Dr. Robert Zane Bergen was born July 16, 1928 in Weatherford, Oklahoma to John and Goldie (Wonder) Bergen and passed away on October 15, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 88 years, 2 months, and 29 days.

Zane was raised southwest of Weatherford and was a graduate of Weatherford High School in 1946. After high school, he attended Southwestern State College, graduating with his Bachelors degree in education in 1950. Zane married VerNell Kissler on October 14, 1950, southwest of Weatherford, Oklahoma, at Zion Congregational Church. They made their home in Alfalfa, eventually returning to Weatherford where they raised their family. Zane received both his Masters and Doctorate degrees in education from Oklahoma State University in 1957 and 1970, respectively. He worked for Weatherford Public Schools from 1953 to 1990 serving as a teacher, principal, and as the Assistant Superintendant. After retirement, Zane served on the Weatherford City Council for several terms and was on the Board of Directors for Midfirst Bank. He enjoyed family time, farming, wheat harvest, and Zion church where he served in many capacities. Zane was a lifelong member of Phi Delta Kappa, an educational fraternity, as well as lifetime alumni of SWOSU and OSU.

Zane is survived by three sons, Mark Bergen and wife Jan of Arlington, TX, Brent Bergen and wife Sarah of Arlington, TX, Myron Bergen and wife Kimberly of Arlington, TX; one sister-in-law, Mary Bergen of Port Isabel, TX; six grandchildren, Dr. Martha Bergen and husband Theo Chao, Jonathan Bergen and fianc Veronica Redden, Zachary Bergen, Julianne Bergen, Madeline Bergen, and Zane Ross Bergen; and one great-grandchild, Reuben Bergen-Chao. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; an infant daughter, Julie Ann Bergen; brother, John Bergen; and a sister, Bonita Martin.