PART 2: Friends, patients, staffers share stories and tributes about Dr. Tom Coburn

Dr. Tom Coburn passed away on Saturday, leaving behind his cancer-ridden body as he entered into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us who remain behind now gaze at the full measure of his life, and the tremendous legacy that he leaves behind.

On Tuesday, I posted stories, memories, and tributes from "real" people, folks who were medical patients during Coburn's career, friends from the community, people who worked on his congressional or campaign staffs. You can read that post here.

Thanks to all who sent in their stories and memories. Dr. Coburn was a truly great man who touched countless lives.


Wayne and Suzie Buck (Muskogee, OK):

Our best memories of Dr Tom Coburn: When we first think of Dr Tom Coburn  we remember his smile and laugh. He was always so friendly and kind. He loved his wife Carolyn and his children, and you could tell it. His love for children and families was widely known especially in his medical practice, and support of pro-life issues.

Dr Coburn was an amazing US Senator. He was a one-of-a-kind Statesman, and leader in his strong support for eliminating government pork spending, and support of states rights. He was a man of honor and out spoken about his faith in Jesus Christ.

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to know Dr Coburn and experience parts of his life. We love and pray for his precious family.

 Gwen Coburn (Muskogee, OK):

I never in my life considered working for anyone in politics, but when Tom asked me to be part of his first campaign, I couldn’t say no.  Bob and I had both worked with Tom in the family business in Virginia.  What an education I received!  Everywhere we turned people said 'that’s not how you do it', but that’s how Tom did it.  We kept primary office staff in Oklahoma, not Washington.  I spent time standing in his doctor’s office hallway to catch him between patients because he didn’t want to lose touch.  Keeping the proper balance between medical and congressional was always priority.  He read all the time in the car as he traveled District 2 and on the airplane as he came home most weekends. He always said coming home kept him focused on what was important. He depended on Carolyn to keep him grounded.  There are memories I’ll have for a lifetime because Tom decided he could make a difference.  And he did. I’m proud to call him my cousin through marriage and a friend through our time together.

Dan Hourigan (Bartlesville, OK):

I never thought a 4 month internship working in Dr. Coburn’s DC office would lead to some of the best 8 years of my life. It was a privilege, an honor, and a humbling experience to be able to work under his leadership. When thinking about Dr. Coburn, the words ‘moral courage’ come to mind, as well as ‘surrender’, ‘compassion’, ‘sacrifice’, ‘humility’, ‘principled’, ‘ethical’, ‘committed’, ‘loving’ and ‘reconciliation’.

Dr. Coburn was one of the greatest living examples God has given me of true servant leadership. He was a difference maker.

A memory I have working for Dr. Coburn was a morning at the Tulsa office back in November of 2008. He had a few morning meetings scheduled before he caught a flight to DC, and I had planned to get there about an hour before I thought he might get there. Anyone that knows Dr. Coburn knows that getting somewhere before Dr. Coburn gets there was going to be difficult 🙂. He was always early, and he was at the office before anyone else that morning. He was excited about a book that he was reading by A. W. Tozer called “The Pursuit of God”. He had the book in his hand and he took some time that morning to share with me what he was reading and learning.

He shared about living with a spiritual sense.
He shared about living for and experiencing Heaven here on earth.
He shared from the book...

“We apprehend the physical world by exercising the faculties given us for the purpose, and we possess spiritual faculties by means of which we can know God and the spiritual world if we will obey the Spirit's urge and begin to use them.”

“Faith enables our spiritual sense to function.”

“A spiritual kingdom lies all about us, enclosing us, embracing us, altogether within reach of our inner selves, waiting for us to recognize it. God Himself is here waiting our response to His Presence.”

That is how I will remember Dr. Coburn. This is how I saw him live his life. He had a spiritual sense about him that gave him clear direction, courage, strength and peace in all that he was called to do.

His desire to trust God, and to walk in obedience in whatever the Holy Spirit led him to do in life...was not only a part of his testimony here on earth, but this example that he lived out has touched and encouraged many, and will carry on into eternity.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Coburn’s wife Carolyn, and his entire family.

Deloris Branch (Muskogee, OK):

Wonderful man. Delivered my granddaughters.

John Hasler (Muskogee, OK):

Many memories! Dr. Coburn's father, Bill, and my Father, Joe, were very good friends so our families interacted quite a bit.  My brother and I used to go horseback riding at the original Coburn ranch near Taft.  Tom's mother, Joy, in later year's would go to the nursing home to read and visit my mother after my father's death.  The main memory I have of Senator Coburn was went I was sent to Washington, D.C. to receive an award from the VA for working with Veteran Owned Businesses while I was a government contract consultant working at Indian Capital Tech Center. I received a call from Senator Coburn apologizing for not being able to attent the award ceremony but would like to to stop by his senate office to visit.  Upon arrival there, and aide ushered me to the Senator's office where Senator Coburn immediately dismissed the aide saying, "Leave us in private, we have hometown to talk about."

From that point, he first congratulated me on the VA award, recalled working with me when he was a congressman and our visits at the Muskogee office, thanked me for my assistance to Veterans and all small businesses in my service area, then, said that was enough business talk...let's talk family and Muskogee.  The rest of the visit (about an hour) centered around our fathers and mothers friendships, his brother Jim taking my brother and me on horseback rides, all about my children and his and their accomplishments, life in Muskogee during the time we grew up, Coburn Optical and Bebb Floral. We discussed our religious beliefs and how important they are to us...and as an influence on our family and community. He remembered my sisters and brother by name and I his and we exchanged condolences over family losses.

I left his office realizing our "jobs" were important....but, but more importantly our dedication to our beliefs, our family, community and country.

A few years later, at a gathering at NSU Muskogee, I was blessed with personally visiting Senator Coburn again.  Later, addressing a standing room only crowd he made a statement I'll never forget.  Answering a question about legislators and elections he stated:  "You need to vote the whole batch of us out and elect people who truly care!"  It was not exclusive, it was inclusive, which struck me odd and yet was so like him.

I only regret Dr. Coburn did not get to visit much in the last several years, I often thought of him with great admiration and appreciation.

The Steve Tinnin family (Fort Gibson, OK):

Hi Jamison, I hope I am not too late but wanted to add a memory.  I actually have many. He was such a kind and caring dr to our family.  Always taking the time to listen to our cares and concerns..... always made sure we were very well taken care of.  Not only as a physician, but as a man of strong faith, always ready to offer godly encouragement And wisdom.  One example of the kind of Dr. he was for us...when our oldest daughter, Katy, was 3, she had tripped and had gashed her eyebrow.  I rushed her to the ER knowing she would need stitches.  While waiting nervously in the waiting room, Dr Tom just happened (divine appointment) to be walking through on his way out.  He could have easily waved and offered pleasantries on his way out, but instead stopped to see what had happened and after finding out....wisked us back to an area in the ER and stitched up her eyebrow himself. Not only saving us an actual ER charge but even suggested that instead of going to the ER after his office hours.... always call him first and he would meet us at his office to care for us or meet us at the ER if need be.  I know he did this for many of his patients.  It was because  he genuinely cared for his patients. Also, when he delivered our second Daughter, Amelia, he gave us 2 books by Christian author, James Dobson.  (Dare to Discipline and Parenting isn’t for Cowards) writing a touching message on the inside cover of each and signing ”Dr. Tom”. These books are special and are now being used for our grandchildren.  I could go on and on.  He always went the extra mile. It showed in everything he did. Including politics. He will always be special to our family. We are thankful and blessed to have known him.

Katie Bailey (Rockville, MD):

Dr. Coburn was a rare politician in that he was a-political.  Most politicians are “credit hoggers”—always taking credit for accomplishments or stretching the value of their contribution to curry favor with constituents.  Like so many areas, Dr. Coburn cut against the grain in this regard.  He regularly let other members take the lead name on bills (even if he drafted the bill).  This happened time and time again!  Similarly, members often quibble over who gets the “bill number” when a piece of legislation is about to become law (for example, will the S. version in the Senate become law or the H.R., House version—“I want my number to be come law!”).  Dr. Coburn always used to tell the team—what matters is that the bill gets done, let them have the bill number.  Perhaps this was a dangerous game to play in the world of politics to give bills and credit to others when one is supposed to prove their efficacy.  However, I believe people recognized how hard he worked, still knew how much he contributed, and continue to see how his legacy bears fruit even today.

Denise Crosswhite-Hader (Piedmont, OK):

Sad to learn today that we have lost a great statesman. As a staffer for Congressman Ernest Istook, I had the privilege to work along side Dr. Tom Coburn when he was in the US House and I worked for him when he ran for the US Senate. He said his wife had been praying about him running and we had been praying that he would run. If you recall he got into the race very late and still won handily. He was a good and Godly man.

He inspired me to be a better citizen and legislator. When I ran for the OK House of Representatives I had the chance visit with him for about half an hour. We talked through several of the issues and he asked me to not just increase taxes to fix a problem and to support parents to have the best choice for their children's education. I promised to do both. I am sorry for the loss for his family and the loss for our nation. We have all lost the example of what a Pubic Servant should be. Thanks Dr. Coburn for serving us all.

Chris Johnson (Tulsa, OK):

On May 31, 1998 my little sister was born. I was 6 yrs old and he was her deliverer. He came out to announce her birth to my family and made sure, me being the big brother, was the first to see her. Was the only time I was around him but I definitely won’t forget it! RIP

PART 1: Friends, patients, staffers share stories and tributes about Dr. Tom Coburn

Dr. Tom Coburn passed away on Saturday, leaving behind his cancer-ridden body as he entered into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us who remain behind now gaze at the full measure of his life, and the tremendous legacy that he leaves behind.

In the time since the news broke, I have received numerous press releases from elected officials and politicians, all lauding Dr. Coburn, his life, and his career. A perusal of media interviews and Twitter feeds with show comments from many people in politics all remembering Coburn fondly, even though many of those same individuals fought his efforts tooth-and-nail when he was in office.

I wanted to get reactions from "real" people, folks who were medical patients during Coburn's career, friends from the community, people who worked on his congressional or campaign staffs. I received so many responses and stories, some including photos, that I'll be breaking this into two posts.

Thanks to all who sent in their stories and memories. Dr. Coburn was a truly great man who touched countless lives.


Muskogee Family Medicine, Dr. Coburn's old practice:

It is with great sadness we mark the passing of the founder of Muskogee Family Medicine, Thomas Allen Coburn, MD. Dr. Coburn began what became Muskogee Family Medicine in 1986 at the corner of 12th and Broadway in Muskogee with only three employees. In 1990 he moved the practice to its current location.

“Dr. Tom” , as we call him, pursued the practice of family medicine with a passion and was an inspiration to us all. He entered his medical career after success in his family’s optical business. A victory over melanoma inspired him to become a physician. He stated that “he wanted to give back, because he had been given to”.

His dedication to his patients was inexhaustible. Over his career he delivered some 4,000 babies and would often see over 30 patients per day in his office. After election to the US House of Representatives in 1994, he would fly to and from Washington DC every week so that he could continue to serve his patients. He maintained this schedule for the entire six year term.

Few men have better lived Jesus’ description of self-sacrifice noted in John 15:13—“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.”

Dr. Tom was an example to us all of a life well lived. He was a great physician because he was a great man.

Jane Treat (Broken Arrow, OK):

His generosity.

I moved from VA to Oklahoma to work to help him get elected in 2004. He was a legend. His character, courage, and conviction earned him a reputation of trust and action among DC conservatives. I moved from DC, planning to work for free (even though I had 3 paid job offers at the time) to get this citizen legislator who believed in term limits elected to the Senate.

I had worked at the RNC and on several political campaigns. I coordinated pastor breakfasts with David Barton for the RNC. I tested get out the vote strategies in MO and VA in several different campaigns. I was naively a Party (Republican) girl. Then I met Dr. Coburn. I learned quickly that the Party is not the answer. I was shocked that a man of such deep conviction and fidelity to conservative principles had a life long registered Democrat (think pro-life Reagan Democrat) as a close friend, mentor, and Congressional employee - who eventually led our Senate offices. This rocked my paradigm. Dr. Coburn was so nuanced but consistent. My fidelity began to shift away from Party affiliations, closer to the Constitution, and I became convinced that term limits were essential to change in DC. Dr. Coburn convinced me. Term limits not faithfulness to a party platform were what made Dr. Coburn so unique and effective. I had never thought or cared about term limits, but I came to see first hand working for him in the Senate and hearing his heart over and over that term limits are in fact revolutionary and effective in helping steer our country to a better place.

