Former Oklahoma Senator Roger Ballenger passed away this week at the age of 69 years old. He served in the Senate from 2006 to 2014. Funeral services are set for Friday, November 1, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Okmulgee.
As word of his death spread, many leaders who worked with him began remembering Ballenger as someone everyone could like.
Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat:
“I had the privilege of serving alongside Roger Ballenger early in my career in the Senate. He had a great intellect and was a skilled lawmaker. He served the people of his district and the state with pride, and I always respected Roger. My family sends our prayers and condolences to Roger’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Senator Roger Thompson:
“Roger Ballenger was the epitome of a dedicated public servant. He represented the citizens of District 8 with integrity and was extremely gracious and helpful to me when I was elected to the Senate.
“Roger was a good man with a kind heart, and he will be greatly missed. Our state is better for his service. I want to express my condolences to his family for their great loss.”
Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd:
“Senator Ballenger was liked and respected by members on both sides of the aisle—in fact he was appointed Vice Chair of the Senate General Government Committee in 2012, the only Democrat named to a committee leadership post. He also served as Assistant Minority Floor Leader.
“He was a strong advocate for his constituents and worked hard on public safety issues and on behalf of veterans. He was a dedicated public servant. My fellow members and I join in mourning his passing and honoring his life.”
Rep. Scott Fetgatter (who is Ballenger’s son-in-law):
“The loss of my father In-law, Senator Roger Ballenger, was a great loss for our family, community, state and House District 16.
“I married my wife Kim 29 years ago and will never forget the day I went to the senator’s home to ask his blessing.
“After the initial shock, the good senator had a challenge for me before he would allow such an engagement:
“’The proposition is simple! If you will eat some pickled pigs feet, I will bless the marriage,’ he said.
“Those who know me know I am a very simple picky eater, so this was a great challenge. While I knew this wouldn’t go well, I persevered and downed one foot.
“This began a dear relationship I will value for the rest of my life.
“My father in-law always challenged me to work hard, be fair and take care of my family and community. Never be afraid to try new things, take risks and always listen to what people are telling you. Never forget where you came from and never look down on anyone.
“The loss of Roger will be felt all across the state.
“It was Roger who passed the bill to put a veterans designation on Oklahoma drivers’ licenses.
“His service extends from serving our country in the Navy during the Vietnam War to the Okmulgee City Council, as an Okmulgee County commissioner, a state senator to his current position of city manager in his hometown of Okmulgee.
“Roger was a Statesman in every sense of the word and loved spending his time with family.
“We (the family) talked today about how when he got to Heaven he immediately started looking for a committee or some other way to serve.
“I loved him and will miss him but value all of the life lessons he gave me.
“Little did I know the pickled pigs feet would change my life forever.”
