Frank Gilman Eby was born on February 3, 1947 in Tulsa, OK to Seth Gilman and Nadine (Sample) Eby.  He passed from this life on May 15, 2026 at age 79. 

Frank attended St. John’s Military Academy, Westminster College, and the University of Tulsa, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He received his MBA from the University of Denver. 

On June 3rd, 1969, Frank married Gayle at Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa.  He is survived by Gayle and their three adult children: Jennifer Behringer (Jay), Tucker Humphrey (Brian), and Richard Eby (Shea). Frank was a loving and engaged grandfather to Victor Machado (Annie), Gabe Machado (Ari), Hall Humphrey, Chandler Eby, Ellie Humphrey, Maggie Behringer, Seth Eby, George Behringer, Nora Behringer, Tatum Humphrey, Andy Eby; and a great grandbaby due in October.

Frank was founder and Chairman of Staghorn Petroleum and enjoyed a long and successful career in the oil industry. Over the years, Frank served his community as a member of the Tulsa Zoo Board and Chairman of the St. Simeons Episcopal Home Board of Trustees, among others. Frank also served as Chairman of the Dedication Ceremony in England for OIPA, honoring the oilmen from Oklahoma involved in drilling for oil in England during World War II, which was a source of great pride to him. 

Frank loved animals. Some of those that the family shared are Sarge, the headstrong hilarious bulldog; Chumley, the untrainable bulldog with a heart of gold; Beanie, the majestic English Mastiff; Boo, a.k.a, Crazy Dog; eleven koi (each with their own nicknames and lovingly referred to as the “finny-pups”); one tolerated cat; and Happy, the red-headed, Mexican parrot. 

Frank was very active throughout his life. He enjoyed tennis (at which he was very talented), golf (at which he really worked), and fly fishing.

Frank and Gayle have literally traveled the world. For nearly every excursion, Frank was dragged kicking and screaming to the airport.  But, despite his grumbling, Frank loved each trip and would regale family and friends with hilarious and inspiring stories of their adventures. Frank and Gayle’s travels included trips to Botswana, Japan, South Africa, China, Morocco, Nepal, Spain, Bhutan, Russia, Mexico, Italy, Chile, France, Argentina, Germany, England, Finland, Panama, Sweden, Cuba, Antarctica and Vietnam.

In addition to his beloved hometown of Tulsa, Frank had a special connection to Lake of the Woods, Canada, Crested Butte, Santa Fe, Jamaica, and San Jose Del Cabo. 

To all of our friends and loved ones, there will never be another Frank.

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com