My world was rocked as a just out of college person to learn that the LEGENDARY Conservative Republican, who shut down committee hearings and used rules to out whit the Republican Leadership, had a Democrat policy leader in his House office and committed to running his Senate office if elected to the Senate (which turned out pretty well!). This rocked my world at the time - but I came to see the wisdom in his decisions. Definitely an out of the box type of person.

As I went around the state campaigning for him (in t-shirts with his logo), I never heard a snide comment - in fact just the opposite. People everywhere revered him. Trusted him. Dare I say loved him.

So many people organically gave and contributed to the culture and success he enjoyed. One such person was Ruth Gianta, an 80 something lady who adored Dr. Coburn. She had several of us to her home to show us video tapes of his interviews from the House days, she set a culture, shared faith in Christ, and impacted so much of what we did. She believed he was the answer to her prayers. She prayed for someone like him before he ran for Congress and she encouraged us to all be prayer warriors too.

Every Tuesday we would have a campaign volunteer night called: "Tuesday's for Tom" at the headquarters in Muskogee. The volunteers became a sort of family. Not a usual political activists but people who he had personally impacted and touched. There was a couple, that came faithfully, even though they were registered Democrats. They loved Dr. Tom because he had somehow helped the wife medically. There was a lady who he had touched by giving surgery for free because she could not afford it. A lady who told me after many nights together that the truck she drove used to be his and that she needed it to go to and from work and that he had heard of the need and gave it to her. Or the older single lady who was in the hospital with no family and she was scared so he stayed by her side all night. All. Night. Or the lady whose baby he saved during delivery. Or the firefighter who had had him as a doctor growing up and he delivered their twin boys. Story after story of people who would walk through fire for a man who did good to them.

Dr. Coburn did mini in home town hall type fundraisers. Most had small donors giving anywhere from $25 to $250. It was totally unconventional to do these but he would share his heart and answer questions. A fire was lit in the hearts of those who heart from him directly. People wanted to do all they could to help him reach the Senate and be their representative. In Atoka one day we handed out more voter registration cards, as person after person changed their party affiliation to be able to vote for Dr. Coburn. I sat with a man, a veteran, whose wife was ill and who traveled to the VA to get free treatment and collect his VA check. He talked about the high cost of gas and how he didn't know how he could get by. Later at that event the host made a pitch for everyone to reach in their pockets to give all they could. I walked around this time with donor cards. The older, veteran asked for one and carefully wrote out a check. His cursive was bumpy and he was very deliberate. He wrote the check for seventeen dollars and some change. I think it was $17.23. I immediately took off chasing down Dr. Coburn's car as he was off to another event and said, "please come meet this donor - he's given so much. Take a picture with him." And he had. He was the person Dr. Coburn carried in his heart. It was promises in homes across the state to defend and protect the Constitution that seared his heart and conscience. It was these people he never betrayed.

Usually when someone is on a high pedestal they fall and they fall hard if you give them enough time. My husband and/or I worked for Dr. Tom during the entirety of his time in office and even afterward. Our admiration and respect ended as strong as our optimism when we started, only we grew to know him as family not just as a modern day hero.

Sue Dobson, LPN (Checotah, OK):

I write you with tears in my eyes, and severe sadness in my heart, that my champion has passed.

It was my privilege to work with Dr. Coburn, at Muskogee Hospital when he started his practice.  I worked in the OR, side by side with him during C-sections, normal surgeries, and occasionally, child birth. He was the most caring, selfless, compassionate doctor I ever worked with.

Several years later, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, during a routine physical, by Dr. Coburn.   Although, I had no medical insurance at the time, he guided and made sure I received surgery, treatments, and saw me thru my cancer. This was over 20 years ago. I am still alive and well, thanks to him I have been able to see my son graduate high school, watch my grandsons being born, and watch them grow.

