his designs in advance. He says the pieces just come together the way they should. “I just see a rope, and I think, that will make a basket or a cross,” said Dave. “I believe my talent for roping was a gift from God, and I actually think this is a gift from the Lord too.” So far, Dave’s pieces have been purchased by individuals, and he is now receiving requests for custom pieces. “The problem now is getting this many ropes,” said Dave. “I’ve went through 75 to
MARCH MARCH2013 2013
80 ropes since Christmas. This week, I got about 40 more, so I’ve been working to get more items made up.” Dave works on his rope art in between tending to chickens, cows and his fescue fields. He also spends time shoeing horses, but most of these tasks slow during the winter months. Still, team roping remains his true passion. “I love the people I meet at rodeos,” said Dave. “There are a lot of really good people at those events, a lot of Christians and just really good people.”
Dave is the son of Willodean and the late Lloyd Vaught, of Cassville. He has four sons, including three, Brant, Braiden and Brody, with his late wife, Tricia. Braiden recently followed in his older brother Brant’s footsteps by achieving Eagle Scout honors. Dave’s sister and Steve Massey’s wife, Tammy, also takes part in team roping competitions. For more information on Dave’s rope artwork, call 417-342-3132.
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