Valedictory: John Okeson

I don't even know how to write this.  I don't even know what the header should be or the lede.  Some things are just unfathomable.

Fort Wayne attorney John Okeson has died. John served his state as the Indiana Clerk of the Supreme and Appellate Courts.  More recently, he has served as Governor Daniels' Legislative Liason until last year when he returned exclusively to the private practice of law in Fort Wayne and with the Hall Render law firm of Indianapolis.. 

John was well-liked. He was professional. He was a public man in that he had an interest in the full range of public policy questions facing Indiana.

Most importantly, John was a father.  My memory of John will be fixed in knowing the joy he took in being able to run with his daughter.   

There will be other images, too.  Talking about his political plans at the Elegant Farmer before he ran for statewide office. Chatting with him in his office in the State House.  Standing hip deep in water and talking with John and his brother, Paul, at the start of the Y-Tri Triathlon in Muncie.

He was a good guy who had the best interests of Indiana in mind.  The full measure of the contribution he was to make to public life was not yet complete at the time of his death.  There was promise yet to be fulfilled.  And that has now been denied by his early death.  And this state is the lesser for that.

Our condolences are extended to his family, to his friends and those with whom he worked in private and public life.

Comments

[Jason Blosser]

He looks so young and spry in that picture. How tragic.

[Rob Bishop]

I was privileged to be on the fringes of John's run for Clerk. This included being a driver on several occasions touring parts of the state. John was by far the best speaker I have ever worked with. He had an uncanny ability to take my remarks following a speech and make changes for the next group. Although I had not talked to him in years, I always hoped he would run for office again.

Rob Bishop

[Kevin Kellems]

Mitch,
Like many others, I was shocked and saddened to learn recently of his grave illness.

I am sure we share memories of John as reliably cheerful, witty, smart, outgoing and exceptionally athletic. In short, he was a lot of fun to be around.

To say he will be missed is a big understatement; I cannot imagine the grief and loss his family and those closest to him now must feel.

We hope they will take some comfort in how well he is remembered, and how many learned from him along the way -- including his very talented and dedicated brother Paul, who carries on the family tradition of quality public service.

Kevin Kellems
Madison

[mark garvin]

This is truly sad news. John was one of the good guys and he will be missed.

[Kristina Frazier-Henry]

Mitch,

I saw that you mentioned sometime earlier in this blog (when marking some milestones), that people noticed a lot of 'obituary' type stuff here.

Here's the thing. Death is a very real part of our lives (we ain't spring chickens anymore) - and to go about our everyday routine, without mentioning those who made a mark on our lives - well - that's just silly and quite unreasonable.

I didn't know this particular individual however how sad that his life was cut short.

Kristina

[Geoff Paddock]

Mitch,

This is indeed a shock. I had a great deal of respect and admiration for John Okeson. I spoke with him at his child's school, during my tenure on the FWCS Board. He was a dedicated and concerned parent and fine public servant. The last time I saw him, I wished him well in any future political endeavor. He was a first class guy, and I will miss him.

Geoff Paddock

[Megan Miller]

John Okeson was my friend and mentor. He was the most decent human being I have had the pleasure to know. He was a devoted man - to his family, to his friends and to his principles. I can't believe he is gone. I loved him and I will miss him.

Megan Miller

[Sam Talarico]

I am so sad and shocked to read this. I knew John best as my young daughter's upward basketball coach. My daughter loved him as a coach and so did the other kids.

[Lee Tobin]

John was a great guy. I knew him as a fellow-soccer parent and as my daughter's Upward Basketball coach, aside from his public life. He was a good man, with so much to offer so many. He will be greatly missed.

[Chris Ternet]

Indeed, it is unfathomable and shocking to learn that John Okeson has died.

All of us who have worked in and around Indiana politics know that John had the best interests of his family, the Fort Wayne community and the State of Indiana at heart.

My heartfelt condolences to John's family and loved ones.

He will be missed.

Chris Ternet
Avon, New Jersey

[Joe Dillon]

Mitch,
I have known John Okeson for over 30 years. I met him when he was 14 years old. I was the swim team coach for him and both his brothers, David & Paul and 40-some other kids. We had two fantastic seasons together.
Later, John worked for me as a student computer operator at IPFW. He helped me run all the nightly administrative reports as well as taking care of all the student computer activities. I'll never forget my surprise, when returning from dinner break, at John blasting out the "vocal stylings" of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, one of his favorite groups.
I have often told all my other friends, or anyone who would listen to me, that if they ever heard the name John Okeson running for public office that they should have no hesitation voting for him. His personal integrity was second to no one. He was one of those rare individuals who knew at an early age, even when I met him at 14, who he was, what he wanted to be and how he was going to accomplish his goals.
I was so impressed by him when I first met him that I think he influenced me those first two swim seasons more than I influenced him.
Saying I will miss him is not nearly enough. I sincerely hope an opportunity presents itself for me to demonstrate what knowing him has meant to me.
This is a staggering loss to his family, the local and state community.
Carry on my friend!

[Annette Widmann]

Mitch,
I was a friend and past co-worker of John's. My husband and I saw him running often at the Y. Young, healthy and just a great guy. I was shocked to hear this morning on the news that he died. Could you tell me what illness he had? We noticed we had not seen him in the passed 6 weeks or so. My husband is a realtor and met with him about 3 months ago to list his home. John wanted to list it this late spring to get something smaller and with less maintenance so that he could spend more time with the kids when he had them. I am so sad as he was a wonderful person to work with and know. This is unbelievable to me as he was so young and lived a healthy lifesytle. My thoughts are with his children and Ellen.

