Highway Dedicated in Honor of Former Senator

State Senator Debbe Leftwich (D-Oklahoma City) had the privilege today to dedicate a portion of I-240 in honor of her late husband and former senator, Keith Leftwich.

Legislation was signed into law during the previous legislative session to designate I-240 between I-35 and I-44 as the “Keith Leftwich Memorial Loop.” The former South Oklahoma City leader died after a valiant battle with cancer on September 19th, 2003. Debbe Leftwich then ran for her late husband’s senate seat and won the race to carry on the Leftwich tradition in public service.

"I was very pleased when the legislation was signed into law. Keith loved his district and loved his state. He felt a great sense of pride to serve in the State Legislature and it is appropriate that we have a permanent memorial in his name," stated Debbe Leftwich.

Senate Appropriations Chairman and co-author of the legislation, Mike Morgan, was on hand for the ceremony and stated, “Keith was a friend and a respected colleague who understood the importance of a modern transportation system to the growth of this state. It is more than fitting that he is remembered this way.”

Leftwich dedicated his life to his family and to public service. He began his term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1982 and from that point on, Leftwich served the constituents of South Oklahoma City with pride. He served three terms in the House and was elected to the State Senate in 1990, where he finished his life of public service.

During his time in the legislature, Leftwich authored bills that put prisoners to work, fought juvenile crime and gangs, created much stronger penalties for prostitution, stopped unwanted telemarketing harassment, reformed utility regulations, as well as pass legislation that has improved business practices in state government.

“Senator Leftwich was a visionary in so many areas – his work in transportation and infrastructure development showed tremendous dedication and foresight. His contributions to the transportation arena will continue to have an impact on our state for years to come,” stated Bruce Taylor Chief Engineer of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Permanent markers will be placed on I-240 between I-35 and I-44 to indicate the “Keith Leftwich Memorial Loop.”

"Keith enjoyed every minute of his life in public service. He was a man of integrity and honor and would do anything to ensure the safety of Oklahoma citizens. The Keith Leftwich Memorial Loop means a lot to me and my family as well as to the constituents of Senate District 44," said Senator D. Leftwich.