Bootmaker
Bob Ross
Bob Ross, grandson of bootmaker D.V. Ross, runs Western Leather Craft Boot Co. and Ross Boots in Amarillo with his brother Charles. In his 80s as of a 2025 profile, he still works the bench, pointing to a sewing machine he believes is the oldest in Amarillo. The family shop has employed 29 family members over the generations and was then training its next bootmaker, Phil Baldner.
Known for
Multi-generation Amarillo shop; D.V. Ross's grandson
Related: Western Leather Craft · D.V. Ross · Charles Ross
Biography
History
Bob Ross is an Amarillo bootmaker who, with his brother Charles, runs Western Leather Craft Boot Co. and Ross Boots. He is the grandson of D.V. Ross.
Brick & Elm (31 October 2025) interviewed him in his 80s at the Amarillo bench. He recalled sweeping the floor at the original Ross store on the top floor of the Maddox Leather Shop, and pointed to a Singer sewing machine he believes is the oldest in Amarillo, saying everything without a place to go ends up with him. The article reports that 29 family members have worked in the business over the years; their parents, Charlie and Neldehn Ross, managed it until Charlie’s death. At the time of the interview, the brothers were training Phil Baldner, who had married into the family. No birth year or death year survives for Bob Ross.
Sources
Identification and markings
Maker-specific markings guidance has not been documented yet. Preserve the complete stamp and compare it against dated sources.
Sources and references
Historical references are cited with the history above. Each catalog record includes its own supporting evidence.
Encyclopedia references: CowboyBootsDB and maker archives linked where available. Historical dates and attributions can vary by source.