“When you look at Senator Laughlin’s background, as an Eagle Scout, a pilot, a former prosecutor, a businessman, a husband, father and grandfather, you see all of that in how he has conducted himself each and every day in the State Senate,” Coffee said.  “He has brought his integrity, intelligence, humor and tenacity to this body and Oklahoma is the better for it.”

Members of both parties rose to thank Laughlin for his service, and praised his statesmanship and fairness in his dealings with fellow senators.

Special guests Wednesday included the senator’s wife, Charlette, daughter Jana and husband John Bushman, along with granddaughter Avery, sons Nathan and Ryan, parents, Dr. Monique and Jerry Laughlin, brother Roy Laughlin, long-time friend Dr. Oliver Seitz, Executive Assistant Guyene Robison and numerous friends and supporters from the district.

“Serving in the State Senate has been one of the greatest privileges in my life,” Laughlin said.  “I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish on behalf of our district and the state, and it has been a tremendous honor to be Western Oklahoma’s voice here at the State Capitol for these twelve years.  I’ll always be grateful for this experience.”