Saturday, July 12, 2008

Jack And Clem...And Now, Tony

Cancer has claimed another today. Television and radio personality, newspaper columnist and former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow has died of colon cancer.
Not long ago, stomach cancer claimed former Lt. Governor Jack Mildren.
A week ago, cancer claimed former Congressman Clem McSpadden.
All three were friends of many years. I knew Jack for more than 20 years, Clem for 40 and Tony for 20. I last spoke with Tony when he left the White House; I called him to encourage him to renew the radio show he had previously hosted and that I had placed on the air at KTOK in Oklahoma City. He was upbeat, as always, but was well aware, I believe, that his road ahead was narrow.
Thirty years ago, lung cancer claimed former Governor and U. S. Senator Dewey F. Bartlett, for whom I worked off and on for more than 10 years.
I will make a donation to cancer prevention and cure research in the names of Jack and Clem and Tony. - Mike McCarville

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Wednesday, July 9, 2008

McSpadden Funeral Details Expected

Funeral arrangements for Clem McSpadden may be announced today. The former congressman and professional rodeo announcer died Monday night at age 82 at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Family members have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foundation for the Clem McSpadden Endowed Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076.
Chelsea Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at the Chelsea Cemetery.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Leaders React To McSpadden's Death

Governor Brad Henry: “Clem McSpadden was a true Oklahoman, a dear friend and a deeply committed public servant who loved the state of Oklahoma and its people, and he spent his life working to make a difference in the lives of those around him. Through his work in the Oklahoma Legislature and in Congress, Clem helped to build the great state we know today. Clem was not only respected in political circles. Outside of the State Capitol and Washington, D.C., he was known and admired as a legendary rodeo announcer who loved the sport and carried on the heritage and tradition of the West. Kim and I send our deepest condolences to the McSpadden family. I know we join all Oklahomans and many more around the country in extending our thoughts and prayers to them in this time of grief.”
U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe: "Clem was a close personal friend; our friendship went well beyond politics. When I was first elected to the State Senate in 1968, it was Clem, the Democratic President Pro-Temp, who gave me a ride to the Capitol on my first day and took the time to introduce me to fellow members. Like many Oklahomans, I will most fondly remember him for his rodeo announcing. Clem will long be remembered and admired for his many contributions to Oklahoma. His family is in our thoughts and prayers."
Congressman Dan Boren: “Clem McSpadden was a cherished mentor and advisor to me and so many other elected leaders across Oklahoma. He was a State Legislator, U.S. Congressman, businessman, rancher, long-time rodeo announcer, and always remained a devoted public servant to his community, state, and country. Andrea and my prayers are with Donna and the entire McSpadden family. Thousands of people across the nation share in the sadness of their loss. Clem’s life and memory is fully woven into the fabric of Oklahoma’s heritage. There are very few people who would make such a great role model for us all.”
Senate President Co-pro Temore Glenn Coffee: “Last night Oklahoma lost one of its finest cowboys, Clem McSpadden. He was a worthy successor to the Will Rogers mantle, and a legend in his own right. Clem McSpadden loved his country and his state and served them both with honor and dignity. We will dearly miss him.”
Senate Democrat Caucus Chair Kenneth Corn: “I’ve known Clem since I first came to the Capitol 10 years ago. He was a strong voice for agriculture and the rural way of life. He was truly a legend in his own time who exhibited the very values that make Oklahoma great. Clem McSpadden was one of Oklahoma’s last great cowboys. We’ll miss his steady leadership and presence at the State Capitol and his voice in the rodeo arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their loss.”
Congresswoman Mary Fallin: “Clem McSpadden was an Oklahoma legend who served our state in Congress and whose long and illustrious career in rodeo helped popularize a uniquely American sport. His good humor was always contagious, whether it was at our state or national Capitol or in the rodeo arena. I know all Oklahomans join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to his family, and in mourning the loss of an outstanding representative of our state.”
Senate President Co-pro Tempore Mike Morgan: --“Oklahoma lost a real champion last night, with the passing of Clem Mcspadden. His contribution to this state will be realized for years to come, and our people are better off today because he gave his heart to making Oklahoma a better place to live, work and raise a family. Clem embodied the true meaning of public servant, and treated every person with whom he had contact with respect and kindness. It was an honor and pleasure to work with this wonderful man and the lessons he taught me about serving my state with dignity and pride will stay with me forever.”
House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan: “Clem McSpadden’s contributions to our state are immeasurable, and he has left a lasting imprint on the lives of countless Oklahomans. I always thought Clem was larger than life. He would call to mind John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, the great names of our past and present who captured our hearts and minds with their work. Clem was an outstanding statesman and public servant, and we have all lost a great and beloved leader in his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Senator Sean Burrage: “Clem was a tremendous Oklahoman, legendary for what he accomplished in two of the toughest arenas – politics and professional rodeo. He was a great champion for the growth and development of Northeastern Oklahoma. He created the blueprint for representing this region. He will always be admired for his courage and steadfast commitment to the people of Oklahoma. He was truly an inspiring leader and all of our lives have been enriched by his presence."
House Speaker Chris Benge: “Clem McSpadden was a true statesman and held immense respect here at the Capitol from those in both political parties. Clem had a great impact on the state of Oklahoma; one that will continue on in history. It has been an honor and privilege to work with him during his years at the Capitol and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this trying time.”
Image of McSpadden speaking at the dedication of the Chelsea Post Office in his name last January courtesy the Tulsa World.

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Clem McSpadden Dead At Age 82

Former State Senate leader and Congressman Clem McSpadden of Chelsea died last night at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, the family reports.
State Leaders React To Professional Rodeo Announcer's Death: See Story Above
His death came after a lengthy battle with cancer.
McSpadden, a rancher, was the grand nephew of Will Rogers. He was a U. S. Navy officer in World War II and was known in his later years as a spokesman for advertisers and as a rodeo announcer for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He was a member of the PRCA Hall of Fame.
McSpadden earned a degree from Oklahoma State University in 1948 after serving in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. He was elected to the State Senate in 1954; and served until 1972 (he was president pro tempore for two sessions).
He was a rancher; insurance executive; real estate developer; professional rodeo announcer; contract director, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association; delegate, Democratic National Convention, 1968; elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-third Congress (January 3, 1973-January 3, 1975); was not a candidate for reelection to the Ninety-fourth Congress in 1974; and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1974.

Survivors include wife Donna, son Bart McSpadden and his wife Kate of Edmond and their children Noah, Chloe, Tucker and Luke; daughter Kay and her husband Joe Lucas of Edmond; son Paul and his wife Connie McSpadden of Richardson, Texas and their children John McSpadden of Richardson and James McSpadden of Oklahoma City.
Services are pending.

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Friday, January 11, 2008

Clem McSpadden Honored In Chelsea

CHELSEA (From The Tulsa World) ~ At a dedication to rename a post office in his honor, Clem McSpadden responded appropriately. In other words, he delivered. McSpadden, 82, warmed up a shivering outdoor crowd of about 200 people with homespun anecdotes about his storied career as a public servant. "I've lived in two arenas all my life, the political arena and the rodeo arena," said McSpadden, a former state senator and congressman who also served 18 years as general manager of the National Finals Rodeo. "There's an amazing correlation between the two arenas in that there's bull in each profession."

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