John Hammons, Hotel Developer and Philanthropist, Dies at Age 94 - Bloomberg (http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-27/john-hammons-hotel-developer-and-philanthropist-dies-at-age-94.html)

John Q. Hammons, who developed 210 hotel properties in 40 states during a 52-year career, died in Springfield, Missouri. He was 94.

Hammons created John Q. Hammons Hotels in 1969 and became the largest private, independent upscale-hotel manager in the U.S., working with brands including Marriott, Renaissance and Embassy Suites, the company said yesterday in a statement. Today the company operates 78 hotels in 24 states.

The guy took some major leaps of faith on OKC way before MAPS and the downtown hotel market had proven themselves. I know he drove a hard bargain at times, but he was a pivotal player in downtown OKC's renaissance (no pun intended), and overall the city is much better thanks to his influence and willingness to believe in us when few other national (or even local) players did. R.I.P.

Also, prepare for a hell of a probate.