Community Gathers To Remember Labor Commissioner Mark Costello

A vigil was held on the south steps of the state capitol Thursday for Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello. Costello was killed earlier this week when he was stabbed to death by his own son at a Braum's store.

"I know people are hurting and they want a way to express their love for the commissioner,” Oklahoma County Republican Chairman Daren Ward said.

Under an overcast sky and beneath half-staff flags, people gathered and signed their names to the guest list. They also left hand written memories for Costello's family to later read.

The service opened in prayer.

"He was a great person. Everybody he touched remembers him. So this is their way an avenue for them to be able to express their feelings,” Ward said.

The messages all echoed similar sentiments.

"He was just a great public servant,” friend Owen Laughlin said.

He was never about himself, and always about a good laugh. Always about the people he served.

"He was for the public good. Had very little self-interests. Took on a lot of expense of the officer personally by driving his own car and those sort of things.” Laughlin said. “He was an unusual public servant, and I think people need to know how unusual he really was in that respect." 

Services for Mark Costello will be Friday evening and Saturday morning. Both the Rosary and Requiem Mass will be held at Saint Monica's Catholic Church in Edmond.

8/26/15 Related Story: Police: Son Planned Attack That Killed Mark Costello