OIL & GAS HAL L OF FA ME INDUCTEES 2021
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We are humbled and honored for our grandfather
Kenneth Link to be inducted into the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
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The Kansas Oil and Gas Museum Foundation’s 2021 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and dinner is a chance to honor many pioneers of their industry. These have been some challenging times for the oil patch, but it has persevered, and this event is a showcase for that success and those responsible for it. The foundation’s selection committee has chosen 11 well-deserving recipients for this
CONTENTS
prestigious class of inductees, some living and some deceased. They include John O. Farmer III, Cecil O’Brate, Kirk Rundle, R.A. (Dick) Schremmer,
John O. Farmer III ............................................ 5
Gene Zaid, James Ramsberg, Barbara Oringderff,
Cecil O’Brate ................................................... 7
Pierce Musgrove, J.C. Musgrove, George Miller and
James C. Remsberg ......................................... 9
Kenneth Link. For over a century, this region has played a substantial role in oil and gas production. The industry continues to provide abundant opportunities, making it a vital cornerstone industry that fuels the economy. The foundation was set to welcome a new group of honorees to the Hall of Fame in the spring of
Kirk Rundle .................................................... 11 R.A. (Dick) Schremmer ....................................13 Gene Zaid.......................................................15 Kenneth Link ..................................................17 George E. Miller Jr. .........................................19
2020. But, like so many things, this celebration was
J.C. Musgrove.................................................21
postponed due to COVID-19. That being said they
Pierce Clyde Musgrove ................................... 23
are happy to pay tribute to those so deserving to be enshrined in this esteemed circle of oil and gas industry pioneers and leaders.
Barbara Wingfield van den Berg Oringderff ...... 25 Smith Supply LLC ........................................... 30
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Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 3
Mid-Continent Energy Exchange
We Are Mid-Continent Energy Exchange We are Oil and Gas Auctions Those who were born to seek and find oil are among the most fascinating and productive people in all of history. They changed the destiny of America and gave the American worker the energy needed to build the world’s greatest industrialized nation. We admire the imagination, courage, and ingenuity they possess. These qualities have made the story of oil and gas the greatest story in industrial history. –Mid-Continent Energy Exchange salutes our nation’s oil & gas producers! uce c rs rs! rs!
Congratulations hall of fame inductees. John O. Farmer III Cecil O’Brate Kirk Rundle R.A. (Dick) Schremmer Gene Zaid Kenneth Link
George E. Miller, Jr. J.C. Musgrove Pierce Musgrove Barbara Oringderff James C. Remsberg
It is indeed a privilege to honor and to have worked with many of our friends. Contact us: W Kellogg Dr. Suite - Wichita, KS Email us: info@midcontinentenergyexchange.com Call us: --
4 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
John O. Farmer III
J
ohn was born October 26, 1940 to John O. and Rosemary Farmer in Dallas, Texas. The family left Dallas to move to Kansas in 1946 to start a new drilling company called Jones, Shelburne and Farmer. John III was the oldest of three children which included Mary K. and Bill. The family settled in Russell, and John graduated from Russell High School in 1958. He attended Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri from 1958 to January 1963, and graduated with a BS degree in petroleum engineering, and through ROTC he received a commission in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. From 1963 to 1965 he was in the US Army combat engineers in Kitzingen, Germany and was discharged with an honorable discharge.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 5
In 1965 he was employed with Shell Oil company as a petroleum engineer in Oklahoma City. He worked various engineering jobs in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Illinois, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota. He left Shell in 1969 as a senior reservoir engineer to join his father in business. John became vice president of John O. Farmer Inc. in 1971, president in 1989, and in 2018, he turned the presidency over to his son, John 4, but stayed on as chairman of the board. In 1995, he received a professional degree in geologic and petroleum engineering from the University of Missouri. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Kansas, lifetime member Society of Petroleum Engineers, past member Tertiary Oil Recovery board at KU, and KIOGA past president 1997-1999.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021 KANSAS OIL & GAS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES.
