State mourns GOP giant

Henry Bellmon Timeline

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe , R-Okla., said the state has lost a real leader.

"Even if you disagreed with some of his positions, you had to respect and love him for his strong character and because he always did what he felt was the right thing to do," Inhofe said.

"He was a man of honor."

Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., described Bellmon as "one of Oklahoma's most beloved statesmen."

"Gov. Bellmon believed in the fundamental principle that every Oklahoman deserved to have their voice heard, and he played a major role in resurrecting the Republican Party in our state to ensure that no one was left out of the political process," Sullivan said.

"He was a class act whose leadership and counsel will be sorely missed."

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., called Bellmon "a great American, a great Oklahoman and a great Republican."

"Over the years, Henry Bellmon served the people of Oklahoma in every conceivable fashion in terms of public service, private commitment and personal example," Cole said.

"He laid the foundation for the modern two-party system in Oklahoma and is rightfully called the 'father of the Oklahoma Republican Party.' "

Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Okla., said 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," Fallin said.

"Oklahoma has never produced a finer man or a more devoted public servant."

Former State Sen. Charles Ford, who opposed Bellmon on House Bill 1017, said it was the only real disagreement he and Bellmon ever had.

"You could be mad at him one day, but the next day you were friends again."

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson said the state was a better place because of Bellmon's leadership and vision.

"Sen. Bellmon will be missed not only by his family and friends, but by every Oklahoman who values honesty and integrity in government service," Edmondson said.

10th U.S. Circuit Court Chief Justice Robert Henry , who wrote the preface for Bellmon's autobiography, said Bellmon remained interested in government until the last.

"He said he learned in the Pacific during (World War II) that the difference between the Japanese and us was that the Japanese had a bad government. And that's why he wanted to get into government. He was a remarkable man," Henry said. "This is the end of an era."

University of Oklahoma President Gov. David Boren, another former U.S. senator and governor, said Bellmon will be remembered as one of the greatest Oklahomans.

"In an age of politicians, he always stood out as a statesman with the moral courage to do what he thought was right," Boren said. "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."

Many know Bellmon as the father of the Oklahoma Republican Party, said Gary Jones, state party chairman.

"Gov. Bellmon energized the Oklahoma Republican Party by showing that hard work and the Oklahoma pioneer spirit that he learned on the farm could take you a long way in life," Jones said.

Gov. Brad Henry said 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," the governor said. "Most important, Henry Bellmon was a superb leader and public servant who always sought to better this state he so dearly loved."

"Henry Bellmon was the most decent and honorable public servant I ever knew," said former Gov. George Nigh. "I admire his service to this state and country and know like others this is a great loss for Oklahoma. Donna and I send our love and appreciation to his family."

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett called Bellmon, whom she served as Cabinet secretary for education, the father of education reform in Oklahoma. "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," Garrett said.