Bob Orton

:"This article is about Bob Orton, Sr. For his son who is also known as "Cowboy" Bob Orton, see Bob Orton, Jr."Infobox Wrestler
name=Robert Orton Sr.


names=Bob Orton
Bob Orton Sr.
The Zodiak
Rocky Fitzpatrick
El Lobo
height= height|ft=6|in=2
weight= convert|245|lb|kg st|abbr=on|lk=on
birth_date = birth date|1929|7|21
death_date = death date and age|2006|7|16|1929|7|21cite news | first = Hicks | last = Brady | title = 2006: The year in wrestling | work = PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts | publisher = Kappa Publications | id = 2007 Edition | page = 23 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 | language = English ]
birth_place = Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
death_place=Las Vegas, Nevada
billed=Kansas City, Kansas
trainer
debut=1951
retired=July 2000|

Robert Dale Orton Sr. (July 21, 1929 – July 16, 2006) was an American professional wrestler. He was also known as Bob Orton, Sr. or simply Bob Orton. He was the father of "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr. and former wrestler Barry O, and the grandfather of previous WWE Champion Randy Orton.

Career

His previous nickname was "The Big O" when he wrestled for the Stampede Wrestling TV series.

Orton was a two-time holder of the Florida version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship with partner Eddie Graham in 1966.cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | year=4th Edition 2006 | id=ISBN 0-9698161-5-4 ] He also captured several other titles in various NWA territories, including the NWA Southern Heavyweight title and the Florida Tag Team title (with Bob Jr.) in Florida Championship Wrestling and the NWA United States Heavyweight title in Central States Wrestling. He also competed in the American Wrestling Association, where he would also gain championship success.

Personal life

Orton married Rita on January 22, 1950. Together they had three children, "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Barry O, and Rhonda. Orton was also grandfather to current World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Randy Orton.

Orton and André the Giant were good friends for many years.

Retirement

He retired in July 2000 and spent the last years of his life living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Death

He died on July 16 2006 from a series of heart attacks. Orton was cremated and had his ashes scattered on Mount Charleston in Las Vegas in April 2007.

Championships and accomplishments

*American Wrestling Association:*AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times):*AWA Midwest Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Mike DiBiase (1) and Maurice Vachon (2):*Nebraska Heavyweight Championship (1 time) (Last)

*Big Time Wrestling:*NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Lord Alfred Hayes

*Central States Wrestling:*NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (2 times):*NWA North American Tag Team Championshpi "(Central States version)" (1 time) - with Buddy Austin:*NWA United States Heavyweight Championship "(Central States version)" (1 time)

*Championship Wrestling from Florida:*NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight Championship (6 times):*NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Dennis Hall (1), Hiro Matsuda (1), and Bob Orton, Jr. (1):*NWA World Tag Team Championship "(Florida version)" (2 times) - with Eddie Graham

*Georgia Championship Wrestling:*NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship "(Georgia version)" (1 time)

*NWA Western States Sports:*NWA Southwest Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

*St. Louis Wrestling Club:*NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

References