JOHN O. FARMER III
JOHN O. FARMER II
INDUCTEE 2021
INDUCTEE IN THE FIRST CLASS 1989
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Cecil O’Brate
C
ecil is a native Oklahoman, born in Enid, Oklahoma in November 1928. He grew up in the post-depression era in poverty; but he had an internal, unwavering passion to change his fortune. From ages 10 to 16 he worked several jobs, including: newspaper delivery boy, grocery store stockman, butcher, bread slicer salesman, gas station attendant, used car salesman, glasses maker, and others. He was a true entrepreneur from the start and figured out ways to earn additional money to help provide for his family. Prior to his senior year in high school, Cecil’s life changed when he moved with his grandparents to custom farm in Syracuse, Kansas. It was there that he discovered one of his greatest passions in life, farming, and met the love of his life, Frances Cole
(they celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on September 14, 2021). He spent the year farming in Hamilton County and traveling across the country custom cutting to save up
money to pay for college. Cecil’s love for Oklahoma State University started in the fall of 1946. He wanted to return to his home state, so he chose Oklahoma A & M, and majored in
structural engineering. Although he wanted to complete his bachelor’s degree at OSU, in the fall of 1948 Cecil received an offer he could not refuse. His paternal grandfather’s landlord offered him 3,000 acres of farm ground to rent and his grandfather needed Cecil’s help. Cecil ultimately decided to put college aside after two years and move back to Kansas to farm with the family. Since his return from Oklahoma in 1948, Cecil has been a farmer, rancher, banker, business manager, developer, oilman, and serial entrepreneur. He spent the early years back in Kansas farming and ranching. In 1965 he embarked on a new challenge and purchased Palmer Mfg. and Tank, Inc. When he purchased the company, Palmer’s had two full-time employees and manufactured tanks for the agriculture industry.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 7
When he sold the company in 2013 it has grown from two welders to 215 full time employees and from a few thousand in revenue to over $70 million in annual sales. On August 1, 2018, Cecil had the opportunity to purchase Palmer back and re-energize the company he dedicated many years to growing. Still to this day, at 93 years old, Cecil does not let any grass grow under his feet. In his most recent adventures he has spent time and capitol investing in the community he has called home for the last 60 plus years, Garden City. Garden City was a town similar to many other small communities in the mid-west. It was stable, at best, losing out on human capital and opportunities to that of the bigger cities. Since 2012 Cecil has invested over $55 million back into the local community. By enacting his vision, Cecil created a trickledown effect that has encouraged others to invest resulting in new shopping centers, restaurants, and business development. As a result of his efforts, Garden City is now a growing, vibrant community that is the “city” between Wichita and Denver, CO. Cecil has been extremely successful in many different facets of business, his marriage, and family. However, his greatest attribute is his generous heart for charities and helping kids. For years, Cecil has donated time and resources to help those that are less fortunate. In the fall of 2013, Cecil and Frances established The O’Brate Foundation. The O’Brate Foundation provides college scholarships for students that are graduates of the foster care system or are below poverty level. Here are just a few highlights since the inception of the O’Brate Foundation in 2013: • Approximately 500 students have been on scholarship. • The Foundation has provided over $4,000,000 in scholarships. • For the spring of 2019, there were 163 students on scholarship. The O’Brate Foundation is making a positive difference in hundreds of young men and women by providing a chance that otherwise might not be available. Cecil and Frances reside in Garden City, and are proud parents of four boys; Patrick, Michael, Steve, and Mark, eight grandchildren, and nine greatgrandchildren.
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Congratulations to the 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees John O. Farmer III Cecil O’Brate James C. Remsberg Kirk Rundle R.A. (Dick) Schremmer Gene Zaid Kenneth Link - Deceased George E. Miller Jr. - Deceased J.C. Musgrove - Deceased Pierce Musgrove - Deceased %DUEDUD 2ULQJGHUႇ 'HFHDVHG 7:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday 24 Hour Answering Service omwinc@opiwireless.com 115 Patton Road - Great Bend 620-792-4388 - 800-772-6060
8 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
James C. Remsberg
J
ames C. Remsberg, P.E.,of Wichita has worked in the oil and gas industry since June, 1957, and as a petroleum engineer has achieved a great deal of success serving as Operations Manager for the Slawson Companies, Inc. and President of Slawson Drilling Company, Inc., positions which he maintained for many years. Since 1989, Jim has served as President of Argent Energy, Inc. and worked as a consulting petroleum engineer. Jim’s knowledge and experience in the oil and gas business including all aspects of drilling and production of oil and gas is without equal. Jim is a member of numerous professional organizations including serving as the past section chair and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Association of Drilling Contractors, the section chair for the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He has served on numerous advisory boards for engineering disciplines at the University of Kansas. He was awarded with the distinguished Engineering Service Award by the University of Kansas in 2013 and inducted into the University of Kansas Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Hall of Fame in 2014. His involvement in community affairs and public service is also substantial. Jim is one of the founders of the Wichita River Festival and the Wichita Wagonmasters.
The Wichita River Festival is one of the largest and most successful public festivals in the United States and the Wichita In addition to Jim’s professional, civic and personal accomplishments, his integrity, honesty and commitment to his profession and the community is beyond reproach. Jim can be consistently depended upon to do the right thing for the right reason. He is married to Sandy and they have three daughters. His hobbies include upland bird hunting, golf and fishing. Educational background: • Public Schools; Iola, Kansas • Iola Junior College; Iola, Kansas
• University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas - Bachelor of Science, Petroleum Engineering; Career highlights: • Management responsibilities in oil and gas well drilling, well completion, production operations, unitization procedures, and reservoir engineering. Detailed knowledge of drilling practices, surface and subsurface equipment design, drillstem test analysis, completion techniques, actively engaged as a petroleum engineering consultant in oil and gas property evaluations, estate appraisals, expert witness in litigation and regulatory matters. • Professional Engineer - State of Kansas, License No. 4920 NSPE & KSPE - Member • Society of Petroleum EngineersFormer Section Chair, Life Member • IADC- Past Section Chair, Past Board of Directors for the Association, Contracts and Sound Practices Committee Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists - Member • University of Kansas -Advisory Board, School of Engineering; Past Advisory Board, Dept. of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering • University of Kansas- Distinguished Engineering Service Award 2013; Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Hall of Fame 2014
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 9
