LIONEL WILLIAM BEVAN III

Dallas, Texas - Lionel William Bevan III, forever a true Fort Worth legend, died peacefully at his home.  He was 75.

A service at the grave will be held at 11 am Monday, March 27, in Greenwood Memorial Park with a reception to follow at the Backstage Club.

Lionel waltzed into this world, the son of Lionel Bevan Jr. and Barbara Shotts Bevan in the Manhattan Borough of New York City, where his father was stationed during World War II. 

Lionel was lovingly known as Uncle Buffalo, Uncle Buff, Bill, and Cowboy Santa. His spirit and larger-than-life presence left a lasting impression and a smile with most anyone he encountered. Artist, actor, creative and entrepreneur, Lionel blazed a trail through the art and cowboy worlds spanning generations and legendary social circles. He roped his first steer at the age of 14 and tried his hand at bull-riding, eventually becoming an award-winning steer wrestler until having one too many concussions. 

Responsible for the creation of Everlasting Productions, Lionel drew national acclaim for turning original copy-written designs by American artists into hand-woven Mexican rugs. He found his love for organic gardening at Sweet Seed Farm in Ouray, CO and carried it through to Goose Lake Farm in Red Lick, MS, where he was known to sell his self-proclaimed "first ever" organic pork from the bed of his pickup truck. 

Lionel eventually made his way back to Fort Worth, where he continued to work cattle, produce concerts and art happenings, and dedicate 25 years as Greeter and Maître d at the famous Backstage Club. In later years, he spent his days performing roping tricks at the State Fair of Texas and spreading holiday cheer as Cowboy Santa. 

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Jackie Wiley; his parents; his beloved twin brothers, Edward and Ted Bevan; and aunt, Anabel Shotts Stripling.

Lionel leaves behind three nieces, one nephew, and their beloved families, along with countless friends considered his chosen family.

The Bevan family asks that you remember, “We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can!”-Will Rogers & Lionel