Tulsans Honor Late State Labor Commissioner

Three days after the state labor commissioner was murder in Oklahoma City, Tulsans gathered to remember him.

Wednesday, August 26th 2015, 11:42 pm

By: News On 6


Three days after the state labor commissioner was murder in Oklahoma City, Tulsans gathered to remember him.

A lot of people turned out Wednesday night to honor Mark Costello, and their messages were very similar.

People referred to the commissioner as a man of passion, saying hopefully some good can come out of the tragedy.

It was a touching tribute to a man admired by so many.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett and his wife, Victoria, showed obvious emotion as they spoke about Costello.

"We've lost a great friend and leader, and our heart goes out and our condolences to his family," he said.

Joining the mayor was a room full of elected officials, including Costello's long-time Chief of Staff and Bishop, Edward Slattery.

"This terrible tragedy can be turned to show God's presence in some of the darkest moments," he said.

Many, like Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, said they're already seeing signs of that; in particular, a raised awareness of mental illness.

Costello's 26-year-old son, Christian, now faces a first-degree murder charge in his father's death. It happened Sunday night outside an Oklahoma City Braum's.

8/26/20115 Related Story: Police: Son Planned Attack That Killed Mark Costello

The Costello family said Christian has a history of mental illness.

"If it can happen to him, and the more you study the background on this tragedy, it shows we ought to be doing more on mental health," Inhofe said.

But Wednesday wasn't about Costello's death; instead, it was about the life he lived - a life that impacted many, especially in Tulsa.

"This brings us all closer together and makes this community of Tulsa even more sympathetic and understanding of one another," Slattery said.

Costello's funeral services will be this weekend in Edmond.

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