OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, released the following statement honoring the life and service of former state Rep. Larry Ferguson, who represented House District 35 for 20 years and served as House minority floor leader. Ferguson was succeeded in the seat by former Reps. Dennis Casey and Rex Duncan before Burns was elected to serve the district.

“Larry Ferguson spent two decades representing House District 35 and his leadership left a lasting mark on the Oklahoma House of Representatives,” Burns said. “He was a steady voice in uncertain times, a principled leader who stood firm in his values and a tireless advocate for the people he served.”

Burns continued, “Larry led during a period of major change and he helped shape the path for future conservatives in a chamber that looked very different than it does today. He understood the importance of listening to people, building consensus when it mattered and never losing sight of who he worked for — the families back home.”

Burns participated in a remembrance ceremony Tuesday at the Oklahoma State Capitol, where he presented the USA flag flown in Ferguson’s honor.

“It’s a privilege to represent the same district Larry cared so deeply about,” Burns said. “He helped lay the foundation for the kind of strong, values-driven leadership rural Oklahoma still depends on. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family. His legacy reflects a life of purpose, dedicated service and a deep love of Oklahoma.”