In 1953, young independent exploration geologist from Wichita Falls, Texas, Bob Gunn thought he was ready to start his own oil company, even though he had no financial backing. He had found two small producing fields, and managed to survive by doing wellsite geology and consulting work. He later came up with the notion that he could find oil in the northeastern portion of the Midland Basin on the 6666 Ranch in King County, Texas. After long negotiations, he acquired the lease, found partners, and discovered more than 150 million barrels of oil reserves from several fields. Bob became a highly successful, multifaceted explorationist and businessman who also, as Chairman of the Board of the Texas Department of Corrections, assisted the State of Texas with human rights reform for prisoners. He is a past president of the AAPG and was honored with the Sidney Powers Memorial Award.