Published: July 11, 2008 09:50 pm      

Friends say goodbye to McSpadden

OKLAHOMA CITY — Friends say goodbye

to McSpadden

Hundreds of friends, associates and people who had never met him paid their final respects at the Capitol Friday to Clem McSpadden, well-known rodeo announcer and political figure.

McSpadden’s casket lay in state at the second floor rotunda area of the Capitol, a day before his funeral at 10 a.m. at the Clem McSpadden Bushyhead Ranch Arena near Claremore.

He died late Monday at age 82 after a long bout with cancer.

McSpadden, a grandnephew of Will Rogers, was best known for his smooth announcing voice at rodeos across the country.

Capitol visitors passed by the casket, which was draped by the American flag, with McSpadden’s familiar gray cowboy hat resting on top. A painting of a smiling McSpadden stood nearby.

Scores of lawmakers and other friends of McSpadden were misty eyed as they shook hands and embraced his son, Bart.

Lawmakers call for Regier’s removal

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two state senators on Friday called for the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board to remove Jerry Regier, who they recently hired as administrator.

Sens. Debbie Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, and Harry Coates, R-Seminole, said they believe the board gave Regier a job to qualify him for drawing a $1,236 monthly retirement check.

Tom Spencer, executive director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, confirmed that Regier did not qualify for retirement benefits before his hiring in late June.

Spencer said it normally takes eight years to be vested in the system, but someone working for the state at age 62 can retire with monthly benefits with six years of service. He said Regier, 63, had less than seven years with the state when he was hired.