Henry Zarrow

(1916 - 2014)

Profession: Oilman

Hometown: Tulsa

Inducted: 1986

Henry Zarrow was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a poor Russian immigrant family. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Oklahoma, where Zarrow spent the remainder of his life. Zarrow worked at his parents' store as a child. Graduating from Central High School in 1934, Zarrow attended the University of Oklahoma and The University of Tulsa before leaving to support his family. To that end, Zarrow started his own business called Sooner Pipe and Supply in the 1950s and purchased Big Heart Pipeline Corporation in 1953.

Zarrow was a member of the National Petroleum Council and in 1981 was named Oklahoma Oilman of the Year. His many civic honors included: Boss of the Year by Executive Women International in 1980, Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind Award in 1981, Humanitarian of the Year Award by the National Jewish Hospital in 1984, and Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer by the National Society of Fundraisers in 1985. 

Zarrow was key to the founding of the America Trauma Society and co-founded the Zarrow Families Foundation after his company sold in 1998. In 2007 he was presented the Woodrow Wilson Award for his public service. His public efforts included support of the Arkansas Basin Development.

As a testament to his many contributions to the city of Tulsa, the West Regional Library was renamed the Henry Zarrow Regional Library, and Audubon Elementary School was renamed the Henry Zarrow International School.