Oklahoma State Mourns The Loss Of Cecil O'Brate

Oklahoma State benefactor and Cowboy Baseball stadium namesake Cecil O'Brate passed away today at the age of 95.

O'Brate gave $35 million toward the construction of O'Brate Stadium, which opened in 2021 and is one of the top facilities in college baseball.

"Cecil O'Brate was a remarkable person, and I was blessed to know him," said OSU Director of Athletics Chad Weiberg. "He was a fearless entrepreneur, a pioneer in business, a difference maker in his community and an extremely generous philanthropist that changed the lives of hundreds of underprivileged and orphaned youths by providing college educations, mentoring and support.



"Cecil was the ultimate game changer for the Cowboy Baseball program, our players, and fans alike, for generations to come. He lived by his creed of 'Make It Happen,' and that is exactly what he did every single day.

"He loved Oklahoma State University and would get emotional talking about this special place and the people here. We will miss him, and in his honor, we will continue to strive to 'Make It Happen' every single day."

Born in Enid, Okla. in 1928, O'Brate attended Oklahoma A&M from 1946-48 and went on to a career as a self-made serial entrepreneur. He was the owner, developer and operator of multiple businesses in numerous and diverse industries, among them agriculture, banking, manufacturing, energy, hospitality, real estate, alternative energy, medicine and food science.

O'Brate and his wife, Frances, were married for over 70 years and spent much of their lives in Garden City, Kan., which they helped develop into a hub for business and shopping between Wichita, Kan., and Denver. Among his many endeavors, Cecil helped build American Warrior, Inc., one of the largest independently owned oil and gas production companies in Kansas.

With the establishment of the O'Brate Foundation in 2013, the O'Brates have helped provide over $6 million in scholarships to more than 600 students who are graduates of the foster care system or those who come from households with income below the poverty level.

O'Brate received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Oklahoma State University in 2018.

"Cecil was extraordinary with a capital E," said Mike Holder, former OSU Director of Athletics. "He did impossible things and made them look easy. He cared about others, especially those less fortunate, and invested significantly in helping them dream of a better life.

"His passing leaves a void in the lives of those fortunate enough to call him a friend. We love you, Cecil."

Since opening for the 2021 season, O'Brate Stadium has welcomed over 435,000 fans and ranked among the national leaders in attendance for three consecutive years.

O'Brate Stadium was dedicated on Aug. 14, 2020, with the O'Brate family and friends and OSU players and coaches in attendance.

The first game at O'Brate Stadium was played on Feb. 24, 2021, with the Cowboys defeating Little Rock by a 7-2 score.

On May 20, 2021, O'Brate Stadium was officially dedicated in front of a then-OSU baseball record crowd of 6,362. George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States and a friend of the O'Brates, threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

"Cecil O'Brate changed the lives of so many, where do you even begin?" said OSU head baseball coach Josh Holliday. "He has an amazing family of loved ones who will forever cherish their loving and caring leader. There are countless individuals and organizations who benefitted and will continue to benefit from his generosity, kindness and belief in what people can accomplish if they work hard. He had an amazing business career and was a part of so many creative and successful endeavors over the years.

"As for OSU Baseball, our university, our players, fans, and staff will forever be grateful for this amazing new home he made possible. O'Brate Stadium changed our lives, and we will honor his name and his mission in life to "Make It Happen" each and every day.

"We will remember you and celebrate you every day we take the field. Cecil, thank you for changing the world and Cowboy Baseball forever."