Cole Mourns the Passing of Neal McCaleb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing about the passing of Neal McCaleb:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of my friend, my political ally, and my fellow Chickasaw Neal McCaleb.

"Neal led an extraordinary life marked by personal success and exceptional public service to his country, his state, his tribe, and his political party. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a sincere and supportive friend to all who were privileged to know him.

"Neal was a talented civil engineer and developer in his professional life. Over the course of his long and successful life he served not only as the Republican leader in the Oklahoma State House, but also as Oklahoma's Secretary of Transportation twice - first under Governor Henry Bellmon and then under Governor Frank Keating. Later, Neal became the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in the George W. Bush Administration.

"McCaleb also served his beloved Chickasaw Nation in a variety of positions, including as the tribe's designated Ambassador to the United States. In fact, he is a Member of the Chickasaw Hall of Fame.

"Neal was a friend of my family, a role model, a political associate and ally, and a treasured friend. He recruited my mother to run for the state legislature in the 1970s and they served together in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Neal and I served in state government together when he was Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation in the Bellmon Administration and I was a State Senator. In the Keating Administration, we were close allies and associates both serving in the Governor's cabinet - he as Secretary of Transportation and I as Secretary of State. We worked together on road projects, negotiating the Indian Fuels Tax agreement with tribal governments, and numerous funding bills with the state legislature.

"After the 2000 election, I was able to assist Neal in securing President George W. Bush's appointment as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. In this position, he did an outstanding job for 'Indian Country' throughout his tenure. Our paths continued to cross many times in many ways as Neal rendered distinguished service to the Chickasaw Nation in a variety of positions.

"Neal McCaleb was a man I admired, trusted, emulated, and treasured. I will miss his wisdom, his wit, his political acumen, and his unmatched devotion to our country, our state, and our tribe.

"I extend my deepest sympathy to his devoted wife Georgiann, his loving family, and his many friends, associates, and admirers. Neal McCaleb led a life of success, service, and distinction. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him."

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