MOST ADMIRED OKLAHOMANS

As you likely know, our Express companies chose Oklahoma to be the international headquarters in the mid 80’s and never looked back. 

A major producer of natural gas, oil and agricultural products, Oklahoma also provides an economic base of aviation, telecommunications, and biotechnology. The state has been an amazing home to my family, and it has been a blessing to raise kids and grandchildren in this friendly, values-based community. 

I thought I would share stories, quips, memories and insights surrounding a short list of ‘most-admired Oklahomans’ who have been difference-making contributors as well as close friends over the last 50 years.

Frank Keating

Despite Oklahoma being more than 100 years old, Frank Keating is one of only five governors in Oklahoma history, in addition to George Nigh, Brad Henry, Mary Fallin, and Kevin Stitt to hold consecutive terms and the first Republican to accomplish that feat. 

Ronald Reagan appointed Frank as the U.S. Attorney of Northern District of Oklahoma. He served from 1981 until 1983, serving for part of that time as chairman of all U.S. Attorneys. During this time, he was one of three US Attorneys in Oklahoma handling the Oklahoma county commissioners scandal, which resulted in conviction of 230 people, including 110 county commissioners, for public corruption.  

Bob’s Quote: 

“Frank is a great friend and Oklahomans are very lucky to have enjoyed such a competent leader and passionate servant. As governor, Frank oversaw the state's response to the Oklahoma City bombing and worked daily with Bill Clinton’s administration. Frank’s term was also marked by the enactment of welfare reform and tax cuts. It is no wonder my favorite US President, Ronald Reagan, saw something very special in Frank Keating.” 

Cathy Keating

Cathy Keating is a fourth-generation Oklahoman with a focus on community service. While First Lady she planned and organized the International Prayer Service and published In Their Name, which was listed on the New York Times bestseller list, following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. She founded Friends of the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion, Septemberfest, and the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, as well starting the tradition of an annual Oklahoma ornament. She raised private funds to build the Phillips Pavilion on Governor’s Mansion grounds and conceived and implemented a grounds management program for female inmates to learn a marketable job skill.

Bob’s Quote: 

“Behind every great man is a fantastic woman and Cathy Keating is one of the best! Beyond Cathy’s notable service to our great state, Cathy has helped me in hundreds of areas. Cathy oversaw national/international philanthropic efforts representing our Express companies; She co-founded the Annie Oakley Society at my favorite museum – the National Cowboy & Western Museum; and most recently, she helped my favorite agribusiness charity – Oklahoma Youth Expo – raise $4M to endow operations and sustain a successful future. Cathy is a true friend and can be counted on to ‘rise to the occasion’ every time she is called upon.” 

Herman Meinders 

In 1970 in the back of his garage, Herman Meinders founded American Floral Services, Inc., an international flowers-by-wire service which grew to 137 subscriber florists. From that humble beginning, AFS grew to become international in scope and ranked as one of the largest floral wire services in the world. In November of 2000, AFS merged with Teleflora, a competitor, to better serve the floral community. 

Herman and his wife LaDonna are known for ‘GIVING BACK’ to their community. Their gifts range in supporting higher education through endowments including his funding of the Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business.  

Bob’s Quote: 

“Herman and his wife, LaDonna, have been dear friends for nearly six decades. The Meinders are model philanthropists and are known for supporting local literacy programs, the Arts and common and higher education. Their philanthropic projects include the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Meinders Scout Shop, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens.” 

“It has been a great pleasure having a close friend like Herman for most of my life. He is a values-based business leader, a model statesman and an amazing benefactor to many charities which I also love and support. I am proud to have joined my friend Herman as an inductee into the Oklahoma Heritage Association Hall of Fame.” 

Jarold Callahan

Jarold Callahan was the partner to Bob Funk, Sr. and president of Express Ranches, one of the largest purebred cattle operations in the world, from 1996 to 2023. Jarold was the genius of the organization having shaped the future of the purebred beef cattle industry. Many Oklahomans know Jarold as a Member of Oklahoma State University serving in the OSU A&M Board of Regents, but he also made an impact on the lives of many students through his coaching and teaching.

Apart from his academic contributions, Jarold served as executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association from 1991 to 1995. He was recently recognized by being selected as the 2023 inductee to the Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery.

Bob’s Quote: 

“Jarold was not only a dedicated leader but also a cherished friend of our family. His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and passion for our ranching business played a pivotal role in its success and growth. Under his guidance, we have achieved significant milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire us in the years to come.”

“Surrounding the unexpectant and recent loss of our dear friend Jarold, the outpouring of love, support and condolences from the ranching community, colleagues, community leaders and the educational community has been simply incredible. So many people offered their kind words and special memories of this one-of-a-kind leader. Jarold will be greatly missed by many.”

Bob Funk Jr.

Bob Funk Jr. is a distinguished leader currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and International Growth at Express Employment Professionals International Headquarters.

With a rich portfolio of responsibilities, he also holds key positions as a board member at Express Employment Professionals and as an active board member of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, contributing to various committees. Notably, Bob serves as Vice Chair of Workforce & Education at the Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce, where he plays pivotal roles in decision-making bodies. 

Beyond his professional engagements, Bob, alongside his family, is deeply involved in community initiatives across Oklahoma. Being the President of Prodigal LLC, he actively participates in diverse charitable endeavors, supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Oklahoma, Autism Oklahoma, and others, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

Bob led the charge for the addition of the Multi-Purpose Outdoor Events Venue included in the Oklahoma City MAPS 4 Process. Bob maintains a relationship with the City of Oklahoma City in being a committed driver within the MAPS 4 process and personally supported all 15 additional projects in their direction to change the future of the city he lives in.

Bob’s Quote: “I could not be more proud of my son. He has adopted many of my values, principles and passions and it is wonderful to be a business partner with Bob on so many levels.”