Today, the State of Oklahoma is in mourning. Yesterday, shortly before noon, we lost another true American hero. Henry Bellmon, former Governor of the State of Oklahoma passed away after a long battle with Parkinsons Disease. Mr. Bellmon was a highly decorated Marine who served with distinction in the Pacific during WWII and then went on to serve his state and his country with honor and integrity. Mr. Bellmon was an Oklahoman farm boy who left his mark on this state, as well as the country and who earned the respect of everyone he met. It would take several books to cover all of his achievements. Rest in peace, Mr. Bellmon. Thank you and God Bless. Semper Fi!

Sept. 3, 1921: Born on a farm near Tonkawa

1942: Graduates from Oklahoma State University

1942-46: Serves in U.S. Marine Corps

1946-48: Serves in state House of Representatives

1960: Becomes state Republican Party chairman

1962: Wins election as Oklahoma's first Republican governor

1963-67: Serves as Interstate Oil Compact Commission chairman

Joins executive committee of the National Governors Conference

1968: Wins election to U.S. Senate

1974: Wins second term in U.S. Senate

1980: Chooses not to seek third term in the U.S. Senate

1983: Named director of the state Department of Human Services by Democratic Gov. George Nigh

1986: Wins new term as Oklahoma's governor; retires from politics in 1991.

1997: Henry and Shirley Bellmon celebrate 50 years of marriage.

July 24, 2000: Shirley Bellmon passes away

April 6, 2002: Henry Bellmon weds longtime family friend Eloise Bollenbach

Sept. 29, 2009: Henry Bellmon passes away