David Boren’s name has not appeared on a ballot since 1990, and he retired from the University almost seven years ago. That might account for why David’s family has been overwhelmed and grateful for all the tributes to him since his death on February 20. The Boren family wants to thank all those who have expressed their condolence by phone calls, text messages, e-mails, cards and public statements. Our cup runneth over.
Why have Oklahomans responded as they have to his death? His family believes it is because Oklahomans know how much David Boren loved Oklahoma - and them. He demonstrated this in every public role he ever assumed - a true public servant - and statesman.
David Boren was born on April 21, 1941, when his father Lyle Boren was serving in Congress. After David entered politics, Governor George Nigh delighted in introducing David at all events by saying, “David Boren was not born in Oklahoma. He was born in Washington, D.C. because he wanted to be close to his mother.”
Notwithstanding his actual birthplace, David always regarded himself as a native-born son of Oklahoma. And he especially loved his hometown of Seminole. All his life, David Boren truly believed Seminole, Oklahoma, was the Garden of Eden in America. And in terms of the quality of Seminole’s public schools, it may well have been.
The Seminole oil boom of the late 1920s brought wealth to that small town, swelling the ad valorem taxes that helped fund public schools. The Seminole leadership and the local school board wanted to invest in the best public schools they could for “our kids.” And by “our kids” they meant all the kids in Seminole, not just their own children.
They wanted academic excellence for their kids. So they hired as superintendent a PhD. former college president (who had been fired by Governor Alfalfa Bill Murray.) Seminole’s new superintendent, in turn, hired great teachers and created an outstanding public school system. The fact that David Boren was not the first Rhodes Scholar from Seminole, but the second Rhodes Scholar from Seminole is compelling evidence for what an excellent public school system can produce.
One of the finest teachers at Seminole High School was H.B. Mitchell, who became a legendary debate coach. He produced so many national debate champions that the National Debate Trophy is named “The H.B. Mitchell Debate Trophy.”
Any number of lawyers from Seminole will attest they owe much of their skill in the courtroom to their debate coach H.B. Mitchell. David always said that when he engaged in a debate on the Senate floor, he was terrified Mr. Mitchell was watching C-Span and critiquing his debated skills.
Perhaps because David had been the beneficiary of a superb public school education, he became a lifelong champion of public schools. He believed the wisest investment the State of Oklahoma could make is in quality public education - kindergarten through higher education. As Governor, David created the Gifted and Talented Program in Oklahoma Public Schools. As a U.S. Senator, he created the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence to recognize and reward great public schools students and teachers. And as President of the University of Oklahoma, he raised academic standards and lots of money for scholarships to provide access to higher education for students who could not afford to go to college. He even created a scholarship for students who were the first members of their families to go to college.
A teacher/mentor can have a lifelong impact on young people. The young people David mentored as Governor, U.S. Senator and University President speak of how much they learned from him that they apply in their own lives today as parents, professionals and leaders in their communities.
Above all, David was an educator - event teaching a political science class every semester when he was President of OU. And he remained a passionate advocate for good public education in Oklahoma at all levels. May his tribe increase.
David is home now - physically and spiritually. He was interred in Maple Grove Cemetery in his beloved Seminole at a family graveside service on February 24, officiated by his son-in-law Reverend Greg Headington. May David rest in peace. And may his life be an example for young people who aspire to public service.
He is survived by his wife, of forty-seven years, Molly Shi Boren; his daughter, Carrie Boren Headington and Greg; his son, Dan Boren and Andrea, and his grandchildren, Janna Boren and Hunter Boren.
David Boren’s memorial service will take place Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th Street, in Oklahoma City. The service will also be live-streamed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends consider a donation to the David L. Boren Scholarship Fund at East Central University Foundation at 1100 14th Street PMB YS, Ada, OK 74820. Online donations can be made at www.ecok.edu/donate. The scholarships will be awarded to worthy students solely on the basis of financial need.