Robert Oscar O'Bannon

The O'Bannon Family moved to Oklahoma City when Robert was a young child. He attended Putnam City Schools where he would later meet the love of his life, Karen Marie Bond. Robert completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976, he then pursued his Juris Doctor degree at Oklahoma City University, graduating in 1979. To further specialize in tax law, Robert attended Boston University, where he obtained a Master of Laws in Taxation in 1980.

Once Robert completed his higher education, he and Karen were married on June 6, 1981, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City. Bob and Karen spent their 43 years of marriage together raising a family in Edmond, Oklahoma. They enjoyed traveling together, spending time with their children, playing spades, and having backyard pool parties. He was a lifelong bird hunter and enjoyed fishing, cycling, golfing, and soaking up the sun at the beach. His passion for the outdoors began at an early age on family trips to the O’Bannon Farm in Western Nebraska. Robert was an Eagle Scout and the proud father of three Eagle Scouts.

While Robert and Karen were raising a family, he was also building his career. After his time as a Certified Public Accountant at the former Arthur Anderson, Robert began his legal career. He was an esteemed tax attorney whose dedication and expertise in tax law quickly distinguished him within the field. Robert worked under the mentorship of Ken Webster at McKinney, Stringer, and Webster. In 1998, Robert, known by his close colleagues as ROO, joined Phillips Murrah P.C., where he made significant contributions as a director and shareholder. His leadership extended to serving on the firm’s executive committee and chairing the tax department, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s tax practice. Robert’s exceptional contributions to the field of tax law have been acknowledged through several honors and recognitions, reflecting his dedication and impact on the profession including Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell.

Committed to community service, Robert sat on various non-profit boards contributing his expertise to foster the growth and development of numerous organizations. He was also a board member for many Oklahoma businesses, including his most recent roles at Dolese Bros. Co. and United Petroleum Transports Inc. In 2002, Robert was a founding charter member of the United States Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Oklahoma.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob's true pride and joy was his family. A loving husband to Karen, Bob was deeply committed to their life together. He was a proud father, cherishing every moment with their three sons: Patrick of Edmond, Oklahoma; Jeffrey of Los Angeles, California; and Andrew and wife Shanna of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his younger brothers: Jim and wife Jeannine of Dallas, Texas; Tom and wife Kathleen of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his nephews Cameron and wife Maya Hippensteel of Dallas, Texas; Clark and wife Kate of San Francisco, California; and Brian and wife Anna of Charlotte, North Carolina. Robert’s other survivors include his sister-in-law Linda Saladino and husband Dale of Katy, Texas; brother-in-law Steven Bond of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Lisa Bond of Tsukuba, Japan; and his nieces Katie Bryan of Austin, Texas; Bonnie Houston and husband Jeff of Katy, Texas; Sarah Bryan of Houston, Texas; Hannah Bond of Suzuki, Japan; and Rebeccah Bond of Nagano, Japan. He is preceded in death by his parents Keith and Shirley and niece Colleen.

Bob's legacy is one of love, dedication and a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him. A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on September 6, 2024, at All Souls Episcopal Church with interment following at Rose Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Souls Episcopal Church.