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Thursday, April 03, 2008

Ind. Gov't. - "Colleagues in politics salute Okeson's service"

Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today on the death of Indiana attorney and Fort Wayne native John Okeson. Some quotes:

Former Republican state officeholder John Okeson, who died suddenly late Tuesday after a short illness, strived to leave every place or situation he was in at least a little better than he found it.

Friends and colleagues said Wednesday that he did just that.

The news of Okeson’s death shocked those in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, where he split time as a father of three, a lawyer and public servant.

“There have been a lot of tears around here today, and some of them are mine,” Gov. Mitch Daniels said. “He was wise and calm under pressure. I learned a lot from him.”

Okeson worked as Daniels’ senior legislative counsel for nearly two years. * * *

Okeson graduated from Carroll High School and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne before receiving a law degree from Indiana University in 1989. He was considering a run for county auditor when several local politicos convinced him to think bigger.

Instead he ran for Indiana clerk of courts – and was elected at age 33 in 1994. Bucking conventional political wisdom, he didn’t seek a second term because he felt he had accomplished what he could. The office is now an appointed position.

That wasn’t the first time Okeson would make news not running for office. In the years to follow, his name popped up as a potential candidate for dozens of posts – from mayor to state party chairman to lieutenant governor to attorney general.

“He was always the guy who was Mr. Clean and when people wanted to have an outstanding candidate with impeccable credentials and background, his name would always surface,” said Steve Shine, Allen County Republican Party chairman. “All I can say is I am shocked, and it’s a tragedy to lose someone so young and vigorous.”

Mitch Harper of Fort Wayne Observed posted a number of entries yesterday on Mr. Okeson's passing. He reports:
The funeral service for John Okeson will be held at 1 PM Saturday at Trinity English Lutheran Church in downtown Fort Wayne.

Calling hours are 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM at the church at 405 W. Wayne Street. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery on Fort Wayne's north side.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on April 3, 2008 07:22 AM
Posted to Indiana Government