In Memoriam
With appreciation for their lasting contributions to the community, we remember the following:
Strengthening the Next Generation of Firefighters When retired New York City firefighter Frank Palumbo met Pete Stavros and his wife, Lela, at the 1960 International Association of Fire Fighters Convention, he was deeply inspired by the couple’s generosity. A member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department for 31 years, Pete met many family members of fellow firefighters who wanted to pursue a college education but were in need of financial assistance. After Pete’s family and firefighter friends established a scholarship fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to honor his passion, Frank felt compelled to build on the fund with a standing monthly contribution. “He would write me a check every month like clockwork,” said Jim Minx who represents the fund today. “Frank also didn’t like any accolades. He wouldn’t even collect the tax write-off slip, but I made sure to tell our fellow firefighters of his acts of kindness.” Following Frank’s death in 2020, his wife, Constance, vowed to continue the tradition of supporting graduating Oklahoma high school seniors through the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship.
(Far left) Steve Lumry, retired Oklahoma State Firefighter Association executive
Homer Paul (1932-2019) Homer was a brilliant banker, valued for his expertise in management, development of talent and bold vision. A staunch believer in giving back, he dedicated his time and resources to a number of professional and community organizations. His passion will continue through the Senator Homer Paul Memorial Scholarship he and his brother established in honor of their father.
Don Raymond Symcox (1930-2019) A leading Oklahoma City banker, Don Symcox worked his way from teller to vice chairman during his 65-year career, but his contributions came from far more than the office. Always the first to volunteer, he served on many boards of directors, helped found the Norman Public School Foundation and fervently supported the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund.
Nancy Records (1934-2019) Nancy was a fiercely loyal person best known for being caring, focused, generous and a true constant in people’s lives. She was a perpetual volunteer, lending her time and talents to countless organizations, becoming instrumental in the establishment of scholarships for Classen Award winners. Her work and legacy will continue to thrive through a number of funds at the Community Foundation.
Zarah L. Virgin (1932-2019) Zarah Virgin spent her life working as a teacher in schools throughout Oklahoma and California, sharing her love of education and passion for reading with her students. A devoted member of the Chickasha community, in 2006, she established a fund to support First Presbyterian Church. She later honored her parents’ memory by establishing the H.F. & Mary Ellen Virgin Scholarship to support students from Grady County attending the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Harold Woodrow Schmid (1926-2019) A World War II veteran, Harold’s childhood was less than ideal, but with the help of a foster family, he learned and grew into a responsible young man, going on to earn an accounting degree and work for Phillips Petroleum for 35 years. In honor of the challenges Harold overcame as a child, his son established the Harold Schmid Scholarship to support foster youth. Lisa Katherine Slater (1952-2019) A devoted mother, Lisa threw herself into every aspect of her children’s lives becoming intricately involved with their schools and Emanuel Synagogue. She approached her support of the community with this same vigor, supporting a broad range of interests. Through the Slater Family Fund, her support will continue to benefit the community.
2020 Annual Report | The Strength of Together
director, and other OSFA representatives honored 2019 recipients of the Pete and Lela Stavros Scholarship at the OSFA Convention in downtown Oklahoma City.
Joan Johnston Yinger (1927-2019) A devoted wife and mother, Joan Yinger dedicated her time and talents to countless organizations including Young Life, Christian Women’s Club and the Board of Fuller Theological Seminary. Ensuring her service will continue to benefit others, Joan and her husband, Bill, established the Bill & Joan Yinger Legacy Fund to support their charitable interests.
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