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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU Mourns Loss of Long-Time Friend Laura Belle Geiger

October 18, 2004

Laura Belle Geiger, a long-time friend and 1938 graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, died late Sunday night, Oct. 17, in Tulsa. She was 88. 

Funeral Services were Thursday, Oct. 21, at First Baptist Church Tulsa, 403 South Cincinnati Ave.

"OBU has truly lost one of its finest alums," said Dr. Mark Brister, OBU President. "The support of Mrs. Geiger and her husband, Al, has left an legendary mark on this great institution. Laura Belle will be remembered for her dignity, her great smile, her genuine interest in others, as well as her enthusiastic support for her alma mater. She will be missed."

Mrs. Geiger was reared on a farm in Wayne, Oklahoma. She graduated from OBU in 1938. Laura Belle met and fell in love with Albert J. Geiger and they were married on July 14, 1940 in the parlor of the WMU Memorial Dormitory on the OBU campus.

Laura Belle and Al have been long-time supporters of OBU. The University's student union building was named the Geiger Center for University Life as a result of their generous financial support.

In addition, the couple has provided significant financial support to OBU ranging from construction of the student center and the W.P. Wood Science Building to the renovation of the Mabee Learning Center, renovation of WMU Dorm, and support of varied computer/equipment purchases for numerous academic areas throughout campus. They have also supported numerous endowed scholarships and academic positions. These are just some of the highlights of more than four decades of exemplary support from the Geigers.

The Geiger's investment in OBU goes far beyond their exemplary financial contributions. They have been vocal advocates for the University in their church and community. It is no accident that Al is referred to as "Mr. OBU" at the First Baptist Church of Tulsa.

Mrs. Geiger was a member of First Baptist Church, Tulsa for more than 50 years, where she served in many leadership positions, including as a member of the church's OBU scholfarship committee and as outreach leader for the adult department. The Geigers are the parents of four children: John (OBU '66), Gere (OBU ex '68), James and Janelle. Several Geiger grandchildren have also attended OBU, including Alan Geiger, who is an OBU senior.