• Sterling College, Sterling, Kansas- Former Board of Trustees • National Security Forum- Air War College, 1995 • McConnell Air Force BaseFormer Honorary Squadron Commander • Friends of McConnell- Former Executive Committee Member • Governor’s Military CouncilMember, 2008-2010 • Wichita Festivals, Inc.- Past President, Board of Directors; Operations Chair; General Chair; Various Committees; Admiral Windwagon Smith VI • Wichita Wagonmasters Charter Member, Past Captain, Commodore, Chair - Prairie Circuit Championship Rodeo Committee • Rotary International- Former Member, Paul Harris Fellow
• Masonic Orders- 32nd Degree Mason, AAONMS, Royal Order of Jesters, P.D. Presbyterian Church- Elder Other highlights: • Consulting petroleum engineerNovember 1989 to Present Contract operations, oil and gas regulatory matters, estate appraisals, property evaluations, and litigations. Qualified and experienced as a court and regulatory body expert witness, having testified before the Texas Railroad Commission, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and the Kansas Corporation Commission. Additionally, testified as a qualified expert witness in both State and Federal District Courts. Prepared
over 200 estate appraisals, and a like number of property evaluations. Contracted by insurance companies to investigate and file reports on claims involving oil and gas incidents. Engaged as an expert consulting engineer in bankruptcy litigation as well as contractual disputes, involving drilling contracts and other contractual matters. • Argent Energy Inc. -November 1989 to Present President - CEO responsibilities as well as technical support required for the acquisition of, exploration and operation of oil and gas producing properties. • Slawson Companies Inc.February 1966 to November 1989 • Continental Oil Company- June 1957 to February 1966
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Kirk Rundle
K
irk is a Kansas native, born in Hays and raised in Smith Center. His parents were Kenneth and Patricia Rundle. Kenneth was a veterinarian and Patricia was his office manager and homemaker. After high school, Kirk attended Kansas State University. While in college, Kirk was married in 1980 to Rebecca Ervin. In 1984 Kirk earned a Bachelor of Science degree in a dual major of geophysics and geology. The senior year highlight was a Seismic Stratigraphy course taught by Dr. Robert Sherriff from the University of Houston. Dr. Sherriff had authored numerous geophysics textbooks and was quite well known throughout the oil industry. In 1984, Kirk was hired as a staff geologist/geophysicist by Murfin Drilling. He was involved in exploring for Morrow Sandstone production in Southeastern Colorado and Western
Kansas. He conducted regional geologic mapping and interpreted 2D seismic data to reveal regional sand trends and prospect identification. Seismic modelling of the Morrow sandstone was another duty. This work simulated the seismic response from these sandstones and attempted to predict the thickness and reservoir content. In 1987, Kirk worked for Michael Crouch for two years on a contract exploration project in NW Kansas. The project integrated regional geology,
2D seismic data and single shot point seismic data. In January of 1989, Kirk became an independent consulting geophysicist and formed Kirk Rundle Consulting (KRC). From 1989 into the early 1990s, the vast majority of the seismic interpretation work consisted of hundreds of miles of 2D seismic data throughout Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado. During these earliest years, seismic interpretation was done manually with colored pencils and an engineering scale.The seismic values
were drafted by hand onto film or velum from which reproductions could be made and hand-contoured. A 2D seismic workstation was licensed to streamline the interpretation if the digital data was available. Newly acquired 2D data was available digitally, but the bulk of the seismic work was still interpreted manually. In 1991, a client expressed interest in shooting a 3D seismic project in Scott County. This pilot project was approximately one square mile in size. The interpretation was completed on a 2D workstation as a series of 64 parallel seismic lines. This initial 3D project resulted in sufficient encouragement for the client to shoot three more projects a short time later. One of these projects resulted in the discovery of the Millrich SE pool in Scott County. The following year brought a steady stream of 3D work from this client.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 11
As news spread of the effectiveness of 3D seismic, the demand for this new tool grew steadily into the late 1990s. This required an upgrade in software for 3D design, seismic modelling, interpretation and mapping. In this era, the best 3D software available operated on a UNIX platform computer. The investment required was comparable to the cost of a dry hole in central Kansas. But the trend of future oil exploration was evident and this step was necessary to bring the best technology available to Kansas operators. Continuing education became necessary to try to keep up with the rapidly evolving science. Kirk participated in industry courses on Seismic Inversion and Seismic Attribute Application and Analysis. Beyond 2000, the seismic activity for the KRC clientele had expanded to four seismic crews working year round to satisfy the demand for 3D data. This dramatic growth required additional staff. John Edwards was hired in 2005 as a staff geophysicist. John had over 30 years of experience in the Rocky Mountain region, the Permian Basin and the Michigan Basin. John’s work ensured a detailed analysis of every project. Further expansion of the staff became necessary to prepare for the weekly
arrival of new data and KRC quickly grew into a family business. Kirk’s wife, Becky, was the office manager and bookkeeper from the beginning until her retirement in 2012. Kirk’s son, Derek, has managed projects since 2006, and has interpreted data since completing his degree in 2009. Kirk’s daughter, Kelsey,
and daughter-in-law, Leah, worked in data entry, created reports and invoicing. Kirk’s son-in-law, Scott Pringle worked in seismic interpretation after completion of his degree in 2010. There were additional employees through the years that became like family. Gary Gensch, Darius Dratrdvila, Jenny Smith and Doug Stroot are among this group. From 2007 to 2009, KRC added Kris Canivet to conduct seismic attribute analysis and seismic waveform studies. Traditional 3D interpretation was also one of his duties. Despite the best efforts, this additional analysis was not consistently effective in finding the thin oil reservoirs so common in Kansas. Over 32 years in business, KRC has interpreted approximately 20,000 square miles of 3D seismic data across Kansas. The client list includes over 250 oil companies. The oil price was not always favorable over this span of time. Thankfully, KRC has been blessed with a group of optimistic clients. Each downturn in the oil price would be perceived by some as an opportunity to expand with fewer competitors. This created greater stability through the inevitable downturns in the industry. KRC’s success is largely credited to this group of highly motivated optimists.
Congratulations to the 2021 Oil and Gas Hall of Fame Inductees!
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Dick Schremmer
D
ick Schremmer started his oil field career while he was in high school. In 1970, at the age of 15, he went to work for Chase Tank Service cleaning out the bottoms of oil tanks and other prestigious jobs. After graduating high school in 1972, he decided to get an education rather than go to school and he took a job with Kewanee Oil Company. Oil was still $3.00 per barrel and he was only the 2nd man the company had hired in 18 years. After working in Barton and Stafford counties, he was transferred to Medicine Lodge in 1979 where he worked for five years. At the age of 25 he was promoted to Production Supervisor, transferred to Wichita, and assigned everything East of Highway 14 in Kansas for Gulf Oil Company. In 1985, Gulf Oil was purchased by Chevron USA and Schremmer struck out
on his own forming Bear Petroleum. 35 years later the company operates 531 wells in Kansas.
