Kirk Allan Jewell

Kirk Allan Jewell, 74, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Kirk was a devoted husband, father, friend, and colleague who was cherished by all who were blessed to know him. Known for his generosity, Kirk embraced life—delighting in those he loved, and relishing other passions including cars, motorcycles, as well as his favorite desserts.

Kirk was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Clifford and Mary Jewell on December 16,1951 and adored being a big brother to his beloved sisters, Lynn and Keri. Kirk attended Nathan Hale High School where he enjoyed participating in the swimming team. He also had a whimsical side and discovered a life-long love of dance as an instructor at the Pink Barn Dance Studio in Tulsa.

Following high school graduation, Kirk attended Oklahoma State University where he met Jan Lehmer. After they were married, they moved to Tulsa where Kirk worked for his father’s CPA firm – Jewell and Associates. Kirk went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa and soon became a Certified Public Accountant.

Kirk was highly respected for his keen intellect and stellar leadership in numerous roles throughout his life. His extensive career spanned over 40 years. He rose from Controller at the Oklahoma Publishing Company eventually to becoming its General Manager before leaving in 2003 to join the Oklahoma State University Foundation.

His leadership during his 17-year tenure as President of the Oklahoma State University Foundation was marked by the highly successful $1.2 billion Branding Success campaign, which surpassed its goal more than a year ahead of schedule. Under his guidance, the Foundation raised over $2.6 billion for OSU, expanding its staff from 55 to 155.

The OSU Foundation was recognized multiple times as a “best place to work,” including twice by the Nonprofit Times as one of the top nonprofits to work for in the US–a reflection of Kirk’s leadership philosophy, “We perform like a team and care like a family.”

In May 2020, he moved to Dallas and began working as Consulting Vice President at Bryant Group, which focuses on advancing great leadership. At Bryant Group, he was able to use his years of experience to work with executives across the country. Kirk had a passion for mentoring and training executives on how to build successful teams.

Kirk’s strong Christian faith was a crucial element of his daily life; he served his local church faithfully for many years through a variety of roles, including as an elder. He especially enjoyed using his talents in finance and business as a means of contributing to ministries and outreach programs.

Kirk served numerous boards, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation, Leadership Oklahoma City, and the United Way of Oklahoma City. He was past president of the OSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and philanthropically supported many initiatives on the OSU campus.

Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Clifford Jewell. He is survived by his wife, Paula Voyles Jewell; his son Ryan and his wife Sacha; and his son Shane and his wife Jennifer. He is also remembered by his sisters: Lynn Kelley and her husband Dick, along with their children Drake and Chelsea; and Keri Beck and her husband Joe, along with their son Jordan; and his former wife, Jan Jewell, as well as a wide circle of family, friends and colleagues.

A Celebration of Life service will take place in Oklahoma City on Saturday, June 6 at a time and location to be determined.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in support of the Kirk Jewell Impact Fund at the OSU Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the OSU Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1749 – Stillwater, OK 74076-1749 or gifts can be made online at https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=20-01270. Please note your donation is in memory of Kirk Jewell.