Meet Our Founder | Mewbourne Oil Company

Curtis W. Mewbourne was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in November 1935 and passed away in Tyler, Texas, in June 2022.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in January 1958, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army. He then began his career as a petroleum engineer, gaining experience across several areas of the oil and gas industry before founding Mewbourne Oil Company in 1965.

Today, Mewbourne Oil Company is one of America’s most successful oil and gas producers and remains privately owned by the Mewbourne family.

Mr. Mewbourne is remembered as one of the great oilmen of his generation, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a generous employer. His legacy lives on through the company he built and the people whose lives he touched.

Awards &

Recognition

2000
The University of Oklahoma named the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering in his honor.

2007
The University of Oklahoma named the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy in his honor.

2016
Received the Top Hand Award from the Permian Basin Petroleum Association.

2017
Inducted into the Permian Basin Hall of Fame.

Continuing the Legacy

of Curtis Mewbourne

Throughout his life, Curtis Mewbourne believed in sharing his success with others. His generosity reached thousands of students at every grade level through educational support, scholarships, and internships.

The University of Oklahoma’s naming of both the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering and the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy reflects his lasting contributions to education. Today, Mewbourne Oil Company carries that commitment forward by supporting students at OU and schools throughout Texas and New Mexico.

Inspired by Mr. Mewbourne’s generous spirit, we also work to strengthen the communities where we operate. By providing stable jobs and producing affordable, reliable energy with a commitment to environmental responsibility, we continue to put his values into practice.