Bob Funk Sr., owner of Express Ranches Inc., dies at 85
An Oklahoma business icon and cattleman, Robert “Bob” Funk Sr., has died at his home in Yukon, Oklahoma, at age 85. Funk Sr. was the co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment International, which became one of the world’s leading staffing firms across North America. In the agriculture industry, he was known for developing Express Ranches Inc. and Express Clydesdales, both headquartered in Yukon.
According to the Express Ranches website, since its founding in 1991, the operation has grown into the largest purebred seedstock operation in America, selling the most registered Angus and Hereford bulls and females in the country. Additionally, the company is actively involved in every phase of the production process and feeds as many as 50,000 head of cattle yearly.
Funk Sr. brought a team of Clydesdales, later known as the Express Clydesdales, to Yukon in 1998, and built a barn to house the horses, offering free admission to the public. The team of Clydesdales serve as good-will ambassadors for Express Employment Professionals and Express Ranches.
The horses are a staple at Oklahoma’s state fairs and travel across the nation to compete in draft breed hitch contests as well. According to the Express Clydesdales website, the horses even had the honor of chauffeuring the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine, during a visit to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 2011.
Funk Sr.’s son, Bob Funk Jr., shared the news of his father’s death in a social media post on July 15. The statement read: “It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of my dad and longtime leader, Bob Funk Sr. Dad was a true original in every sense of the word. A bold entrepreneur, a tireless advocate for people, and a man who embodied the spirit of the American West. With his signature cowboy hat and unshakable determination, he helped build Express into what it is today: a beacon of hope.
“More than a business leader, he was a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, and clear vision. He believed in the dignity of work and the potential in every person. His passion for helping people find purpose through employment defined our mission from the very beginning and continues to inspire all we do.
“Dad’s legacy lives on in the culture he helped create, in the lives he changed, and in the values, he instilled in this organization. Although his passing leaves a profound void, his example of courage, generosity, and perseverance will guide us forward.
“During this time, your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated. We will honor his memory by continuing his legacy by loving our families dearly, serving our clients diligently, meeting their needs enthusiastically, and caring for each other.”
In giant proportions │ By Lacey Vilhauer
In 1996, Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals, purchased a team of Clydesdales and a barn to house them near Yukon, Oklahoma.
Involvement with OYE and other organizations
Prior to his death, Funk Sr. was the chairman of the Oklahoma Youth Expo—known as the largest youth livestock show in the world. Not only was he involved with the direction of the show, but he also personally donated $6.5 million to OYE. In addition, Express Ranches has contributed more than $4 million in scholarships to OYE over the years.
“Bob Funk Sr.’s connection to the Oklahoma Youth Expo was profound and transformative,” said Tyler Norvell, executive director of the OYE. “His unwavering dedication and dynamic vision drove the Expo’s growth into the giant annual event it is today. His passion for empowering young Oklahomans from every county in our state was unparalleled and life-changing. 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.
“Bob was optimistic about Oklahoma’s future because he saw firsthand the potential in these fine young men and ladies participating in the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Bob’s spirit lives on through the countless lives touched by this event. We are not just indebted to him but committed to carrying forward his vision—to ensure that the Oklahoma Youth Expo remains a platform for growth, learning and community. We will continue to nurture dreams, reward hard work and foster the emergence of the next generation of leaders, just as Bob would have wanted.”
In addition to his entrepreneurship and philanthropic activities, Funk Sr. volunteered for boards and museums. According to the Express Ranches website, he had served as the chairman of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, located in Oklahoma City.
Funk Sr. also served as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and held the role of chairman of the Conference of Chairmen for the Federal Reserve Bank System. Funk Sr. was inducted into the Oklahoma CareerTech Hall of Fame in 2022; the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2017 and into the Hall of Great Westerners by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 2023.
“Bob Funk was a great conservative leader, a champion of capitalism, and a friend of mine,” said Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. “He believed in faith, freedom, and the power of hard work. And he lived it every day. Sarah and I are praying for the Funk family and all who were blessed to know him.”
According to the Express Ranches website, Funk Sr.’s favorite quote was, “You are only as successful as the last person you helped.”
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
