Washington County GOP chair Mike Lessard dies

Andy Dossett, Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
·2 min read
State Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, with Washington County Republican Party Chairman Mike Lessard, who died Sunday.
State Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, with Washington County Republican Party Chairman Mike Lessard, who died Sunday.

Mike Lessard, chairman of the Washington County Republican Party since 2021, died suddenly Sunday of unknown causes.

He expressed his intention to run for a second term during the upcoming Washington County Republican Convention scheduled for Saturday.

He is survived by his children, Marcus and Jennifer Lessard, and preceded in death by his wife, Grace Lessard, in 2021.

"Mike loved this community and loved people, and the passion he embodied encouraged people to get involved and stay engaged," said Alexander Johnson, vice chair of the county Republican party.

Several local leaders and friends expressed their condolences on social media.

State Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville posted a photo of herself and Lessard.

"Mike was a blessing to his church, his Republican Party and to each individual with whom he came in contact. He was gentle, generous, selfless and kind. He welcomed all to participate in our GOP activities, which he meticulously planned," Daniels wrote.

She said Lessard sought to "find those things that might connect people and encourage them to work together."

Daniels said Lessard believed in and practiced civil discourse.

"I am grateful to him for his management of our Washington County GOP. I'm so glad I got to have a long conversation with him Friday to thank him," Daniels wrote. "Mike Lessard was a Christian gentleman. We need more like him."

Former Republican Party chairman Joe Beffer praised Lessard for his love of country and God.

"Mike was one of the best men I have ever known," Beffer said. "He loved his God, his family, this country, this community and he loved the Republican Party. He was the uniter of our party."

State Rep. John Kane, R-District 11, said Lessard was a man who genuinely cared for people.

"We have lost a fine man of integrity. I will miss him," Kane wrote.

Tonight's monthly GOP meeting has been canceled. There are no plans to postpone Saturday's county convention at this time, according to party officials.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Washington County GOP chair Mike Lessard dies