OKLAHOMA CITY – Democratic former Governor George Nigh, one of Oklahoma’s best-known politicians and the only man to serve as governor on four different occasions, died last week. He was 98.
Nigh died at his home on July 30.
A native of McAlester, Nigh served in the state House of Representatives from 1951 until 1959. He was then elected lieutenant governor in 1959 and served in that post until January 1979. Nigh also served four different times as governor – twice stepping in after the sitting governor had resigned – and twice standing for election.
During his political career, Nigh was responsible for designating “Oklahoma!” as the state’s official state song and for naming the first two women –Yvonne Kauger and Alma Wilson – to ever serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Former Gov. Brad Henry, also a Democrat, praised the former governor. Henry said Nigh had a major impact on the state.
“If I compiled a list of the top five people who had the greatest impact and influence on my life, George Nigh, along with my parents, would be on it. George was a longtime dear friend, a mentor, and a true public servant. He was a great man, but, perhaps more importantly, he was a really good guy. Few, if any, have had as significant of an impact on our state for as long as George did.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, a Republican, said he was saddened to learn of Nigh’s death. “Few public servants have had the impact on our state that Gov. Nigh demonstrated,” he said in a media statement.
“Through multiple terms as Governor and Lieutenant Governor, he led with kindness and impeccable integrity. His contributions to our development and advancement as a state are too numerous to name,” Drummond said. “And his devotion to serving Oklahoma inspired new generations to take up the mantle of public service through the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship. I ask every Oklahoman to join me in honoring one of the finest men to ever lead our state and to pray for the loved ones he leaves behind. I hope they have white hats in Heaven.”
Nigh was born in McAlester on June 9, 1927, toWilbur R. and Irene Crockett Nigh. He was the fourth of five children.
Nigh graduated from McAlester High School in 1945. From 1945 through 1946 he served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Ranger, a pilot-training ship, before attending college. Nigh graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton in 1948 and from East Central University in Ada in 1950.
While in college Nigh was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
In 1958, Nigh, then 31, became the state’s lieutenant governor. He was reelected in 1966 and served at lieutenant governor through Jan. 5, 1979.
Nigh first served as governor after then-Gov. J. Howard Edmondson resigned from office in January of 1963 following the death U.S. Sen. Robert S. Kerr. Nigh succeeded Edmondson as governor and then appointed Edmondson to the vacant Senate seat.
In 1978, Nigh was elected governor, after then-Gov. David Boren ran for U.S. Senate. However, because Boren resigned from the governor’s office five days early, Nigh stepped in from his post of lieutenant governor to replace Boren.
Following the end of Boren’s term, Nigh – who had been elected governor, himself – served his first full term. He was reelected governor in 1982 and served until 1987.
Nigh met his wife, Donna Mashburn, during his first nineday term as governor in 1963. The couple married on Oct. 19 of that year. Donna had a young son from a previous relationship, and the couple later had a daughter together.
In 1987, Nigh founded the Nigh Institute of State Government at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. He also served as a “distinguished statesman-in-residence” there until 1992, when he was named as the university’s 18th president.
He retired from the post in 1997.
Gov. Kevin Stitt told The Oklahoman, “I’m saddened to hear of the loss of a true Oklahoma statesman and public servant. George Nigh guided Oklahoma through difficult times and led with kindness and humility. Sarah and I are praying for his wife Donna and their family and friends as they remember and honor a life well lived.”
House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, herself a Democrat, called Nigh a legend.
“Oklahoma lost a legend today,” Munson’s said in a media statement. “Governor George Nigh defined what it was to be an Oklahoman. He led with dedication, passion, and kindness. I first met Gov. Nigh as a student in a leadership class at the University of Central Oklahoma, and he was my first phone call when I decided to run for office. He always remembered me and supported me, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance.”
Munson said Nigh was passionate about encouraging Oklahomans to get involved in leadership in their communities, especially women and younger people.
“He increased the number of women and minorities serving on state boards and commissions and appointed the first two women to serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, paving the way for people like me to serve in public office,” she said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the rest of the Nigh family as we remember and honor this great man.”
Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said Nigh “represented the Oklahoma Standard through decades of service, from reforming the executive branch and modernizing state agencies to declaring ‘Oklahoma!’ the official state song.”
“His work helped shape the direction of our state and will be remembered,” Hilbert said. “My thoughts are with his wife, Donna, and the entire Nigh family during this time.”
Nigh is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna; his daughter, Georgeann Nigh Duty, and her husband, Steve; his five grandchildren; and his younger sister, Mary Cargill.
Nigh’s body laid in state at the state Capitol Monday.
A memorial service for Nigh is scheduled for 11 a.m.Thursday, Aug. 14, at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City. A public visitation will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Hahn Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City.