Monday, November 21, 2016
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department is mourning the loss of Larry Derryberry. The former Attorney General passed away Saturday. In Derryberry’s honor, Gov. Mary Fallin has ordered all U.S. and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half-staff Monday, Nov. 28.
“This is a great loss for the State of Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Larry leaves behind a legacy of great leadership, courage and integrity. As Insurance Commissioner, his dedication to this department, public service and the insurance industry means so much to me. I will miss him both as a staunch consumer advocate and as a friend. Larry will be remembered as one of Oklahoma’s great sons.”
Angela Ables, Assistant Attorney General under Derryberry, issued this statement:
“Larry was an exceptional person. Not only was his legal acumen beyond comparison, he had a unique ability to synthesize issues into workable solutions and he was always concerned about how his decisions affected people and their lives. His judgment on all matters, whether it be political, legal or personal, was absolutely and uniquely sound. Larry's best single trait was his love for his friends and family. If you were his friend, he would move heaven and earth for you and even though his background was political, he did not care with which political party you associated; he was your friend. The only ones he loved more than his friends were his family members and his Creator. He was truly one of the best men I have ever known and I am proud to have been associated with him. I learned a lot from him and will miss him dearly.”
Derryberry, who served as Oklahoma Attorney General from 1971-78, founded the law firm of Derryberry & Naifeh in 1979 concentrating on government law. Much of his work involved the insurance industry. He represented the American Insurance Association (AIA), the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association, individual insurance companies and self-insured groups. He was also a National Tornado Summit Foundation board member.
“It has been my privilege and deep honor to have worked with former Attorney General Larry Derryberry for many years and an even greater privilege to call him my friend,” said Kim Decker, Director of Government & Industry Affairs, Farmers Insurance. “His history of service to Oklahoma cannot be measured by mere words, but is a legacy that will stand the test of time.”
The funeral service is planned for Monday, Nov. 28 at 2:00 on the fourth-floor rotunda of the state Capitol.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the 4-H Foundation. The 4-H Foundation is devoted to educating and developing Oklahoma’s youth. Derryberry, a 4-H member as a child, served two six-year terms on the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board. He was also named a National 4-H Alumni award winner and recognized as a State 4-H Partner and State 4-H Alumni winner.
Photos of Derryberry at OID events can be found here.
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Dexter
405-522-0683
Kelly.Dexter@oid.ok.gov