In 1988 Dick acquired Gressel Oil Field Service, a two rig well servicing company in Burrton. The
company has expanded to a full service company with locations in Burrton, Great Bend, Hays, and Haysville.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 13
Services include well service rigs, supply stores, acid and cement services, down hole tools, wireline, tank trucks, propane, roustabout, and electrical services. While doing this he has served as President of the Wichita Petroleum Club, Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association, and Association of Energy Service Companies out of Houston, Texas. He currently serves on the board of KIOGA, AESC, Kansas Oil and Gas Resources Fund better known as Kansas Strong, and National Stripper Well Association. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Liaison Committee of the Cooperating Oil and Gas Associations.
14 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
Memberships include KIOGA, EKOGA, NSWA, DEPA, IPAA, API and 4th degree Knights of Columbus. The Meritorious Service to the Association Award 1993 from the Independent Petroleum Association of America. Awarded the National Stripper Well Association Distinguished Leader Award 2014. Awarded the Golden Rod Wrench Award from the AESC in 2017. Awarded KIOGA Legend of the Industry Award 2017. Barber County Conservation District Grasslands Award 2018. 17 year volunteer at The Lord’s Diner. He has been married to his lovely
wife Janice for 43 years. They are proud to have three successful children and one beautiful granddaughter.
Gene Zaid
D
r. Gene H. Zaid came to America as a young man from a Palestinian refugee camp with the hope of living the American Dream. Through his perseverance to learn a new language as well as a new culture and his dedication to succeed, he graduated from Kansas Wesleyan with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. He then continued his education at Wichita State University pursuing his Master’s Degree in Chemistry while working full time to support his family. Gene holds two doctoral degrees, one in Chemistry and one in Business Administration. In 1982, he founded JACAM Chemical Company, starting the business out of the family garage.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 15
He quickly built the business into one of the most respected manufacturing companies in the oil and gas industry all while continuing to develop new chemistries and pursuing his doctorate degree. Gene is the author of over 60 U.S. patents. With the sale of JACAM in 2013 he turned his focus and his money from the sale to a project close to his heart and began developing products
that will redefine oncology care and other serious diseases. He is the author to 10 patents devoted to pharmaceutical development with several being pursued internationally as well. He currently has numerous compounds in development with one product being in Phase 1 Clinical Trials. Gene not being one to be idle, decided to focus some of his free time back on the industry
he knows well and started GeoChemicals in June of 2019. He is currently building a state of the art manufacturing facility in Hutchinson, while working with oil companies to provide superior products and problem solving to his customers.
Dr. Gene Zaid, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer 101 S. Broadway, Sterling KS 67579 (620) 204-7160 — www.hyattlifesciences.com
16 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
Kenny Link
K
enny Link was born July 4th, 1928 in Chase. He would always joke that as a boy growing up with a July 4th birthday, he felt special that everyone in town celebrated his birthday and even had fireworks. Within a year of graduating from Chase High School, Kenny started in the oil industry in 1947 as an employee of Skelly Oil Company. In 1951 he became a partner of Chase Well Service Co. A Chase Well Service invoice dated June 7th, 1954 in Kenny’s handwriting was found. It was for an insert pump replacement. The pulling unit and operator billable rate was $7.50/hour and the billable rate for deck hand labor was $1.80/ hour. A little different than today’s rates. In 1957 Glenn Armour sold Chase Well Service Co. and Chase Well Service, Inc. was formed, with Kenny serving as Owner/President. Around
1960, Kenny moved Chase Well Service, Inc. to Great Bend and later added a location in Plainville. Since that time, Kenny also owned and operated Chase Tank Service and Strata Drilling. Kenny sold Chase Well Service, Inc. to his son and daughter-in-law Mark and Janis Link and retired
in 1998. Beyond the success and achievements in the oilfield, Kenny was the proudest of his family. Kenny married Shirley Wallace on March 27th, 1951 and enjoyed 66 wonderful years of marriage together until Kenny’s passing on April 9th, 2017. Shirley recently passed away
on February 14th, 2020. Before Shirley’s passing, she knew about Kenny’s induction into the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame. She was extremely excited of the news and honor of the induction. They have two surviving daughters, Linda Meyeres and husband Jim of Chase, and Denise Barbour and husband Jack of San Angelo, Texas; a son-in-law, Lynn Bownes, and a daughter-in-law, Janis Link, both of Great Bend. They were preceded in death by two sons, Mark Link, and infant son Kent Link and daughter Rita Bownes. They have seven grandchildren, Mike Link and wife Kristi, Steven Link, Ryan Bownes and wife Staci, Derek Bownes and wife Ashley, Kalesha Bownes, Jason Meyeres and wife Darci, and Jamee Kizzar and husband Blake. They were preceded in death by two infant grandchildren, Nicole and Curtis Meyeres.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 17
They have fifteen great grandchildren, Mikayla Bownes, Brenna Bownes, Bownes, She was Emeri extremely excited of the news Bristyland Bownes, Bownes, honorRyah of the induction. They have two MaeLynn Schartz, Jersey Meyeres, surviving daughters, Linda Meyeres and Morgyn Meyeres, Moore, husband JimCordell of Chase, and Denise Barbour Brayden Moore, Allison and husband Jack Link, of San Angelo, TX; a son Emmain Link, law, Duell Lynn Kizzar, Bownes,Lathem and a daughter in law, Kizzar,Janis Blakelinn Link, Kizzar, both of with Greatone Bend. They were on the preceded way. in death by two sons, Mark Link, In addition to spending and infant son Kent time Link and daughter Rita with family, Kenny very Bownes. Theywas have seven grandchildren, involved within community. Mike Linkthe and wife Kristi, Steven Link, KennyRyan was aBownes memberand of KIOGA, wife Staci, Derek Bownes Princeand of Peace Parish atKalesha St. Rose wife Ashley, Bownes, Jason of Lima Catholic Church, Knights Meyeres and wife Darci, and Jamee Kizzar of Columbus Council #862,ThGreat