An Oklahoma native, Robert Milsten was a member of Tulsa Central High School's "Nifty Class of '50" before graduating from Indiana University in 1954 and the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1956.
After serving two years of active duty as a legal officer at Tinker Air Force Base, Mr. Milsten went to work as a tax attorney for the Internal Revenue Service in Dallas and Nashville. He returned to Oklahoma in 1962 and joined the law firm of Fuller, Smith, Mosburg and Davis, becoming a leader, partner and director during his 44-year tenure.
In 1956, Mr. Milsten married Jane Herskowitz, beginning a lifelong partnership. While Mr. Milsten built his career as a distinguished attorney, Jane was forever motivated by her intellectual curiosity, creativity and passion for serving the community. She began her career as the assistant director of the Community Action Program of Oklahoma City, but later in life, her artistic talent called. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in interior design and quickly became a top designer in the state, designing spaces throughout Oklahoma and the country.
As a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Milsten were great believers in the importance of community service. As members of Temple B'nai Israel, they were great leaders serving in leadership roles for the Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City and other charitable organizations.
In 2004, the couple established an endowment fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to support the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Temple B'nai Israel and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and other charitable interests.