PRESS RELEASE: Former OKC Ward 3 Councilman Larry McAtee dies at 87


The City of OKC sends this information as posted below:


Former Councilman Larry McAtee died Oct. 11 at the age of 87.

McAtee served Ward 3 from 2001 – 2021, making him the second longest-serving councilperson in Oklahoma City history. He was reelected in 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017.

For more than two decades, McAtee passionately advocated for neighborhoods, trails, economic development and beautification citywide. He was instrumental in implementing the trails master plan and the trails wayfinding signage master plan. He also championed economic development in Bricktown and along the Oklahoma River.

“Councilman Larry McAtee was a model public servant who connected with his constituents on a personal level to solve problems and seize opportunities,” Mayor David Holt said. “Though his first priority was always his ward, Larry was also a contributor to the many citywide accomplishments we realized during his two decades of service, including the passage of three MAPS initiatives and the arrival of major league professional sports. We are grateful for his lifetime of service, and we send our deepest condolences to his family.”

Some of the boards and trusts McAtee served on include:

  • Airport Trust (chair).
  • Economic Development Trust (chair).
  • Sports Facilities Oversight Board (chair).
  • Water Utilities Trust.
  • Trails Advisory Committee.
  • Legislative Committee.
  • Audit Committee.
  • Emergency Medical Services Authority.
  • Riverfront Redevelopment Authority.

In 2023, the City named the park at Crystal Lake in Ward 3 after him.

“It was an honor to serve the residents of Ward 3 and the City of Oklahoma City for 20 years,” Councilman McAtee said at the park dedication. “It was my privilege to serve alongside neighborhood leaders and City Staff who were passionate about growing and improving our great City. May God continue to bless the City of Oklahoma City.”

McAtee’s service will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 23 at Quail Springs Baptist Church.


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