Richard "Ragin' (Agin') Cajun" Thomas Young

Richard Thomas Young, professionally known as the Ragin' (or Agin') Cajun, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 92. He was born on Saturday, March 3, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to the late Annie Marie “Suzie” Young and Roy Vernon Young. He was a resident of Independence, Louisiana.

Rick graduated from Jefferson High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry from Southeastern Louisiana University. Raised on his family’s Appaloosa horse ranch near Tickfaw, Louisiana, he grew up with a deep love for animals and the outdoors. As a young man, Rick excelled in both football and basketball, earning all-state honors and initially dreaming of playing college football. However, after being considered too small for Louisiana State University’s team, he found his path in rodeo instead.

While competing for LSU and later Southeastern Louisiana University, Rick took part in bareback riding, bull riding, roping, and steer wrestling, using his winnings to help pay his way through college. His career as a rodeo clown began unexpectedly when he stepped in to fill a last-minute absence, an opportunity that would shape the rest of his life. He soon joined the Kinney Brothers Rodeo Company and later moved into the professional ranks, eventually becoming a sought-after free agent who performed across the country and around the world.

For nearly 60 years, Rick entertained audiences as an award-winning rodeo clown and bullfighter, known for his humor, bravery, and ability to connect with people, especially children, whom he loved to make laugh with his jokes. Nicknamed the “Ragin’ Cajun” and later the “Agin’ Cajun,” his career spanned from the mid-1960s until his retirement in 2019 at the age of 85. During that time, he worked prestigious events such as the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1974 and was named PRCA Clown of the Year in 1980. He was also honored as the Coors Man in the Can at the NFR in 1991, 1994, and 1996–97.

Rick’s career took him from Florida to Connecticut, as well as to Calgary and Hawaii, where he faced some of the toughest bulls in the sport. He endured numerous injuries, including broken ribs, a broken leg, and a broken jaw, but remained dedicated to his craft. He worked more than 50 years at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo and participated in major events such as the All-Indian National Finals Rodeo, Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo, and the Wrangler Bull Fights.

In addition to his rodeo career, Rick appeared in films including The Great American Cowboy, Alvarez Kelly, and Everybody’s All-American. In 2004, he was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, and in 2022, he received one of rodeo’s highest honors with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

Beyond the arena, Rick and his wife, Bernie Lee, built a family business dedicated to breeding and marketing top-quality Appaloosa horses. Reflecting on his life, he often said he never truly grasped the impact he had on others until it was time to step away, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, courage, and unforgettable memories.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Bernie Lee Young; children, Denise Young Doucet (Robert), Rhonda Clare Zimmerman, Gerard “Rod” Zimmerman Jr. (Sara), and Laura Jean Zimmerman; grandchildren, Kelli Alford Reine (Joji), Shelli Alford Harvell, Courtney Lee Worthy, Heather Hebert Conn (Robert), Alexandra Clare Zimmerman, Gerard John Zimmerman III (Caitlin), Michelle Young, Melanie Young Clement (Robbie); great-grandchildren, Cooper, Jayci, Audrey, Zachary, Leith, Abby, Kaleb, and Olivia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Marie “Suzie” Sandig Young and Roy Vernon Young; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Pat Young; and brother, Ray Young.

A private family service will be held at a later date. The family appreciates your understanding and continued prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers, they kindly request that donations be made in his memory to the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, in honor of the beloved “Agin’ Cajun,” whose legacy brought joy and laughter to so many.

Please find the donation information below for those who wish to contribute.

Kenny Rogers Children’s Center

P.O. Box 608

Sikeston, MO 63801

Credit is given to the PRCA for their contributions in helping write Rick’s obituary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula.