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Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2010
Charles and his beloved companion and service dog Hobbs at their
home.
Charles and Hobbs
Charles Israel worked at the Senate for 15 years serving in various
capacities including Web Adminstrator.
Senate Family Mourns Passing of Charles Israel
The members and staff of the Oklahoma State Senate
are mourning the passing of long-time Senate webmaster, Charles
Israel. Israel, 48, had battled Muscular Dystrophy for years, yet
diligently carried out his responsibilities managing the Senate
website even as the illness progressed. He also was the point-man
for Executive Nominations heard by the Senate, ensuring proper protocol
was followed at all stages of the process. Israel passed away early
Wednesday morning after suffering a massive stroke late Tuesday
afternoon while at work.
On Wednesday morning, the Senate, staff and others in the gallery
observed a moment of silence in honor of Charles Israel; a man described
as inspirational.
"Charles epitomized perseverance, courage and dedication in
the face of adversity," said Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn
Coffee. "We all mourn his passing, and send our heartfelt condolences
to his mother, Norma, and his sisters, Jennifer and Sara."
Israel attended Edmond Memorial High School and was a graduate of
the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Israel joined the Senate
staff in January, 1995. In addition to his web skills, he was also
known for his sense of humor and masterful planning of practical
jokes. Israel was a tremendous sports fan, and loved techno music.
As his mobility became increasingly impacted by MD, he required
a wheelchair. In response, Senate co-workers and friends held an
auction to purchase a trained service dog, Hobbes, who was his constant
companion at work and at home for more than a decade.
Israel was preceded in death by his father, Charles, and brother,
Paul, both of whom also had MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may
be given in Charles’ memory to Paws With A Cause, www.pawswithacause.org.
For more information contact:
Senate Communications: 405-521-5774
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