Leaders Mourn Bellmon, Praise His Record

Governor Henry today ordered that all flags on state property be flown at half staff in honor of former governor and U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon, who died this morning at the age of 88.

“Oklahoma today mourns the passing of a legend,” Henry said.

“Henry Bellmon was not only a proud Oklahoman, but in many ways embodied Oklahoma -- tough-minded, hard-working, honest, patriotic and a true son of the land. He was a man who preferred deeds to words. Most important, Henry Bellmon was a superb leader and public servant who always sought to better this state he so dearly loved. From the State Capitol to the chamber of the United States Senate, Henry Bellmon served his constituents with quiet dignity and an even hand.”

Henry added that he was privileged to have known Bellmon.

“For me, he was a personal hero and an inspiration,” he said. “Gov. Bellmon demonstrated that politics did not have to succumb to the rancor and showmanship that can so often mar the process. He was a consensus builder whose convictions transcended partisanship and ideology. I am grateful to have been friends with this extraordinary man, and I am better for having known him. All Oklahomans, in fact, are better for having benefited from his strong and steady leadership. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee: “Henry Bellmon is a giant in Oklahoma history. He served his country, his state, and his family with great honor and always with humility. He leaves a legacy of service to which any public official would and should aspire. Politically, Henry Bellmon put the Republican Party on the map in Oklahoma, and set the path for its growth over the subsequent decades. But he transcended partisan politics, and I join Republicans and Democrats alike in honoring his memory today.”

Congressman Tom Cole: "Henry Bellmon was a great American, a great Oklahoman and a great Republican. He first served his country in combat as a marine in the South Pacific during the Second World War. When he returned home he was elected to the State House of Representatives and later became Republican State Chairman. Next he served as the first Republican governor of our state. He served two terms in the U.S. Senate and was then reelected as governor. Over the years, Henry Bellmon served the people of Oklahoma in every conceivable fashion in terms of public service, private commitment and personal example. He laid the foundation for the modern two-party system in Oklahoma and is rightfully called the 'father of the Oklahoma Republican Party.' I had the pleasure and privilege of serving as State Republican Chairman when he was elected for the second time as governor. Later, I served in the State Senate during his administration. Henry Bellmon led on every issue with courage, commitment, integrity and an unwavering sense of optimism about Oklahoma and its future. Like tens of thousands of other Oklahomans, I honor and appreciate his life, mourn his loss and offer my heartfelt sympathy to his family. Henry Bellmon was an Oklahoma political pioneer - we won't see his like again."

Congresswoman Mary Fallin: “Henry Bellmon was an inspiration to three generations of Oklahoma leaders. He was the father of two-party government in our state and a man who never wavered from his principles and from the cause of good government. From his service as a Marine in World War II, through two terms as Governor and two more as United States Senator, Henry Bellmon was a shining example to all of us that politics and public service can and should attract the best among us. Oklahoma has never produced a finer man or a more devoted public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Kenneth Corn: "Governor Henry Bellmon was the first statewide elected official I ever met when I was 10 years old. Meeting this great leader had a tremendous impact on me then, and still does to this day. He was a true champion of improving education in Oklahoma. The landmark legislation he championed, House Bill 1017, pulled education out of the gutter in Oklahoma and provided it with a standard-driven system that emphasized student achievement unlike anything that had ever been done before. Bellmon was an Oklahoman first, and his service set a high bar for anyone who aspires to be a public servant. We should all remember the statesmanlike leadership Bellmon displayed throughout his life, especially during this polarized political environment in which we now so often find ourselves. Bellmon loved Oklahoma; his love and passion for this state was infectious. Many generation of Oklahomans, and those yet born, are simply better off because of that love and passion. I will miss Governor Bellmon, and am committed to work tirelessly with those on both sides of the aisle to realize the vision he had for our state and its people."

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