Cole Mourns Loss of Lew Ward

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) mourned the loss of Lew Ward, who founded Enid-based Ward Petroleum Corporation in 1971.

"Lew Ward was one of the country's most successful and innovative oil and gas executives. He was also a dedicated Republican who generously supported his party and its candidate at every level in good years and bad," said Cole.

"Like others who have served as Republican Party officials, I was so grateful for Lew Ward's generous and continuous donations to Republican candidates and causes. Lew was a rock solid Republican, who believed in limited government, low taxes, the free enterprise system and a strong national defense. He recognized that without a strong party structure, Republicans could never be successful.

"Lew supported the Republican party in every way possible. He served as a precinct and county official, attended countless county, state and national party meetings and believed in the future of the Republican Party long before it became the majority in Oklahoma. Every Republican state chairman and every Republican candidate knew that Lew Ward was in their corner.

"Lew and his wonderful wife Myra have been civic, philanthropic, business and political leaders in Oklahoma for literally decades. My sincerest prayers and thoughts are with Myra and the family during this difficult time. Lew will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing him," concluded Cole.

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