WAYNE HOLDEN

WAYNE HOLDEN, 90, affectionately known as "The Mayor," joined a legion of pioneer leaders in their heavenly home on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, following a brief illness. Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, in First Baptist Church, 901 W. Ash, Duncan, with the Revs. Clif Cummings and Randy Southerland officiating. Interment will be in Duncan City Cemetery under direction of Don Grantham Funeral Home.

An open reception will be held in First Baptist Church Chapel immediately following the graveside service.

Born to Ramon and Maudie Wilson Holden in Loco, Okla., on May 29, 1918, he grew up in the Santa Fe oilfield camp and graduated from Maud High School. He met the treasure of his life, Carolyn Marie Morgan, while attending college and they married on Feb. 14, 1941. They were married for 58 years before Marie's passing.

His children, David Holden, Doug Holden, Denise Rodgers and Deborah Holden; grand-children, Jeffrey Holden, who preceded him in death, Greg Holden, Peter Holden, Lisa Holden, Tony Holden, Toni Rodgers, Jacob Martin, Molly Martin; and numerous great-grand-children survive Wayne.

Wayne and Marie made Duncan the corner-stone of their universe. Wayne worked for Halliburton from 1941 to 1983. Serving an unprecedented six terms as mayor of Duncan and 12 years in the Oklahoma State Legislature highlighted Wayne's distinguished career. Wayne was first elected mayor in early 1950. The City of Duncan was then a thriving community of 8,000 people. His impact on the growth and development of responsive municipal government is legendary. He authored and introduced the municipal charter that Duncan still uses today. He was a prime mover in the development and construction of lakes Clear Creek, Fuqua and Humphreys. He established the independent electric system, which Duncan enjoys today. In addition, Wayne created the municipal court system, the offices of city attorney and municipal judge, purchasing agent, training programs for policemen and firemen, and retirement and insurance programs for city employees.

Later, during his last two terms as mayor, he was instrumental in establishing the Simmons Center Trust, updating the wastewater treatment system, airport improvements, street and drainage improvements, among many others. Moreover, he served on a multiplicity of boards, commissions and committees oriented to make this area one of growth and prosperity.

In 1962, Wayne was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He quickly demonstrated his devotion to the development of responsive governmental oversight and service to governments at the local level. His penchant for government "of the people, by the people" was the light in the sky that guided him throughout his service in the state Legislature, serving one two-year term in the House and the remainder in the Senate.

During this time, he held key positions in the Legislature, including membership on a variety of key committees, boards and commissions. He authored a multitude of bills resulting in laws favoring his concept of what government is or should be. His progressive vision enabled him to look into the future while addressing current needs of the state and his community.

Wayne co-authored and guided the bill that authorized cities and towns to levy sales taxes, authored a Senate bill authorizing the use of courthouse funds to build the Stephens County Courthouse, authored a bill providing for four-year terms for county officers, authored the bill creating a state fire marshal, authored the bill that exempts feed, seed, fertilizer and farm machinery from state sales tax, authored a bill to appropriate funds to build the Vo-Tech school in Duncan, created the Water Resources Board, and other bills provided for location and funding of Duncan's armory, the Department of Transportation building, and the Sunset Law. His service as a member of the legislative body covered the spectrum of government at all levels.

Throughout his distinguished career, Wayne never lost sight of seeking the perfect but accepting the possible in order to accomplish his objectives. His litmus test throughout his political career was to benefit those he was elected to serve.

Wayne accepted the inevitable fact that death is a transition stage leading to a more glorious and perfect life. His family, friends and community will miss him greatly.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Wayne Holden, Jacob C. Martin, Tom McCasland III, LaWayne Jones, Jim Markle and J.W. Hines.

Honorary bearers are Tommy Goodner, Jon Bowers, Don Nutt, Mutt Lewis and Marty Askins.

Duncan Banner, Sun., Mar. 1, 2009