House Mourns Representative David Dank

The following is a statement from House Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman regarding the passing of Rep. David Dank:

"Jana and I, and our children, along with our House of Representatives family, are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rep. David Dank. I don't know of another public servant who had greater integrity or more passion about doing what he believed was best for the state he loved and unselfishly served. I had the good fortune to serve in the House with Rep. Odilia Dank as well as David, but the true honor were the friendships I developed almost instantly with both of them more than a decade ago when I was elected.

4/10/15 Related Story: State Representative David Dank Dies At 76

"David particularly loved children and his devotion to leave a better Oklahoma for the next generation motivated him daily in all aspects of his public service. David and Odilia quietly contributed significant financial resources to numerous programs which made a difference in the lives of children across our state. Personally, he became another grandfather to me and my family, and every conversation we had about any topic, whether we agreed or disagreed, began with questions about my three children and ended with something he wanted me to be sure to tell them.

"David was a talented journalist and a keen businessman, in addition to his significant and successful impact in Oklahoma politics and political campaigns. His public service spanned a far greater part of his life than just these past eight-plus years since he was elected and Oklahoma is a better place because of the difference he made and the life he lived.

"Our prayers go out to Trina, Gale, Hannah and Daniel, all of whom he was so proud of, loved deeply and spoke of often to those of us in his House family. I know how much David has missed Odilia and how lonely he has been since her passing. I rejoice in their reunion but I will miss so much his voice, his smile, his counsel, his wit, his laugh and most of all, I will miss my friend.”