STAMFORD Along with old portraits, a mounted longhorn and cattle brands burned into the paneling around the room, about 30 people sat inside the Bunkhouse to remember those who are no longer with them.

The annual Texas Cowboy Reunion Old Timers Association memorial service continues each year out of tradition and to honor those who have passed away.

"The service is designed to remember those that are gone," said Gail Johnson, whose mother, Pat, was honored in the service. "This service gave us a time and a place to come back here and remember those that we lost and show respect."

Like most funeral services, the memorial proceeded with songs, a short message and friends speaking about the friends or family they lost.

They sang "Old Rugged Cross," "I'll Fly Away," and "One Day Closer."

During "roll call," the deceased members' names were read, and the floor opened to anyone who wanted to speak.

There were tears, smiles, shoulder pats, a few hugs and combinations of them all.

Newly elected association President Eddie Jones said membership numbers have declined through the years, leaving the morning's service lacking for leadership and people.

With about 180 active members, Jones said many have moved off to bigger cities -- the story of rural towns.

But those who remain, such as Johnson, come every year to honor passed old-timers.

"She left a letter saying one of the reasons she was most proud of my sister and I was because we came and we spoke for my dad in 1985," said Johnson, whose father Lendall Prewit was honored at the memorial service that year. "That meant that much to her."

Since then, Johnson and her mother attended the service every year out of respect for him and the others who had died each year.

Johnson said this year's service was difficult for her to attend because her mother wasn't sitting beside her as she had since 1985.

"This year I didn't know if I could do it," Johnson said. "It's probably been the hardest thing in my life. But you know what, it also gave me the best feeling in my life."