Robert "Bob" Harston

Bob Harston was born in Enid, Oklahoma, October 14, 1932. Raised in Oklahoma City, he graduated from Classen High School in 1950 and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1954. Bob was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and received a BMOC award while attending OU. He was an Eagle Scout.

Following graduation, Bob worked in his family's business for some dozen years, residing in west Texas, Kansas City, and Denver. In 1965 he joined Petroleum Information Corporation (PI) in Denver, relocating to Houston in ‘67, to Denver in ‘69, to Houston in ‘72, and returned to Denver in the early 1980s after becoming the firm's CEO in 1983. He retired in the Denver area in 1992 and published a book "America's Energy" fulfilling a long-standing ambition.

Bob was a member of both the Houston and the Dallas Petroleum Clubs. He served on the Denver Petroleum Club's Board of Directors in the 1980s. He also served on the A. C. Nielsen Company's Board of Directors. An avid, if not gifted golfer, he was a 20-plus year member of Cherry Hills Country Club.

Before and following his retirement, he was active in civic and service activities, including Chambers of Commerce, the Episcopal Church, United Way, and numerous Oil Industry organizations. He also served on the Colorado Neurological Institute Board and was a member of the Colorado School of Mines Board of Governors, additionally serving on its Investment Committee. He was member of the OU President's Associates and a lifetime member of the OU Alumni Association. In retirement, Bob entertained himself with real estate and factoring businesses.

In 2010 Bob and his wife, Sharyl, relocated to Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, where they both became active in the community's governance. Bob served on its Board of Directors for five years. In 2025, they moved to The Ridge at Pinehurst.

Bob is survived by his wife Sharyl, daughters Lynn Fortenberry and Lisa Goode both of Azle, Texas, and son Bryan of South Lake, TX. His stepchildren are Karin Gallo of Marietta, GA and Howard and Michael Johnson both residing in the Denver area. He was proceeded in death by his former wife Carol and his sister Patsy Nunley. The Harston’s have 14 grandchildren and two great grandsons.

Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, 11am, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood. A private committal will be held at All Souls Walk St. John Episcopal Cathedral, Denver, Colorado. 

If you wish to honor Bob, contributions can be made in his name to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region at 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.