Inducted in 2016
Frank Pitezel, Class of 1942, was a sophomore at Will Rogers High School when the doors first opened in 1939. As a young man, Frank set his mind on two goals: to get the best education he could and to receive a college basketball scholarship. After studying hard and being a part of the state basketball championship team in 1941, Frank was recruited by Hank Iba to play basketball at Oklahoma A&M (OSU).
Encouraged to join the war effort by the legendary coach, Frank enlisted and trained as an engineer. His platoon was involved in, among other things, the “Battle of the Bulge,” and Frank earned a combat Bronze Star and three battle stars.
Upon returning to Tulsa, Frank married his high school sweetheart, Billie Marie Hall, and began his successful career for the Public Service Company of Oklahoma where he worked as Director of Engineering Services.
He and Billie, had nine children and Frank spent his adult life working toward the goal of making Tulsa a better community for his family. Over the years he has served in many church and community organizations, including the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He spearheaded the effort to build the four-plex, lighted Bear baseball stadium, where each year 450 boys between the ages of 8 and 16 could play competitive baseball, regardless of income or abilities.
Frank became active in politics, and in 1980 was elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, where he served for ten years.
