Sen. Bill Coleman Issues Statement on the Passing of Marlin ‘Ike’ Glass Jr.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, released the following statement on Monday after the passing of his friend and mentor, Marlin “Ike” Glass Jr. A member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Glass, of Newkirk, was a veteran and savvy businessman who served 18 years on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education after being appointed to his first term in 1997.

“Ike was a benevolent man and a pillar of the Newkirk community who was a true mentor and selfless friend,” Coleman said. “He always offered sound guidance when I sought advice, and he often sent me random thank you notes that warmed my heart.

“He was one of the few people I talked to before I decided to run for the Oklahoma Senate. I will always remember at my first fundraiser when Ike told me, ‘You get down there don’t forget to be yourself.’ Those words that now hang on a plaque in my Senate office have guided me during my years at the Capitol.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Marybeth, and their children and grandchildren. My family and I mourn Ike’s passing. He was a truly great man.”

Marlin “Ike” Glass Jr.