Founder of BancFirst Corporation and renown Oklahoma City philanthropist Gene Rainbolt passed away this week at the age of 95 years old. Upon the news of his death, many of Oklahoma leaders praised Rainbolt’s life and legacy in Oklahoma.
Governor Kevin Stitt:
“Gene Rainbolt was a great Oklahoman, a pioneering businessman, and a committed public servant. He served his state honorably and gave generously to causes that benefitted Oklahomans. He truly embodied the Oklahoma Standard.
“Sarah and I are praying for his family and friends.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond:
“I am saddened to learn of the death of Gene Rainbolt. One of Oklahoma’s greatest civic leaders, Gene was a proud Oklahoman, through and through – a product of the Dust Bowl who went on to become an innovator in banking, a champion for education and a leading light in philanthropy. His contributions to the state he dearly loved are beyond measure. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. While we grieve his loss, the life of Gene Rainbolt can inspire us all.”
Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem-elect Lonnie Paxton:
“Oklahoma lost a beloved icon and trailblazer with the passing of Gene Rainbolt.” Pro Tem-Elect Paxton said. “His vision, generosity and relentless optimism transformed our state for the better. Through his philanthropic endeavors, advocacy work and leadership, it was clear that Gene was committed to solving problems facing our state. He worked tirelessly to uplift Oklahomans and created countless opportunities for many, while inspiring hope throughout countless communities. I have had the privilege of getting to know his son, David, over the past several years. Through this friendship, it is clear to me that Gene’s spirit and willingness to help others will continue.
“Gene Rainbolt’s passing is a profound loss for our state. Yet, as we mourn, we also celebrate a life well-lived and his inspirational legacy. My wife Misti and I keep the Rainbolt family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Oklahoma Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt:
“Gene had a tremendous and positive impact on our state. His long-standing work for quality education for all was especially focused on every Oklahoma child having opportunities – that’s key to helping create a more prosperous future. Oklahoma is better for his life and service, and we join his family and loved ones in mourning his passing.”
Oklahoma Senator Carri Hicks:
“Gene Rainbolt was my constituent and friend. It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of this visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to Oklahoma City transformed our community and state for the better. His legacy of philanthropy, innovation, and dedication to education will continue to inspire future generations to come.”
Oklahoma Senator Chuck Hall:
“Gene Rainbolt was an Oklahoma icon, a benevolent civic leader and a banking visionary who set a gold standard for so many of us in the industry.
“I first met Gene over 30 years ago when I started out as a banker. His work to build the largest state-chartered bank in Oklahoma was truly remarkable. Outside of business, his philanthropy and unwavering commitment to better this state helped transform countless towns and cities where he had bank branches. Gene’s absence will be deeply felt in Oklahoma’s banking community and beyond. I’m praying for the Rainbolt family during this difficult time, but I hope Gene’s family and friends find solace in knowing that his legacy will live on in Oklahoma for decades to come.”
Oklahoma Senator Paul Rosino:
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Gene Rainbolt.
“Gene was not just a banker, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was a visionary who reshaped the state’s banking industry and a transformative force in the state of Oklahoma. He prioritized community, especially small, rural communities and underprivileged families and children. Gene lived by his passion and championed opportunities for those who needed help. The impact he leaves behind is profound including for me personally. When I lost my son Gregory, the Rainbolt family was among the many who were there during one of the most trying times of my life, including making a financial donation to a charity in Gregory’s name. I will never forget the generosity, encouragement and love they showed to me and my family. To my friend David and the entire Rainbolt family, I hope they know my wife Donna and I continue to pray for them during their time of grief. Gene Rainbolt will be remembered as a transformative leader and his legacy of kindness and generosity will endure for generations.”
Congressman Tom Cole:
“Gene was an Oklahoma original. He always gave credit to others for his many accomplishments. His teachers, mentors, family, business associates, and others in his life were always singled out by him with praise and appreciation. However, the truth was that Gene himself was a man of extraordinary energy, wisdom, and determination. He was astute in his judgement of business ventures and always discerning about the people he met. This is what enabled him to build a banking empire that spans the state and has done so much to fuel and finance Oklahoma’s growth and prosperity.
“Yet, Gene Rainbolt was more than just a canny businessman. He devoted so much of his wealth to making Oklahoma a better place by donating millions of dollars to worthy causes and institutions, including his beloved University of Oklahoma.
“Gene also generously supported public leaders in both parties and worked to strengthen the institutions and associations that strive to enhance the quality of life in our state. He donated to those people and institutions he thought worked to advance and improve the prospects of his fellow Oklahomans. He never stopped trying to help those around him to achieve their dreams, develop their talents, and strengthen their communities – and they loved him for it.
“Gene Rainbolt lived life fully and well. He loved and cherished his family, stood by his friends in both good and bad times, and served his country and state with consistency and distinction. Gene made everybody and everything around him better. He will be missed by all who knew him and by many more who knew him only through his deeds and generosity. We, as a state, have lost a great Oklahoman. I, as an individual, have lost a wise, wry, and witty friend who can never be replaced and will never be forgotten.”