[Mark Grady]

I first met John when he was counsel to the Indiana Wireless Advisory Board, chaired by Tim Berry.

I had 20+ years in the utility business, and have set across the table from, and beside some of the best attorneys money can buy.

He taught me more about how to conduct a negotation and how to develop a contract than anyone I've ever met.

When he worked for the Governor's office, I would often see him in the statehouse, and when he joined Hall | Render, I was elated that our company would now be a client. I can still hear his voice the day he called with the news he had joined the firm.

He was more than our counsel, he was a great professional friend, a solid anchor in every way.

To me, John was the spirit of servant leadership. He will be missed by so many, in so many ways.

[Mark Lawrance]

The news of John's passing is truly a shock. John was a class act who had a great "way" about how he conducted his affairs. He represented the office of Governor Daniels very well as he ushered significant legislative initiatives through the process. He was smart and understated. He was also an avid athlete and enjoyed initiating his brother Paul to triathlons last May. May he rest in peace.

[Paul Helmke]

I was shocked to learn just now of John Okeson's death. Last week I saw him mentioned as a possible Attorney General candidate and now I read of his passing. John and I went to the same church, both practiced law in Fort Wayne, and were involved in state and local politics at the same time. As so many others have commented, he was always a class act - bright, honest, upbeat, and hard-working. This is a real loss to Fort Wayne and the State of Indiana. My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family.

Paul Helmke

[Mark Flanagan]

I am stunned!
John and I grew up in each other's back yards, our parents remain neighbors. I've followed his life through our parents' bragging rights and hearing of his sudden, unexpected demise leaves me speechless ...
I suppose the best we can take from this is what John always tried to practice: Love your family and friends today, they are the really important things in life.

[Kristi Adams Weitzel]

I was hired by John when he took office in the State House in January 1995. I was 22 years-old, I didn't have a job and I did not know anyone in Indianapolis. I found out later that there really wasn't a spot for me, but he seemed to find one - he had never even met me before that day in December when he interviewed me.

The first time we talked on the phone we discussed Indiana basketball. The first time I met him to interview, I remember thinking to myself that he wasn't old enough to be the clerk. He later told me after we had known each other for a number of years that he remembered thinking that day that I wasn't old enough to be out of high school!

He was not only my boss, but my friend. He taught me many things not the least of which was to strive to do my best in all things. After two years of conviving, he finally got me to go to law school where I met my husband and we now have two beautiful children.

John influenced my life in so many ways that I cannot even recount them all. Without him in my life, I would most definitely not be where I am today.

You will always be in my heart, John. My thoughts and prayers are with your family right now. I know how much they meant to you.

Kristi Adams Weitzel

[Harry Roe]

We have been friends and neighbors with the Okeson family for 30 years. What a wonderful family and great friends. John and his brothers Dave and Paul and my seven kids played sports and atended school together over a ten year period and we enjoyed many events together. John and I coached my son and his younger brother Paul to an undefeated season in YBA basketball. John was always a coach in many aspects of life that has been cut way to short. He did get more done in 43 years than many people accomplish in a full life. May the Okeson family and all the friends enjoy the memories that John has left to them. May John's family find peace and strength for they are a wonderful group of great citizens. Harry Roe

[Rob Bohnsack]

It was my privilege and honor call John Okeson friend and mentor. I first met John when I worked for the Indiana Republican State Committee during the 1994 election. He later hired me to serve on his staff at the Statehouse. Rarely does one get to work for a friend like John. He always took care of his people, and when he asked you how you were doing he meant it.

When I began exploring a call to ministry John was one of the first people I talked to. He listened and encouraged me. When I was installed as the associate pastor of the Market Street Presbyterian Church in Lima, OH, John gave the charge to the new minister. His words of encouragement and faith will always be with me.

If you ever golfed with John the second time you played with him was the best. The first time was always good too. The second, third, fourth, and fifth times were better because John always remembered your shots from the previous round. He remembered when you pared 15, or had a killer drive on 6. He would also remember your four put on 8. I am thankful for the many rounds we played at the Garrett Country Club.

John loved many things in this life. He loved Fort Wayne, IPFW, golf, a good deal, fitness, politics, public service, his friends, but most of all he loved his family.

I am a better person, pastor, friend, and citizen because of John Okeson. I am sorry I cannot be there tomorrow. I so wish I could. John's family and friends will be in my prayers constantly. As I remember John I remember this passage of Scripture. Matthew 11:28-30 says:

"Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and burden is light."

Rev. Rob Bohnsack
Fort Walton Beach, FL

[Vicki Roe]

John and I lived down the street from one another graduated from Carroll together. We laughed, learned, and often even competed with each other a lot during those years. He was such a fixture in my life those four years and afterward we still kept in touch, esp during the years we were both in Indianapolis while he went to law school and I went to medical school. Our parents and younger brothers have stayed close friends, and his and my sister's families also ended up in the same neighborhood these past few years. After attending his funeral this week, I'm realizing how much we had talked and dreamt of our futures together during those years in school, and how much his opinions (and his confidence that he could do anything!) rubbed off on me. I'm still in shock that his time on earth is finished. I've had some recent opportunities myself to get involved in government and policy making and I want to carry with me the memory of his smile, his confidence, and his convictions, and carry on some of that work that he was so born to do and did so well in his time here.