16-07-2025
'We lost a legend.' Oklahoma leaders remember Bob Funk, Express Employment cofounder
Robert A. Funk Sr., co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment International, died 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.
Officials mourn Bob Funk Sr., acknowledge his impact on Oklahoma
Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ said in a statement that Funk was "a pillar" of the state's business and philanthropic community who left his mark on Oklahoma.
"From helping Oklahomans find meaningful work to supporting rural development and preserving our Western heritage, his impact will be felt for generations," Russ said. "We take comfort in the words of Scripture: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' (Matthew 25:21). My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss."
Brian Pillmore, the Mayor of Yukon, released a statement praising Funk for his support of the city.
"From seeing his Clydesdales and stagecoach grace our annual Czech Day parade to witnessing his dedication to our local traditions and charitable causes, it became clear that Bob's impact was woven deeply into the fabric of Yukon," Pillmore said. "On behalf of the City of Yukon, our deepest condolences go out to the Funk family and all those who have been touched by Bob's extraordinary life ... Rest well, Bob. Your spirit and contributions will forever be a cherished part of our city."
In losing Funk, the state "has lost one of its greatest champions," Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said in a statement.
"Bob embodied the entrepreneurial spirit ... his work ethic and vision were unmatched," Paxton said. "He believed in opportunity, in rewarding hard work and in giving people the tools they needed to succeed."
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson said her "heart goes out" to the family of the "Oklahoma legend."
"His work on the Oklahoma Youth Expo Board–a beloved program for those of us in the Legislature–will be long lasting," Munson said. "He invested in Oklahoma and our future by using his influence to give back to a state he believed in. He will be missed, and his impact will always be remembered."
What people are saying on social media about the death of Bob Funk Sr.
From politicians to fellow ranchers, and friends to those who knew Funk through Express Employment, here's how people reacted to Funk's death.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Bob Funk dies at 85: Gov. Stitt, OK leaders remember business owner
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