State Leaders Remember State Labor Commissioner Mark Costello

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State Commissioner of Labor Mark Costello died Sunday evening after being stabbed multiple times at a northwest Oklahoma City Braum's, sources tell News 9.

8/23/2015 Related Story: Sources: State Commissioner Of Labor Killed In NW OKC Stabbing, Son Arrested

Soon after the news broke, condolences from state leaders began pouring in for the commissioner's family.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin released the following statement regarding Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello’s death:

“I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello's tragic death last night. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and staff. Oklahoma has lost a dedicated public servant and a good man.

In honor of Mark’s life and his service to the state, all flags on state property will be flown at half-staff through the end of the week.”

U.S. Sen. James Lankford released a statement, saying, "My family is stunned and deeply grieved to hear of the tragic death of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello. Mark was passionate about our nation, conservative fiscal principles, and the people of our state. Mark was a friend, and as we grieve, we will also pray for his family as they deal with this unbelievable tragedy."

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said on Twitter, "So sorry to hear the tragic news about Mark Costello..."

The Oklahoma GOP said on Facebook, "Our deepest condolences go out to the Costello family. Mark Costello was an honorable man, loyal friend, and a great leader in Oklahoma. Please join us in prayer for the family of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello."

Former state senator and state Republican Party Chairman Randy Brogdon said, "Mark Costello was a dear friend and tonight's news has left me speechless. While this news is heartbreaking, please join me in praying for the family of my friend. More than anything right now they need prayer warriors at their side. Mark, you will be missed."

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak released a statement, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Mark Costello. He was a wonderful leader and public servant. This is a major loss to the state of Oklahoma and everyone who loved Mark. My thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved wife Cathy and their family."

Congressman Jim Bridenstine statement on Mark Costello's death.  "My wife and I are devastated by the loss of our friend, Mark Costello.  He was principled servant, deeply committed to his faith and to Oklahoma.  Our prayers are with Cathy and the Costello family."

Congressman Markwayne Mullin said, "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of our state Labor Commissioner, Mark Costello. Mark was a true public servant who was dedicated to making Oklahoma a better place. My family and my team offer our deepest condolences to the Costello family, and we join countless others who will be lifting them up in prayer during these difficult times."

State Attorney General Scott Pruitt said, "I join the many Oklahomans that are mourning the loss of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello. My heartfelt prayers go out to Mark’s wife and his family during this tragic and difficult time. Mark was my friend, and I will miss his infectious enthusiasm for truth and genuine passion for liberty."

State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones said, "I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mark a long time. His leadership and statesmanship will be missed. Mary Jane and I grieve with his family as we all mourn his loss and celebrate his life. Mark was a tremendously dedicated public servant and an honorable man. We pray for his family as they struggle with this profound heartbreak and very personal pain."

State Rep. Jon Echols, of Oklahoma City, said, "Mark was the epitome of a citizen public servant. He was a good man and a great friend. He will be dearly missed by the many whose lives he has touched."

State Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks, of Norman, said, "State Labor Commissioner Mark Costello was a kind, generous man.  He had a heart for public service and a sincere desire to institute good public policy.  We are all shocked and saddened by this tragedy.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time."

State Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, of Sapulpa, said, "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Commissioner Costello. Oklahoma has lost a leader who had a unique passion for politics and took great pride in the work he did on behalf of all Oklahomans. He was a model public servant, and we are all better for the example and legacy he leaves behind. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of mourning.”

State House Democratic Leader Scott Inman, of Del City, said, "State Labor Commissioner Mark Costello will be missed at the Capitol. He was a man of conviction and clear purpose who loved to engage in discussions about ideas and policies intended to move Oklahoma forward. I considered Mark a friend and am simply stunned by the senselessness of this tragedy. Our prayers are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

State House Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman said, "Along with my Republican and Democrat colleagues in the House of Representatives, I am deeply saddened by this personal tragedy for the Costello family. I had the opportunity to work with Mark on numerous issues. He was always passionate about what he believed to be the right thing for our state but he also approached these issues with a smile on his face and a sense of humor. What I most admired about him was the respect he would show to those who might disagree with him on an issue, not making it personal and looking for ways to work together on different issues in the future. Sadly, that is a trait becoming more rare in politics.

"Mark had a successful career in the private sector but was willing to give back to our state through his public service in recent years. His dedication to bringing the conservative principles of many hard working Oklahomans to state government is appreciated, it made a difference, and it will not be forgotten.”

State Sen. David Holt, of Oklahoma City, said on Twitter, "Shocked and saddened to hear of OK Labor Commissioner Mark Costello's untimely death tonight. Prayer and condolences for his family. Commissioner Costello was uniquely enthusiastic about his job. He loved serving and he wanted to leave OK a better place. He will be missed." 

State Rep. David Brumbaugh, of Broken Arrow, said, “My family and I would like to express our condolences to the family of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello for their tragic loss. Mark was loved by many throughout the entire state of Oklahoma and was a dear friend. He was a great Labor Commissioner who didn’t just talk about limited government but accomplished it in his agency through cost savings, consolidation and fleet management. He was a champion for Oklahoma in our battle against administering union dues. We are at a loss at understanding how something like this could happen. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and their children.”

The Stephens County Republicans stated on Facebook, "Our deepest condolences to Mark Costello's family on his tragic loss this evening. Mark was a kind, honorable man and a great leader in Oklahoma. Labor Commissioner Mark Costello will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his family at this time."

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, of the Oklahoma City archdiocese, released a statement on the death of Costello, "Like so many others I was shocked and grieved to learn the tragic death of Mark Costello. I have known Mark and Cathy for many many years. The Costello family needs our prayers and we owe it to them to respect their privacy during this painful time."

Tulsa Regional Chamber president and CEO Mike Neal said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello. Mark was a true public servant for Oklahoma, and a friend of our state's business community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this unimaginably difficult time."