Former Oklahoma Gov. Bellmon dead at 88

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The body of former Oklahoma Gov. Henry Bellmon was on display Friday in the Capitol, days after the official's death at the age 88, one of his daughters says.

Gail Wynne, one of Bellmon's three daughters, said her family was touched by the number of people who visited the state Capitol Friday to offer their last respects to Bellmon, who died Tuesday of unspecified causes, The Oklahoman reported.

"We are just overwhelmed by the outpouring, it's just been wonderful," Wynne said. "We knew that so many people love him and cared about him -- but the stories that have come forth. That's one of the reasons we all wanted to be here today was to hear everyone's stories."

In honor of Bellmon, who also once represented Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has ordered all flags on state property to be flown at half-mast.

The Tulsa (Okla.) World said Bellmon, who died after a battle with Parkinson's disease, is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughters, Gail Wynne, Pat Hoerth and Ann McFerron; and four grandchildren.