I also cheered for him when he went off to Washington, even though it meant losing my doctor.  He was an honest man, in  a bed of snakes.  He left his mark on many and Oklahoma was proud to call him one of ours. May he rest in peace, his faith strong and sure.  Our world is a little less, with his passing, but better for having him for the years we did.

Donna Morbitzer-Thompson:

Dr Coburn was my doctor and allergist for many years. He always gave it to you straight. I will always remember his quote, “If you don’t do anything different, nothing will change”. Such a simple true statement.

Martin Updike (Fort Gibson, OK):

Jamison, I had almost forgot about this, but it came to mind this week.   In 2006, Dr. Coburn and emerging political star Senator Barack Obama co-authored the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act.   The bill passed and a signing ceremony was set at the White House.  I was on the Coburn Staff at the time and the office only had a handful of tickets and I didn’t make the cut.  I did get the job of driving Dr. Coburn to the White House.  When we pulled up right behind Obama’s car and there was a little confusion on which gate we should go in.  Eventually a secret service car pulls out on Pennsylvania Ave and has a us follow him through the correct gate.  I dropped off Dr. Coburn and I parked the car and start talking with my Obama counterpart.  After the Secret Service Officer escorted the Senators to the signing ceremony room, he comes back out and says, “What are you guys doing just standing there?  Follow me.”  He takes us right in, with no security check whatsoever, and finds us a couple of seats in the maybe 100 seat room.  I sit down and George Bush walks in a few seconds later and the short ceremony begins.  Looking back at it, the coolest part of the story is that I was in a small room in the White House with two men that would occupy the most powerful position in the world for 16 years.       

Celeste Anderson:

Dr. Tom Coburn was my family physician until he was a congressman and a senator.  I have never stopped wishing he was my physician!!!

He cared for both of my children as babies and teenagers.  There were two (2) different times when my oldest child was a baby and toddler.  One time my oldest, Tyler has been so so sick and wasn’t getting better.  Dr Coburn told me what to do that day and told me if he wasn’t better by that evening to call and I could bring him to his house. I did not end up needing to see him and got better.  This happened two different times.

Another memorable time was when my youngest son was born.  My son and me were supposed to go home that evening.  It was getting very late. Doctor arrived in my hospital room at 10:30PM just to dismiss me from the hospital so I wouldn’t have to pay for another day.  If I had not been dismissed by 11PM I would have been charged an entire new day.  You see Dr Coburn had worked in his practice all day then after work he had to go mend fence so his cattle wouldn’t get out,  There were no other patients he came to the hospital for; just me.  How do I know?  Because I asked him.

Dr Coburn was for the people and always thought of saving money for his patients.  He had money because he earned it but looked after those with less!

He was also a man of God and loved people!  He was for the people even in government!!!

You are in a better place Tom Coburn!!!

Terry Hackworth (Fort Gibson):

My wife and I struggled to have children. Several miscarriages, pregnancy problems and specialists dominated our lives for years. Then in January of 1995 Dr. Tom Coburn delivered our first baby at 1:42am. We named him Hunter.  Dr. Tom had previously informed us that he was going to be running for Congress but that he would do everything possible to deliver our baby. He kept his word! Not only did he deliver our firstborn and several other babies that night-he stayed at the hospital until 5:00 am.  I remember talking to him in the nursery when he told me he was going to have to leave.  He commented that he had to be in Tulsa to catch a flight to D.C. because at 10:00am he was going to be inaugurated into Congress. Dr. Tom over the next five years would deliver our other two children. In 1997 he delivered Hayden and in 2000 he delivered Hannah. I am forever thankful for this Godly man and for the family that I have.  Here is one of my last family pics while visiting with our firstborn and his precious wife Hannah Jane. Rest In Peace Dr. Tom.

Angela Beck (Broken Arrow, OK):

He delivered my son and helped me through my struggles and even offered to help me find an adoptive family but instead of doing that I chose to keep him and Dr. Coburn was there for me every step of the way. No more pain, but much deserved rest now. You will be missed.