and husband Blake. ey were preceded in Bend Masonic #15, grandchildren, ISIS death byLodge two infant Nicole Shrine,and York Rite and Sunflower Curtis Meyeres. They have fifteen great Shrinegrandchildren, Club. He was past president Mikayla Bownes, Brenna of Great Bend Petroleum Club and Bownes, Emeri Bownes, Bristyl Bownes, a past member of Moose LodgeSchartz, of Ryah Bownes, MaeLynn Jersey Hutchinson. Kenny also Meyeres, could be Cordell Moore, Meyeres, Morgyn found Brayden playing cards at the officeLink, or Emma Link, Moore, Allison Stoneridge Club. Kenny DuellCountry Kizzar, Lathem Kizzar, Blakelinn also enjoyed on his backway. Kizzar,sitting with one on the patio swing watchingtothe passingtime with In addition spending golfers,family, heckling a few. Kenny was very involved within Kenny many aliases, thehad community. Kenny was a member of Kenneth, dad, grandpa, Papa KIOGA, Prince ofGus, Peace Parish at St. Rose of Gus toLima nameCatholic a few. However Church,you Knights of Columbus knew Kenny, would agree Councileveryone #862, Great Bend Masonic Lodge he had#15, a great of humor, wasand Sunflower ISISsense Shrine, York Rite a goodShrine story teller, Club.family He wasman, past president of Great successful someone Bendbusinessman, Petroleum Club and a past member never afraid to speak of Moose Lodgehisofmind Hutchinson. Kenny also and even a decent polka dancer. could be found playing cards at the office Kennyor would be veryCountry honoredClub. and Kenny also Stoneridge humbled for the induction thepatio swing enjoyed sitting on hisinto back Kansaswatching Oil & Gas of Fame. theHall passing golfers, heckling a few. Kenny had many alias, Kenneth, dad, grandpa, Gus, Papa Gus to name a few. However you knew Kenny, everyone would agree he had great sense of humor, good story teller, family man, successful businessman, someone never afraid to speak his mind and even a decent polka dancer. Kenny would be very honored and humbled for the induction into the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame.
18 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
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George E. Miller, Jr.
G
eorge Edward Miller Jr. was born January 28, 1926 in Ada, Oklahoma, the first child of George Edward Miller Sr. and Quepha (Burch) Miller. Upon graduation from Marietta High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served aboard the USS Santee, an escort class aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After serving honorably in the Navy, he attended the University of Oklahoma, then went to work in the oilfields as a drill stem tester for Halliburton. The company moved him to the Great Bend yard in 1948, where he continued working in the oilfield DST business with Johnston Testers and Western Testing Company. In 1951, he married Marjorie Ann Niedens, of Great Bend. In 1954, he partnered with Jim Donelson to form Miller-Donelson Testing Company. In the late 1950s, he would become the sole owner of Miller Testing Company, which grew into
one of the most active drill stem testing companies in the state of Kansas, with additional operations around the Sirrento and Cheyenne Wells discoveries of eastern Colorado. Miller Testing’s success stemmed from George’s experience and knowledge of the Drill Stem Test, and his high standards for test tools, testers, and charts. During this time, oil prices would cycle from as low as $2 a barrel to as high as $40 a barrel. Competition for Drill Stem Tests likely involved not only numerous trips to Wichita to visit operators, but also exhaustive trips to the rigs, where the wellsite geologist might select the
tester. In a number of these situations, it’s been said that a bottle of bourbon might tip the scales. Throughout his 60 years in the oil business, George Miller Jr. developed a great number of relationships and a welldeserved reputation for his knowledge among oilmen and service companies. George also participated with many operators in central and western Kansas drilling prospects. Among these were Chief Drilling, Palomino Petroleum, Thunderbird Drilling, Thornton Anderson, and A.Scott Ritchie. Oil finders such as Dick Hoover, Bill Owens, Todd Aikins, Bob Watchous, Don Hellar, and Harvey Gough were great
friends. Among these and many other Hall of Fame inductees was J.A. Mull, founder of Mull Drilling Company. In 1976, Miller and Mull agreed to partner in a rotary drilling company with two rigs, to be named Blue Goose Drilling Company, Inc. The rigs would be busy on Mull’s prospects, while George would also be able to contract and participate with other established producers and long-time friends. George would ultimately separate from Mull with its Rig #1, retaining the Blue Goose name. Rig #1’s U-15 drawworks, reputably the gold standard for rotary drilling, was part of a stacked-out rig in a Nebraska pasture. Blue Goose Rig #1 was re-conditioned and rigged up under the direction of toolpusher Clyde Merkle. Blue Goose would become well known for the outstanding condition of its rig, as well as the excellent quality of the hole for drilling samples, DSTs and logs.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 19
Blue Goose would acquire a second rig in the 1990s, and both rigs would contract and participate in wildcat prospects in western Kansas. Even when Blue Goose was drilling contracts, a number of wellsite geologists and operators would call George to get his opinion on DST results. Blue Goose would divest itself of the rotaries by 1996. By then the company was operating a number of producing oil discoveries in western Kansas, that have expanded over the years. George remained active as Blue Goose’s owner and President until his passing on April 22nd, 2008. George was very active with
all five of their children in their extracurricular and sports activities. He coached littleleague baseball teams for his sons, ultimately coaching the Great Bend American Legion Chiefs. Throughout the years, the Miller Machine Shop/Blue Goose yard north of Great Bend would also be home to show horses for his daughters. George was also an active and accomplished quail and pheasant hunter. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Kansas
Independent Oil & Gas Association, API, the National Stripper Well Association, the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum, American Legion Post 180, the Hoisington Gun Club, and was a past director and charter member of the Great Bend Petroleum Club. He and Marge were also active in delivering Meals-on-Wheels in Great Bend. Over many years, they would host friends and family at their cabin in Cuchara, Colorado. Marge, his wife of 57 years, survives George, as do their five children, 16 grandchildren, and a plethora of greatgrandchildren.
