H Robert Froning

H Robert (Bob) Froning left this world to reunite with his loving wife Carol on July 1, 2023. He was 101 years old at the time of his parting. Bob was born at home in Bushton, Kansas, to Edna Melchert Froning and Henry August Froning on September 8th, 1921. Henry was an educator and wheat farmer and still worked the land with teams of horses. In 1926 the family moved to the farm they had purchased near Geneseo, Kansas. The house had no electricity or running water. One wood- burning stove provided heat and cooking was done on another. Kerosene lamps lit the night. Also in 1926, the horses were sold and they purchased a John Deere tractor and a Massey Harris combine. Bob grew up on the farm with his older brother Donald and younger sister Beth. Bob attended Lyons High School in Lyons, Kansas, followed by Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, where he met the love of his life Carol Larson from Kansas City, Kansas. After graduating with a BS in chemistry, Bob moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where he earned a Masters Degree in Chemistry at IU in April of 1944. Two months later he received a commission in the US Navy. He served on a submarine chaser in the Pacific and participated in the invasion of Okinawa. When the war ended Bob was reassigned to the Naval base at Key West, Florida. Bob and Carol were married in Kansas City on March 30 1946 and made their first home in Key West. When Bob's active duty service ended the following July they moved back to Bloomington where Bob completed his PHD in chemistry and they welcomed their daughter Karen Lynn in 1948. Following graduation the young family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Bob took a position as a chemist with Standard Oil of Indiana, which eventually became AMOCO. Sons Donald Mark and Paul Alan were added to the family in 1950 and 1954. Bob rose steadily through the ranks to eventually become the Director of Enhanced Recovery Research. During his 37 years of service he was granted twenty US Patents for various recovery processes and was honored as a Pioneer in Enhanced Oil Recovery by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Department of Energy. Taking a page out of his father Henry's playbook Bob became a Trustee at his alma mater Ottawa University and served on the board for 44 years. He was an avid horseman and raised quarter horses, preferably palominos, and loved to hit the trails with friends and family. He was a past president of the Oklahoma Palomino Exhibitors Association. Bob and Carol traveled extensively both stateside and abroad and especially enjoyed the Colorado aspen in September. Their greatest joy was spending time with and doting on their beautiful family. Bob hosted numerous week long family reunions in San Diego and Whidbey Island, WA that were attended by and cherished by all his children and grandchildren. He was sustained by a deep and thoughtful Christian faith and attended First Baptist Church Tulsa where he enjoyed the fellowship of many dear friends. Bob was predeceased by Carol, his loving wife of 58 years, parents Henry and Edna, brother Donald and sister Beth. He is survived by daughter Karen Hatchett (John), sons Don (Billie) and Paul (Linda), grandchildren Mason Hatchett (Courtni), Philip Hatchett (Maddie), Rob Hatchett (Samantha), Clayton Froning, Madeline Mulloy (Thomas), Ian Froning, Coral Froning and great granddaughters Betty Hatchett, Josie Hatchett, Sonora Mulloy and Maile Mulloy and dear friend Evelyn McPherson. In lieu of flowers please consider making a gift in Bob's memory to Ottawa University, ATTN: Froning Scholarship, Advancement Office Box 16, 1001 S Cedar, Ottawa, KS 66067, or First Baptist Church Tulsa, 420 S Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120. Visitation July 30, 5-7 at Moore's Southlawn. Memorial July 31, 11:00 at First Baptist Tulsa, 420 S Detroit Ave. Arrangements by Moore's Southlawn.

H Robert Froning

September 8, 1921 - July 1, 2023