Rodeo Community Mourns the Passing of Legendary PBR Founding Member and 1992 World Champion Bull Rider Mark Cain at Age 56
Mark Cain proved that heart could conquer even the fiercest challenges
December 16, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 16, 2026
The rodeo world is mourning the loss of Mark Cain, a 56-year-old professional bull rider and native of Atoka County, who was found deceased a couple of nights ago on December 19, 2026.
Cain made a significant impact on bull riding, from his high school days to being a founding member of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR).
Born Mark Dale Cain on September 6, 1969, he grew up in Oklahoma, where his passion for rodeo took root early.
In the late 1980s, Cain made a name for himself in the Oklahoma High School Rodeo as a skilled bull rider.
Old VHS tapes capture those moments, like a 1988 ride where he sported green chaps the color of “money,” just like his idol Don Gay. He even tried his hand at bareback horses, showing his versatility even back then.
Cain’s career soared as he transitioned to the pros.
He competed in both the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the PBR, which he helped found in 1992 along with other legends.
That same year, he claimed a World Championship title, showcasing his ability to handle the toughest bulls despite his smaller stature.
Fans remember him for those big rides that defied expectations.
Videos from his era, such as a 1992 Bull Riders Only (BRO) event where he executed a notable front flip dismount, or a 1995 matchup against the bull Sugar Ray in the Bullbusters series, highlight his skill and the risks he took.
He made multiple appearances at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and traveled the circuit with fellow riders like Jerome Davis and Adriano Moraes, building lifelong friendships along the way.
Beyond the arena, Cain was a family man and a friend to many. He rode alongside icons like Lane Frost and was a great stepfather to Bryce and Cameron.
Linda Cain, shared a touching message on Facebook: “We will Love You Forever.”
She also announced the funeral details, noting the service would be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2026, at in Atoka, Oklahoma.
Jerry Williams will officiate, with interment following at Green Meadows Cemetery in Atoka.
Casketbearers include Clint Bond, Steve Mansell, Jody House, Trent Daniel, Bryce Allen, and Jason Rector.
Honorary casketbearers feature rodeo greats like Masonic Lodge #4, Ty Murray, Clint Branger, Tuff Hedeman, Cody Lambert, Cody Custer, Jerome Davis, Michael Gaffney, and Bobby Delvecchio.
Family night is scheduled for Thursday from 6-8 PM, and condolences can be sent to the family via email at , referencing Mark Cain’s name.
Services are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service in Atoka, OK.
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Tributes have poured in from those who knew him.
Lovinia Nowlin wrote,
“Please keep my sister Linda in your prayers, it has been a very hard year of continuous losses in our family. Now she will lay to rest a man with whom she has spent the last two decades with, an amazing cowboy who set many records and won many bull riding prizes, who rode alongside a friend the world knew as Lane Frost, he was a great step-father to Bryce and Cameron and a great friend to many… you will be missed by so many Mark Cain.”
ViaTiffany Davis recalled fond memories from 1994 in Calgary:
“At the time he was traveling with Mark Cain and this new Brazilian kid Adriano Moraes. By the time we left Calgary Mark & Adriano was part of the family. We have a lot of good memories with those guys. I found out yesterday that Mark passed away. It has been many years since we got to hang out but our memories will last forever. He was a good friend and good traveling partner to Jerome and a pretty good English teacher to Adriano (besides the cuss words). He was good bull rider too, made the NFR a few times. The thing I remember most though is how kind and respectful he was to a bunch of country girls that will always cherish the good times we had together. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family.”
ViaRicky Chase shared an early memory:
“Sorry for your loss. I remember working for Foster and Louise when Mark first started riding bulls. I took pictures for the paper at the Caney rodeo. It was his first official rodeo. Louise was not happy about him riding at all but she supported him.”
Via FacebookCain’s legacy extends beyond buckles and titles. He inspired a generation of riders with his determination and humility.
As one Facebook post put it, “Godspeed, brother. Your ride lives on.”
Even stories of tough moments, like getting stomped at Superbull in Del Rio, underscore the bravery that defined him.
In a sport as unforgiving as bull riding, Mark Cain proved that heart could conquer even the fiercest challenges. He will be deeply missed by the rodeo community and his loved ones.
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