Senator Laughlin honored for legislative service

Members of the Oklahoma State Senate paid tribute Tuesday to Sen. Owen Laughlin for his 12 years of service in the Oklahoma Legislature.  Laughlin, R-Woodward, is one of five members elected in 1997 who are serving their final session due to term limits.

Members of both parties from all parts of the state rose to say their farewells to Laughlin, and praised his work as Republican Co-Floor Leader in the Senate, including Republican Co-President Pro Tempore, Senator Glenn Coffee. ‘

“When you look at Senator Laughlin’s background, as an Eagle Scout, a pilot, a former prosecutor, a businessman, a husband, father and grandfather, you see all of that in how he has conducted himself each and every day in the State Senate,” Coffee said.  “He has brought his integrity, intelligence, humor and tenacity to this body and Oklahoma is the better for it.”

Members of both parties rose to thank Laughlin for his service, and praised his statesmanship and fairness in his dealings with fellow senators.

Special guests Wednesday included the senator’s wife, Charlette, daughter Jana and husband John Bushman, along with granddaughter Avery, sons Nathan and Ryan, parents, Dr. Monique and Jerry Laughlin, brother Roy Laughlin, long-time friend Dr. Oliver Seitz, Executive Assistant Guyene Robison and numerous friends and supporters from the district.

“Serving in the State Senate has been one of the greatest privileges in my life,” Laughlin said.  “I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish on behalf of our district and the state, and it has been a tremendous honor to be Western Oklahoma’s voice here at the State Capitol for these twelve years.  I’ll always be grateful for this experience.”