Lawmakers Honor Clem McSpadden

A concurrent resolution asking the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to name their complex the “Clem Rogers McSpadden Agricultural Complex” was approved by the House of Representatives after winning unanimous approval in the Senate on Monday.

McSpadden was a former President Pro Tempore of the Senate, but had also won international acclaim as a professional rodeo announcer. He was a fifth generation rancher and the great-nephew of Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers. McSpadden, who was also a U.S. Congressman, died in 2008 at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Sen. Ron Justice, Senate author of the resolution and chair of the Senate’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, said naming the Agriculture Department’s complex after McSpadden was a fitting tribute.

“Clem was an ambassador for our state and for the ranching and agriculture industries. He was always a gentleman, and he always stayed true to his roots,” said Justice, R-Chickasha.

Sen. Sean Burrage, a co-author of the concurrent resolution, currently holds the Senate seat that once belonged to McSpadden. He is also the McSpadden’s godson.

“It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of such a great man. He was beloved by all the members of this chamber and by the people in his Senate district,” said Burrage, D-Claremore.

McSpadden’s wife, Donna, said he never sought any material things for himself, but she was moved by the tribute to her husband. She said it was an appropriate honor, but joked the only thing wrong with it was that the complex should be located at Bushyhead, McSpadden’s birthplace. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Rep. Dale Dewitt, R-Braman, is the House author of SCR 29, and said it was a privilege to carry legislation honoring McSpadden.

“Clem was a great man, but just as importantly, he was a good person. Naming this complex for will him help keep that memory and legacy alive for years to come,” Dewitt said.

In addition to Donna, Clem is survived by his sons Bart and Paul, his daughter Kay and six grandchildren.