Remembering Gene Rainbolt: A Life of Service to Oklahomans

Remembering Gene Rainbolt: A Life of Service to Oklahomans

Remembering Gene Rainbolt: A Life of Service to Oklahoma

By Miami News-Digest

Published: January 2, 2025

Gene Rainbolt, a prominent Oklahoma banker, philanthropist, and civic leader, passed away today at the age of 95.

Gene Rainbolt portrait
Gene Rainbolt, a legendary banker and civic leader.

Born on February 20, 1929, in Norman, Oklahoma, Rainbolt's early life was marked by the challenges of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Despite these hardships, he pursued higher education, earning degrees from the University of Oklahoma.

Rainbolt's banking career began in 1962 with the acquisition of First American Bank in Purcell. By 1989, he had established BancFirst, the largest state-chartered bank in Oklahoma, with assets exceeding $7.3 billion.

Beyond banking, Rainbolt was a steadfast advocate for education and economic development. His philanthropic efforts extended to numerous charitable boards, including the Great Expectations Foundation and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond remarked: "I am saddened to learn of the death of Gene Rainbolt... While we grieve his loss, the life of Gene Rainbolt can inspire us all."

Rainbolt is survived by his two children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His biography, "Out of the Dust: Gene Rainbolt A Life for Oklahoma", offers a deeper insight into his remarkable journey.

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Tags: #GeneRainbolt #Oklahoma #Philanthropy #Banking #Education

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