Congratulations to the 2021 inductees.
“Manufacturers Rep & Master Distributor” GREAT BEND, KS K<> ,KD /dz͕ K< ͻ W ZZzdKE͕ dy
A Kansas company serving the Kansas oil patch since 1975
www.mandmequipment.com 20 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
J.C. Musgrove
J
C. Musgrove was born March 7, 1929 in Roxana, Okla. to Glenn Clifton Musgrove and Carrie Viola Lackey. J.C. was one of eight children, three girls and five boys. Roxana, Okla. was an oil camp owned by Roxana Petroleum, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum. J.C.’s dad, uncle and grandfather worked for the local oil industry. His grandfather owned teams of horses that moved oil field equipment. As a result, oil was in J.C.’s blood from a young age. J.C. spent his early childhood in Roxana where he, his brothers and sisters hunted and fished in the local creek. J.C. went to elementary school in Roxana until the local school was closed. He was then bused to Marshall, Okla. where he graduated high school. He was active in football, basketball and baseball during his high
school years. After graduation, J.C. joined the United States Air Force (1948) and was stationed in “Occupied Japan” where he worked as a mechanic on bombers and became a Sergeant. In June 1950, he was honorably discharged. After returning to Oklahoma, he got a job in the oil patch as a roughneck working
for Kidd Williams Drilling Company. He worked in the Chickasha and Elk City regions. J.C. used to tell the story of working as a roughneck where he would see the geologists and engineers driving fancy new cars and he would say “I want their jobs.” During this time, he met Virgie Lenora Yarbrough on a blind date. On Feb. 23,
1953 they eloped and were married in Tucumcari, New Mexico. J.C. then enrolled in Wichita State University in the geology program. While going to school, he worked for his Uncle Pierce Musgrove at Musgrove Petroleum along with John Roger McCoy. After graduation, J.C. worked for Musgrove Petroleum, as a well site geologist until he started Wilkinson Drilling with Walt Wilkinson, where he was the drilling superintendent and geologist. After the sale of Wilkinson Drilling, J.C. became an independent geologist and consultant. J.C. was one of the busiest wellsite geologists and completion consultants in the state. Some of his clients included Phillips Petroleum, Brougher Oil, Icer Addis, Vaughan Drilling, Samson Resources, Kaiser Francis and Chief Drilling just to name a few.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 21
In 1969, he started J.C. Musgrove Inc., a geological consulting firm and oil and gas development company. In 1977, he changed the name from J.C. Musgrove Inc. to Roxana Corporation where he drilled many successful oil and gas prospects. J.C. was also involved with other business ventures including Mohawk Drilling with Joe Brougher; BM&R Leasing and Exploration Company with Emmett Bauer and Howard Riederer; and ROCO Drilling with Allan Isern and Willie Schultz. In 1985 ROCO Drilling was sold to Duke Drilling including the rotary rig, cable tools and his brother Pete!! In 1984, J.C. and his sons Jim and Steve, started Musgrove Petroleum where he worked until his death in 1999. J.C. was a certified petroleum geologist, a member of American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Kansas Geological Society, the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, America Institute of Professional Geologists and the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association “KIOGA”. J.C. was active in coaching little league baseball and raised money for the American Legion baseball program. He was a past board member of the Great Bend Petroleum Club and was a life member of the VFW and American Legion. J.C. was married to Lenora Yarborough Musgrove for 47 years, she passed in November 2011. They had two sons, Jim who is a Petroleum Geologist and Steve who is a contract pumper and completion consultant. They also had a daughter Brenda, who is a health care provider. J.C. also had nine grandchildren; they were his greatest joy. J.C. had a big heart and was known to help those in need. J.C. loved teaching young geologists the tricks of the trade. His love for geology has lived on with his family, with many working in the oil and gas industry. J.C.’s love and wisdom is missed by many.
Congratulations to the Oil and Gas Hall of Fame Inductees including J.C. and Pierce Musgrove.
Musgrove Petroleum
Geological Consultant As highly skilled and experienced wellsite geologists we serve major operators and small independents in the oil industry.
Petroleum Geology ͖͕͖ ǡ ƪ
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Congratulations to the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum Foundation 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees Baker Hughes Company is our name, but we are known as Baker Hughes. With more than 100 years of excellence behind it, this proud name provides a great foundation on which to build our future. Our logo symbolizes the spirit and purpose of Baker Hughes. Two arrows connect to form a mobius shape, representing our focus on perpetual progress. The continuous motion reflects the power of our full stream perspective, the strength of our partnerships, and our persistent innovation. The color palette signals a forward-looking company. The symbol recognizes the ever-changing nature of our industry and our leadership position in the era of the energy transition. The geometric style is a signal of the engineering, science, and technology core of what we do and its infinite possibilities. At the same time, the double shape acknowledges our history and the heritage of two great companies, that are now moving forward together.
