OKLAHOMA CITY – Former state Rep. Richard Morrissette – known as a f irebrand advocate for impoverished Oklahomans – died last week. He was 69.
Morrissette, a Democrat, served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2004 until 2016.
Born in Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1956, Morrissette served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1976 until 1980. He then moved to Oklahoma to attend the University of Tulsa Law School.
Morrissette held a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of New Hampshire and law degree from TU. In Oklahoma, he worked on the staff of the Oklahoma Senate from 1985 until 1986 and later served as a legal aide in the Western Oklahoma Public Defender’s office.
Along with his service in the Oklahoma Legislature, Morrissette was an attorney who opened his practice in south Oklahoma City in the mid-80s and served as a political analyst and commentator for the show “Your Vote Counts” for more than a decade. He was a member of Lions Club, South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, South Oklahoma City Rotary Club and the YMCA.
House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson said Morrissette was a hardworking public servant who sought to help others.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends of Rep. Richard Morrissette. He served South Oklahoma City well and left a lasting impact through his hundreds of episodes of ‘Your Vote Counts’ where he recapped and discussed statewide and National politics while advocating for everyday Oklahomans,” Munson said in a media statement. “He focused his work on improving the lives of Oklahomans and supporting the futures of all those he ser ved. He was a hardworking public servant, who I admired and was lucky to serve with. He will be fondly remembered.”
Former state Rep. Joe Dorman said Morrissette was happy to fight for others who needed help.
“Richard was a warrior for those who needed a champion, whether it was as an attorney or as a l awmaker in both New Hampshire and Oklahoma,” Dorman wrote in a post on Facebook. “He was also a good man and will be missed.”