Bob Flexner

Bob was world famous in his field. He was widely regarded as America's foremost expert on wood finishing. His pioneering contributions to the field transformed the way enthusiasts and professionals alike approached woodworking. His seminal series, Understanding Wood Finishing, is a testament to his expertise and dedication. In order to write them, he first had to become an expert in chemistry, which he did using his beloved OU library. These books, which have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated into numerous languages, debunked pervasive myths propagated by the finishing industry and remain the only woodworking books to reach the Amazon top 1000 list.

Before the success of his books, Bob was a trailblazer in creating how-to videos on repairing and refinishing furniture, a valuable resource that won national Best Video Series of the Year awards. They are soon to be made available on Erik Flexner’s YouTube channel. His work in these mediums helped democratize knowledge and empowered countless individuals to master the art of wood finishing.

In Norman, Oklahoma, Bob founded The Workbench, a cherished community antique restoration and woodworking shop at 303 E. Main St.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Bob's formative years were marked by notable achievements. An Eagle Scout and an ardent Oklahoma football fan, he attended the first and last games of the University of Oklahoma's historic 47-game winning streak. Bob earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Russian Studies and American History from the University of Oklahoma, where he also co-founded the Free Press, one of the nation's first student-run counter-culture newspapers. His involvement in student activism is documented in the first chapter of Prairie Power, Student Activism and Counter Culture and Backlash in Oklahoma 1962-1972.

One of his proud moments was leading the organization of the Model United Nations at OU. With his leadership, he grew the organization from apx. 50 attendees to over 500 in the first year. Since then it has been a huge, enduring success, continuing to this day. His brother Bill and both of his son’s Erik and Soren were active members of his Model UN during high school and college.

Bob served as an ROTC officer in the US Navy, with a distinguished tenure at the Pentagon. He spoke English, Russian, and Danish, and lived and worked in Oklahoma, Denmark, Israel, and Washington, D.C. His time as a woodworker in Copenhagen and at Kibbutz Eilot in southern Israel contributed to his vast understanding of wood finishing. In Denmark he was shaped by the European perspective on craftsmanship, which reveres the traditional and respects the craftsman.

A lover of classical music and a spirited debater, Bob was known for his mischievous sense of humor and his talent for engaging in thought-provoking discussions. He was an inspiration to his family for his unabashed honesty and authenticity.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Birthe Flexner; his two sons, Erik and Soren; six grandchildren; and his brothers, Bill and Paul Flexner. Bob was born Robert Edward Flexner to Charles Rosenheim Flexner and Marian Gugenheim Flexner, of Oklahoma City.

Bob Flexner's life was one of remarkable accomplishment, intellectual curiosity, and devotion to his family. His contributions to woodworking and beyond will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.

His family requests that donations in his memory be made to Food and Shelter of Norman.