5801 10th Street Great Bend, KS 67530 620-793-3546 22 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
Pierce Clyde Musgrove
P
ierce Clyde Musgrove was born Feb. 17, 1914, to Sebron Henry Musgrove and Millie Ketchum Musgrove in Kaw City, Kay County, Okla. Pierce was one of six siblings, four boys and two girls. He spent his early childhood in Braman, Okla. In early 1927, his dad moved the family to Roxana, Okla., an oilfield camp owned and operated by Roxana Petroleum, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum. In 1927, production was established by Roxana Petroleum when they drilled the McCully #1. By July 1929, the McCully #1 had produced over 1,000,000 barrels of oil and the town had grown to a population of 1,000. Eventually after a series of dry holes, it was determined that field covered an area of only three square miles. The oil field workers moved out
of Roxana, the oil camp closed and the town ceased to exist. During this time, Pierce worked in the Roxana oil patch helping his father and brothers. He had quit school after the 7th grade but eventually went back and graduated from high school in 1934 at Marshall, Okla. Pierce then attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1939 with a degree in Petroleum
Engineering. After attaining his degree, Pierce went to work for Sohio Petroleum at the field office in Konowa, Okla. He was eventually transferred to the Sohio field office in Russell and was eventually promoted to Superintendent. In 1947, Pierce left Sohio Petroleum. Together with Mountain Iron and Supply and his longtime friend Albert Abercombie,
they formed Musgrove Petroleum. In 1952, Musgrove Petroleum drilled the first commercial well in the Larned Pool. Shortly thereafter, Pierce and Albert bought out Mountain Iron’s interest in Musgrove Petroleum by signing over their interest in the Larned Pool. In 1956, Musgrove Petroleum merged with General American Industries, subsidiary of American Hyde and Leather (Tandy). After the sale of Musgrove Petroleum in 1956, Pierce became successful spinning off and starting several other drilling companies, including Hellar Drilling, Wilkinson Drilling, Ward Drilling and Birch Drilling. In 1958 Pierce and Albert purchased outright American Hyde and Leather’s interest in the company and formed Musgrove Drilling Company.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 23
Pierce became a board member of Kioga in 1948, he became Secretary in 1949. In 1950, he was honored with the vice presidency. He also served as chairman of the membership committee. While KIOGA took a good share of his time, he was also member of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Kansas Geological Society, the American Petroleum Institute and the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. During Pierce’s career, he helped in the discovery and development of several major oil fields in Kansas including the aforementioned Larned Field, the Interstate Field and Dorman Field (to name a few). Pierce surrounded himself with hardworking oil and gas people, not only in the drilling business which included Hall
of Fame members Don Hellar and Albert Abercrombie, but also geologist and Hall of Fame members John Roger McCoy and J.C. Musgrove. Pierce died unexpectedly in 1961, in Wichita at the age of 47. At the time, Musgrove Drilling was one of the largest, if not the largest, independent operators in the State of Kansas. At the time of Pierce’s death, Albert Abercrombie was Vice President and Emil Bowers was Secretary/Treasurer. Albert Abercrombie took over the production and formed A.L. Abercrombie. Emil Bowers and Bill Musgrove took over the drilling rigs and formed Bowers Drilling Company. Pierce was preceded in death by his wife Faye. He was survived by a son, Pierce Jr. of Kalispell, Mont. and a daughter Johnnie Earlene (now deceased).
We are proud to honor the 2021 Oil and Gas Hall of Fame Inductees
Jim Armatys
Financial Advisor 1904 Broadway Great Bend, KS 67530 620-793-5481
Todd J Armatys
Financial Advisor 1904 Broadway Great Bend, KS 67530 620-793-5481
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC 24 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
Jim Vopat
Financial Advisor 2421 10th Street Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-5095
Barbara Wingfield van den Berg Oringderff
B
arbara Wingfield van den Berg Oringderff was born in Baltimore, Md. in 1933 to Lorena Barnard and Yzaak van den Berg. Her father died when Barbara was six and she was sent to live with her uncle and aunt, Earl and Bessie Barnard, in Bartlesville, Okla. They had never been able to have children so Barbara’s arrival in their life was a great source of joy. Earl worked in the office of Standard Oil Company which provided some early exposure to the oil industry. She lived with them on and off for a number of years. Barbara married John Oringderff shortly before he enlisted in the Air Force. They were stationed in Anchorage for several years and Barbara worked for the Army Corps of Engineers which she found interesting and enjoyable. She was in one of the big Alaskan earthquakes and made a vow never again to live where these happened. She said
she would take her chances with tornados as you could usually see those coming! Following John’s time in the service they moved to Manhattan so he could at-
tend college at Kansas State University. After graduation the couple lived in Dodge City for several years. In 1969 they moved to Ingalls where John became the first
manager of the Irsik and Doll feedlot. Barbara and John had two daughters, Sharon Oringderff Smith and Carol Oringderff Schuetze.
Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 25
While both daughters were quite young Barbara began writing a weekly history column “Reflections on Southwest Kansas” for both the Garden City Telegram and the Kansas City Star. In fact, she discovered she had a real talent for writing. She was also a confirmed “night person” and the entire family soon grew accustomed to falling asleep to the sound of the typewriter. She was fast on that thing! Her next project was a weekly TV show by the same name. During this time she was actively doing research for a book about sod houses. In 1976 she published her book “True Sod” which documented sod houses in every county in the state of Kansas. It remains one of the best reference works about sod houses in the world. She and daughter Sharon opened New West Travel, Inc. in 1978, and in 1979 Barbara and her partner Greg Harness started the Territorial Magazine and Empire Advertising. Carol came on board as director
of advertising and sales in 1983 and later became co-owner following Greg’s death in 1999. The Territorial celebrated its 40th year in business in 2019. Barbara had a life long love of history which included the oil and gas industry. She wrote her first oil article for the magazine in May of 1984. “Black Gold” was the story of an oil well named Carrie Oswald No. 1. She was the first lady of the Fairport Field in Russell County and was a 200-barrel-a-day bonanza that was destined to usher in a new era in the oil industry in Kansas. The Territorial then had a regular “Oil and Gas” issue that Barbara wrote for every year after. She had the pleasure to interview many of the industry leaders, most of whom are already inductees into the Kansas Oil and Gas Hall of Fame. So many of the folks in the oil industry became life long friends of hers. She truly treasured the friendships and continued to explore, write and make new friends until her death in December of 2018.
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28 • Oil & Gas Hall of Fame
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Oil and Gas pages are published in the Great Bend Tribune the third Sunday of every month.
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Congratulations, Hall of Fame Recipients! Your many contributions to the oil and gas industry in Kansas have allowed it to grow and prosper. As providers of specialized coverage for oil and gas operators for more than 50 years, Insurance Planning shares your commitment. It is our pleasure to serve the insurance needs of your industry.
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www.spectrumcpa.com Oil & Gas Hall of Fame • 29
Smith Supply LLC continues to support Central Kansas and the Kansas Oil & Gas Industry Smith Supply LLC is currently in its 22nd year of business. The late co-owner Roland L. “Smitty” Smith began his career in sales as the Circulation Manager of the Great Bend Tribune and then ventured into the oil and gas business by learning it from the ground up. He was employed by the National Supply Company, when it was owned by Armco Steel. Smith learned the business of sales, construction and repair of down hole pumps from Jane and Roland Smith such mentors as R.W. “Bud” Allen, Phil Wynn and Wayne Karst, which eventually led him to a career as a field sales representative. When R.W. “Bud” Allen and Phil Wynn retired from National, A&W Supply was formed to continue service to the independent oil and gas producers in the state of Kansas. Smith had tenures with a few other independent supply stores before joining them at A&W Supply. In 1999, Smith considered leaving the oilfield supply business but was approached about starting up his own supply company. Smith didn’t have the money to purchase A&W Supply, but an investor, David Jackman of Leon, Kansas offered to sponsor the business venture because he liked Smith’s honesty and work ethic. Jackman’s hunch proved true and the oil exploration business eventually turned the corner. Just like his late father, Christopher Smith has done the same by following in his father’s footsteps. Chris became a member of Smith Supply LLC in March of 2008 and serves as a salesman, materials purchaser, and logistics manager. He is now the Managing Member of the LLC. “When my dad hired me 13+ years ago, I had a limited knowledge of the oil and gas industry. Smitty always told me that every day will present an opportunity to learn, not p only o about the industry, but about the people who work in it. I really took that p to heart.” Like his father, Chris began his h career outside of the oilfield. Having graduated from the University of Kansas, g Smith served an internship with the U.S. S Marshals Service, before taking his first M job jo with the 20th Judicial District as an Intensive Supervision Officer with CenIn tral tr Kansas Community Corrections. He then th went on to work for Farm Bureau Chris Smith Financial Services as a Multiline Adjuster Fi
and a provided casualty assistance during the aftermath of hurricane Katrina and Rita in Gulf Port, Mississippi. “I have noticed that there are a K lot l of similarities regarding the importance of being factual and accurate with w your work in the court system, insurance industry, and the oil and gas g industry. There is not a lot of room for shortcuts in the oil and gas industry due to the safety, environmental, and financial loss possibilities i that t can come out of a catastrophic failure. You have a lot of specialized components and companies involved in the construction of an oil and c gas g lease. It’s important that everyone work together with the best interest e of safety, the environment, while customer satisfaction and success remain in focus.” r Smith Supply LLC is a locally owned and operated company specializing in the service, supply, and sales of Oil Country Tubular Goods, i artificial lift systems, subsurface pumps and gas-powered pumping engines. Smith Supply acquires casing, tubing and line pipe from several mill resources and utilizes regional wholesale vendors for fittings and additional products. They live by their motto — “Night or Day, Just a Phone Call Away.” Smith said it isn’t uncommon for an afterhours call to request casing. “Our success is primarily due to our local, loyal customers, and when they need us, we have to respond,” Smith said. Jane K. Smith, wife of the late Roland, has served as office manager for all 22 years. She has an extensive background in retail sales and management. Auston Brown joined Smith Supply LLC in February of 2019. A graduate of North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit, KS, he has 17 years of plumbing experience. He was previously employed by Stange Plumbing and completed his Journeyman Mechanical License while employed with Time Saver Home Services in Hutchinson, KS. He was the lead technician while there, supervising several employees while completing work on specialized residential and light commercial applications. As a member of Smith Supply LLC, Auston is the Subsurface Pump Repair Technician, Field Service Representative, and Pipe Yard Foreman. Together, he and Christopher often share the responsibility of their hotshot freight service as needed. In addition to their efforts in the oil and gas industry, Smith Supply LLC understands the need to invest in the community. They have been long time supporters of the United Way of Central Kansas, the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum Foundation, the Western Kansas API Chapter Scholarship Fund, Barton Community College, and Unified School District 428 schools and athletics. Auston Brown
We congratulate the 2021 inductees of the Oil and Gas Hall of Fame. For All Your Electrical Needs
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