Gene Rainbolt, founder of BancFirst and philanthropist, died Thursday at the age of 95.
Born in 1929, Rainbolt grew up near OU’s campus in Norman as the youngest of four children, according to his self-written obituary published in The Oklahoman. He was a fourth-generation Oklahoman, writing he considers himself “an extremely proud ‘Okie.’”
Rainbolt wrote in his obituary about OU, which he graduated from with both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
“I had the extraordinary luck of living in Norman, giving me access to the University of Oklahoma, where I grew up in, on, or nearby the campus – one of the paramount factors in my development,” Rainbolt wrote.
Rainbolt met his wife Jeannine, the namesake of OU’s College of Education, in sixth grade at McKinley Elementary School. They had two children together, David and Leslie. The pair were married for 57 years before Jeannine died in 2007.
Rainbolt started his banking career in 1959, acquiring his first bank in Purcell in 1962. In 1989, he founded BancFirst, now Oklahoma’s largest state-charter bank with branches in 59 communities and over $7 billion in assets, according to Rainbolt’s Oklahoma Hall of Fame biography.
His accomplishments include his 1999 induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and honorary doctoral degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian University.
OU has honored Rainbolt multiple times in the past, with the Distinguished Service Award and an honorary doctorate. Rainbolt is the namesake of the Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business at OU.
At the end of his obituary, Rainbolt shared his philosophy of life:
“Change the world. Have some fun. Make some money. Give it away. Believing the tragedy of death has to do entirely with what was left undone, mine ended with my having done all I could do, but with so much more needed!”
In lieu of flowers, Rainbolt requested memorial contributions be made to the OU Foundation for the Jeanine Rainbolt Scholarship Fund, supporting Oklahoma students who want to be teachers.
Oklahoma reacts to Rainbolt’s death
OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. released a statement on the university’s social media accounts, writing Rainbolt had a profound impact on Oklahoma and OU that will last for generations.
“Gene was a tireless champion of education, and his extraordinary generosity transformed the lives of countless students while strengthening our university in ways that will endure for year to come,” Harroz wrote. “... Gene’s legacy is one of selfless service, steadfast loyalty, and an unwavering conviction that education can change lives.”
Harroz extended condolences on behalf of the university and wrote that OU is grateful for Rainbolt’s leadership.
Gov. Kevin Stitt wrote on social media platform X that Rainbolt served Oklahoma honorably and generously.
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.
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) January 3, 2025
Sarah and I are praying for his family and friends.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) wrote on X that Rainbolt gave his time and wisdom to ensure Oklahomans had opportunities to succeed.
Cindy and I join Oklahomans to mourn the passing of one of Oklahoma’s favorite sons, Gene Rainbolt. Gene loved his family, and he loved Oklahoma. Gene is well known for his long-time leadership in banking and for his civic engagement. He never stopped working for the people of…
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) January 2, 2025
Attorney General Gentner Drummond wrote in a press release that Rainbolt’s contributions to the state are dearly loved, and his thoughts and prayers are with Rainbolt’s family.
“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,” Drummond wrote. “... While we grieve his loss, the life of Gene Rainbolt can inspire us all.”
Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman) shared House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City)’s statement on X, writing he was sending “love and light” to the Rainbolt family.
In memoriam of Gene Rainbolt, a great Oklahoman.
— Rep. Jacob Rosecrants ⛄️ (@jacobrosecrants) January 2, 2025
Allow me to share something he said in a past interview, which stuck with me:
“Life is a continuum of every experience we have of other people, other cultures.”
Indeed.
Sending all love & light to the Rainbolt family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0T9sdPSsUD
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) wrote in a press release that Rainbolt has extraordinary energy, wisdom and determination. Cole wrote he lost a friend that could never be replaced, and Rainbolt will be missed by all who knew him and his generosity.
"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," Cole wrote. "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."
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure.
