Robert A. Funk Sr., co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment International, passed away Tuesday at Express Ranches, his longtime home in Yukon. He was 85.
Funk’s passing was less than three months after the death of company co-founder William H. Stoller. Together, the pair bought a bankrupt employment agency, Acme, and built it into the franchiser of Express Employment Professionals, the company’s flagship brand and the fourth-largest staffing firm in the United States.
The staffing firm, started in 1983, is also the 13th-largest globally, according to Staffing Industry Analysts, and operates in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Funk’s son, Bob Funk Jr., was appointed company CEO and chairman in May.
“My father was a trailblazing entrepreneur who loved the American West and lived true to its values of honesty, respect, ruggedness, self-reliance, loyalty and hard work,” Funk Jr. said in a statement given to The Oklahoman. “He played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and growth of Express Employment Professionals. For more than four decades, he remained committed to putting people to work and offering hope through employment.”
Bob Funk Sr.
Funk’s contributions to the staffing industry were widely recognized, including his induction into the American Staffing Association Hall of Fame in 2023, the Staffing 100 Hall of Fame by Staffing Industry Review in 2017, and the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame in 2010.
Funk served as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City from 2006 to 2007. In 2007, he also held the role of chairman of the Conference of Chairmen for the Federal Reserve Bank System.
More: William Stoller, co-founder of Oklahoma-based Express Employment International, dies at 74
Funk also served a term as chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and his philanthropy included millions in scholarships and contributions to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma Youth Expo and charities throughout Oklahoma.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Funk was a successful cattleman, renowned globally for his Angus cattle operations. Teamed with his friend, Jarold Callahan, who passed away late last year, Express Ranches became the world’s largest producer of registered Angus cattle. His love for the land, respect for the animals and commitment to his colleagues were all part of his multifaceted character.
Funk’s legacy in keeping western culture alive also included starting and maintaining a herd of Clydesdale horses that became a top tourist draw for his ranches in Yukon. Funk, who was rarely seen without his trademark cowboy hat, was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2017 and into the Hall of Great Westerners in 2023 by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Funk is credited with re-energizing the Oklahoma Youth Expo, making it the nation’s largest annual junior livestock show, with over 7,000 participants across Oklahoma. Tyler Norvel, executive director of Oklahoma Youth Expo, said Funk’s dedication to the annual show was “profound and transformative.”
“His passion for empowering young Oklahomans from every county in our state was unparalleled and life-changing,” Norvel said. “Through their hard work, care and commitment, these young individuals displayed their livestock each year — a testament to their resilience and determination and a reflection of Bob’s belief in their potential. Witnessing over 7,500 4-H and FFA members come together every spring filled Bob with immense happiness.”
Larry Nichols, co-founder and former executive chair of Devon Energy, praised Funk’s legacy in supporting education in Oklahoma.
“He was not only a prominent Oklahoma City businessperson but also a visionary who transformed the city through his tireless work and unwavering dedication,” Nichols said. “His advocacy for CareerTech and contribution to the state’s education system will always be remembered and admired.”
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt noted Funk’s legacy not only included bringing jobs and credibility to Oklahoma City, but also included building a foundation in sports for the city.
“As our city celebrates an NBA championship and the 2028 Olympics, it’s important to know that people like Bob kept those fires burning for a long time,” Holt said. “At one point two decades ago, Bob owned both of our two minor league sports that we had at the time in baseball and hockey. And at that time he was the primary promoter behind almost every special sporting event that came to town. Bob was one of the important leaders along the way who very much believed that our city could be what it is now.”
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Bob Funk, co-founder of Express Employment and OKC philanthropist, dies