By Fox23.com News Staff
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Muscogee Creek Nation announced the passing of Supreme Court Vice Chief Justice Richard Lerblance.
Principal Chief David Hill said the tribe’s prayers are with the family and loved ones of Justice Lerblance, who passed away on Saturday at 80-years-old
Justice Lerblance first served 12 years on the Muscogee Nation Supreme Court from 1990-2002, before terms in both the Oklahoma Senate and House and Representatives. He returned to the tribe’s Supreme Court in 2012, where he served until his passing.
The tribe thanked Justice Lerblance for his many years of dedicated public service. Principal Chief Hill ordered flags at half-staff at tribal facilities in his honor.
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt shared a statement on Justice Lerblance’s passing:
“It was my great privilege to meet Senator Lerblance several times and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing him speak in McAlester at a community event. He had a zest for life and loved Oklahoma. I’m grateful for his service, and my prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Senator Warren Hamilton also shared a statement:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Senator Richard Lerblance, whose decades of public service left a lasting mark on southeastern Oklahoma and our state.
Senator Lerblance formerly represented Senate District 7 and was a dedicated advocate for the people of our area. Beyond his legislative service, Lerblance devoted much of his life to the law and to public service. He served multiple terms on the Muscogee Creek Nation Supreme Court, including as Chief Justice and Vice-Chief Justice, while also maintaining a law practice in Hartshorne for more than four decades. His commitment to serving others extended to his hometown, where he served on the Hartshorne City Council, the Hartshorne Board of Education, and as Chief of the Hartshorne Fire Department.
Whether in the courtroom, the Capitol, or his local community, Richard Lerblance answered the call to serve with total dedication. His legacy is one of leadership, faith, and a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.
On behalf of my family and the people of Senate District 7, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him. We join them in mourning his passing and honoring a life devoted to public service.
