Robert Drake Keith

OKLAHOMA CITY - Robert Drake Keith passed away Friday, March 17 in Oklahoma City after an extended illness at age 87. Drake was born in Breckenridge, Texas to Martin Hubbard Keith and Mable Drake Keith. “Bobby Drake” as he was known to friends and family was a gifted athlete. An honor student and president of his high school senior class, Bobby Drake accepted a football scholarship to Texas A&M, where he earned a degree in Geological Engineering. While at Texas A&M, Drake was one of the now legendary “Junction Boys” coached by Paul “Bear” Bryant, that later was the subject of the book by Jim Dent and an ESPN movie. His senior year, Texas A&M won the 1956 Southwest Conference Championship, defeating Texas University in Austin for the first time. In 1957, Drake married the love of his life Margaret Ammer from Monahans, Texas — they celebrated their 66th anniversary this year. Drake joined Coach Bryant’s staff at Texas A&M and later followed Coach Bryant to Alabama along with his close friend and Junction teammate Gene Stallings. After Alabama defeated Oklahoma in the 1963 Orange Bowl, Bud Wilkinson recruited Drake to join his staff at Oklahoma. Drake left coaching and joined Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company in 1965. He had a long career at OG&E and served as Vice President of Finance at the time of his departure. Drake became Executive Vice President of the Trust Department at First National Bank of Oklahoma in 1981. While in Oklahoma, Drake enjoyed volunteering with numerous civic organizations and served as President of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma City Symphony Orchestra. In 1983 Drake moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to join Entergy, as Vice President of Finance and later Chief Financial Officer. Drake was named President and CEO of Entergy Arkansas in1989 where he served until retirement in 1999. Under his leadership, Entergy Arkansas was recipient of a Fulbright Trade Award called “Teamwork Arkansas.” In Little Rock, he served on numerous boards: Chairman of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the board of University of Arkansas Medical School, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He was instrumental in starting a foundation for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. After retirement Drake was appointed Chairman of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission by Governor Mike Huckabee and traveled the state recruiting new businesses to the state. He was awarded the honor of being named an Arkansas Traveler. Drake returned to Oklahoma City to be near family in 2008. He remained active with the OKC Rotary, Economic Club, Men’s Dinner Club and served as a docent at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. As a long-time supporter of the arts, Drake and Margaret founded and supported the Keith String Awards competition for over forty years. Drake was proud to have served as a Deacon and Elder of the Presbyterian Church, serving in numerous capacities, most recently — as a Trustee of Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation. Drake is survived by his wife, Margaret Keith of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and children, Drew Keith of Keller, Texas, Carl Keith of Frisco, Texas, and Karma Robinson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and their respective spouses Lois, Lisa, and Brett. He is also survived by grandchildren Mallory Maberry and husband Greg, Cian Brown and his wife Hannah, Preston Keith and his wife Jennifer Roberts, Claire Davey and husband Conner, Natalie Robinson, Sarah Keith, and Bradley Keith. He is also survived by great granddaughter Elise Maberry and expecting great grandson Drake Davey in April, as well as many other Keith nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 24th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation, 4400 N. Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, or the Oklahoma City Philharmonic – Keith Awards, 424 Colcord Drive, Suite B, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.