Rep. David Dank, 76, was found dead in his home today. He apparently died of a heart attack.
County Commissioner Brian Maughan, a close friend, found Dank’s body this afternoon. Maughan said he had tried to call Dank during the day but got no answer.
Maughan told The Oklahoman that Dank struggled with grief after his wife, Odilia Dank, who also was a state representative, died Aug. 17, 2013 at 74.
Elected in 2007, Dank was a Republican who represented District 85, including parts of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma City, The Village and Warr Acres. He was re-elected in November.
Governor Fallin said, “David Dank was a hard-working, conscientious legislator as well as a great community leader and a savvy businessman who will be missed. I always appreciated his willingness to tell me what was on his mind. As a legislator, he looked out for the average citizens as exemplified by his diligence to work on issues benefiting senior citizens and to reform tax credits.”
House Speaker Jeff Hickman issued this statement:
“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.
“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.”
The Dank families ask that donations be made to the Odilia Dank Memorial Fund at Birth Choice of Oklahoma, 4701 S Western. Services are pending with Smith and Kernke Funeral Home.
David was a true statesman. Whether he agreed with you or was adamantly opposed to your issue, he was always courteous and respectful. Fortunately we almost always were on the same page. He loved the firefighters and was a champion for fiscal responsibility.
David is at peace and pain free in the presence of his lord and in the arms of his wonderful wife. I will miss him.