Former Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon Dies

Former Oklahoma Governor and U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon has died. <br /><br /><a title="Bellmon Biography from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (PDF)" href="http://www.odl.state.ok.us/oar/governors/bios/bellmon1.pdf" target="_blank">Bellmon Biography from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries</a>

Tuesday, September 29th 2009, 1:08 pm

By: News 9


Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Former Oklahoma governor and U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon has died after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

The 88-year-old Bellmon died shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday, Bellmon's former chief of staff Andrew Tevington said.

By order of Governor Brad Henry, all the flags at the State Capitol have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Bellmon.

He became the first Republican governor since statehood in 1963.

In 1967, Bellmon served as national chairman of the Nixon for President Campaign.

He served one term as governor and won election to the U.S. Senate in 1968 and 1974.

In 1986, he was elected to a second term as governor and decided not to seek re-election in 1990.

Raised on an Oklahoma farm, Bellmon grew up to become Marine and war hero winning the Silver Star in World War II.

Between the U.S. Senate years and his second term as Governor, Bellmon served as Director of the Department of Human Services.

"He understood people. He understood the human needs of Oklahomans, and he understood the importance of an education," Howard Hendrick, DHS director.

Tevington experienced his views Tuesday of a man he dealt so closely with.

"He was not a person who wore his religion on his sleeve, but his religion informed everything that he did," Tevington said. "I think history's verdict will be that this was a very good man who did his very best for truly altruistic reasons."

Governor Henry was also unstinting in his praise of his predecessor.

"Henry Bellmon, in my estimation, was genuinely a great man, and in my view I think probably the greatest man I have ever known," Henry said.

Leave you comments and memories of Henry Bellmon below.

Bellmon Biography from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries

Many state lawmakers and politicians have expressed their thoughts on prayers on the passing of the former governor.

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett released this statement: "Oklahoma has lost one of its finest leaders and, without question, one of the greatest statesmen in our history. Henry Bellmon was a dedicated public servant who did so much for our state, endeavors that we perhaps take for granted today. I will most remember his courage and passion for improving public schools and for building consensus among Democrats and his fellow Republicans for passage of House Bill 1017, the landmark Education Reform and Funding Act of 1990. I was proud to serve as his Cabinet Secretary of Education and to help usher in the reforms we agreed were sorely needed. These include better pay for teachers, the first written state curriculum and assessments to match, class-size mandates, universal pre-kindergarten programs, mandatory kindergarten for every child, school board member training and much more. ... To me, he is the father of education reform in Oklahoma. Henry Bellmon was my mentor, my dear friend and I will miss him very much."

Lt. Governor Jari Askins said “Henry Bellmon was a larger than life leader whose public service as a Marine, Governor and United States Senator has long been admired and respected by Oklahomans from all walks of life. Plain speaking, unpretentious, and willing to stand by the courage of his convictions, Henry Bellmon made lasting contributions to our state and nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

House Speaker Chris Benge (R-Tulsa) issued the following statement on the death of former Gov. Henry Bellmon: “Governor Bellmon was uniquely Oklahoman, a self-reliant man who never flinched from the call of duty. He served his nation as a soldier in a time of world war. He led Oklahoma Republicans out of the wilderness in the 1960s. And, as governor and U.S. senator, he served our state and nation as a statesman. He leaves a legacy that all can celebrate and a model of service for other public officials to follow.”

"Gov. Bellmon was truly a statesman, a leader and a hero to everyday Oklahomans. He championed the causes most important to him by forming alliances, not exploiting divisions. His legacy will be perhaps greatest felt in education, where he fought valiantly to ensure every child in Oklahoma received a solid education and a world of opportunity. They broke the mold after Gov. Bellmon left office, and we are all profoundly affected by this loss. Deepest condolences and sincerest prayers go out to Gov. Bellmon's family, on behalf of myself and of the Oklahoma Democratic Party,” said Todd Goodman, chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, in a statement released Tuesday.

Democratic Leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague, also issued a statement following the former governor’s passing: “Oklahoma lost an icon today with the passing of former governor and United States Senator Henry Bellmon. He was a true statesman, and his legacy will be felt for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

OSU President Burns Hargis released this statement on OSU alumnus Henry Bellmon: “OSU has lost one of its most distinguished alums and Oklahoma has lost one of its greatest leaders. Henry Bellmon was a quiet giant in Oklahoma's young history. From a humble farm to the U.S. Senate, he served his state and his country with distinction and honor. He had principles of steel and a heart of gold. The entire OSU community is proud to claim him as one of our own. Our hearts go out to his family. I have lost one my best friends. He had a tremendous impact on my life and I will be forever grateful for his support, guidance and example.”

"Henry Bellmon will be remembered as one of the greatest Oklahomans in our state’s history. In an age of politicians, he always stood out as a statesman with the moral courage to do what he thought was right. Ever since I entered public life 40 years ago, he has been my friend, adviser, and a constant source of encouragement to me. His death leaves a gap in the lives of all of us," said OU President David Boren, a former colleague of Henry Bellmon in the U.S. Senate.

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