Robert was born on March 13, 1938 in Utica, New York to Ethel and Dr. Samuel William Flack. He graduated from Riverdale Country School in New York City before attending Hamilton College and then Syracuse College of Law. After moving to Dallas, TX, he married the love of his life, Ailda Markus, in 1961. They welcomed a son, Samuel William Flack, of blessed memory, in 1963, and then a daughter, Hilary Flack Karchmer, in 1970. Robert had a great passion for business, entering the corporate restaurant and food service profession, and quickly became a top industry executive. Robert served as COO of Pizza Inn Restaurants before accepting the position of President/CEO of El Chico Mexican Restaurants, helping take both companies public. He subsequently moved from Dallas to Oklahoma City after accepting the position of President/CEO of Sonic Industries, from which he retired in 1995. Shortly after entering retirement, he became a sought-after consultant for several food industry organizations around the world, working with Olympus Capital of Asia-Hong Kong, and eventually forming B&P Consulting to assist various companies, including Amazing Brands of North Carolina, FPO Quattro of Mumbai, India, and Coolgreens Bistros of Oklahoma City. He then entered the banking industry being appointed Chairman/CEO of Lincoln National Bank, which he helped grow and prepare for sale to BancFirst in 2004. He has mentored many professionals over the years, from small family business owners to executives of Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Flack served on the boards of Pinnacle Business Solutions, the National Restaurant Association, and the International Franchise Association. He was also an advisory director to the Hotel-Restaurant Management School of Oklahoma State University.
Robert will be remembered most of all for his incredible warmth, sense of humor, and love for his family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ailda Flack, daughter Hilary Karchmer (Donald B.), grandchildren Sam and Haley Karchmer, and sister Marilyn Harris. He was preceded in death by his son Samuel William (Bill) Flack, father, Dr. Samuel William Flack, mother, Ethel Newell Flack, and siblings Isabetta Mandel, Stuart Flack and Howard Flack.
A memorial service will take place at noon on Friday, October 12th at Temple B’nai Israel, 4901 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, OK with a reception and lunch to follow. The burial service will take place at 2pm on Sunday, October 14th at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, Heartline Oklahoma, or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank all of Robert’s incredible doctors, nurses, and caregivers for their dedication and kindness.
