Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Perry Inhofe Obituary
Dr. Perry Inhofe, a 52-year-old orthopedic surgeon, died when the small plane he was piloting crashed Sunday near Owasso, a Tulsa suburb. Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, said Monday that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel "was informed of Sen. Inhofe's son's death."
"My thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Kay and their family as they mourn this terrible loss," Hagel said in a statement Monday, adding that the entire Department of Defense supports the Inhofe family and has "enduring appreciation for all they do on behalf of our military."
Perry Inhofe, who worked at Central States Orthopedics in Tulsa, was one of four children of Oklahoma's senior U.S. senator. He earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University in 1984 and graduated from medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, according to the clinic's website. Telephone messages left Monday at Inhofe's clinic weren't immediately returned.
The married father lived in Tulsa.
The multiengine plane he was piloting was headed to Tulsa International Airport when it crashed shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday, about five miles north of the airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane had taken off from Salina, Kan.
Jake Bray told the Tulsa World newspaper that he saw the crash from about 400 yards away, saying one propeller appeared to be out before "it started spiraling out of control and it hit the ground."
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said in a statement Monday night that he extends "sincere condolences" to Sen. Inhofe, his wife and the rest of the family.
"There is no greater heartbreak for a parent than the loss of a child," he said.
Jim Inhofe, 79, has been a pilot for more than 50 years and owns several planes. The Republican is known for flying to campaign stops across the state.
In an interview earlier this year with General Aviation News, the senator said he taught his son Perry to fly in the family's 1954 Grumman Tiger and that the tradition was passed on to Perry's 16-year-old son, Cole, who made his first landing in September at an air show in Wisconsin.
A tail number provided by the National Transportation and Safety Board shows that the plane Perry Inhofe was flying Sunday was a 1974 Mitsubishi MU-2B-25, a fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft. The same model has come under increased scrutiny in recent years from the FAA after statistics showed a rising rate of accidents involving the plane. As a result, the agency developed a new comprehensive standardized pilot training program for the aircraft in 2008.
___
SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press
Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report from Washington, D.C.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
35 Entries
March 10, 2020
He did my hand surgery in late 2003. Great Dr. RIP
James 4:8
March 26, 2014
Draw close to God during this sad time.
February 20, 2014
I just received the news of Perry's passing a few hours ago. I was this workcrew boss in 1980 at Young Life's Malibu club. I remember him as a humble, poised young man. Because of his maturity, he was given the job as adult guest busboy. I think his time on workcrew was a really special time for him. He will forever be that kind young man who had just graduated from high school. He was part of an exceptional group of kids from the south who came on that June workcrew. Blessings to you his family. Death is never the final word in a believer's life. Sincerely, Sue Watson R.N.
How you can show support
Charles Davis
November 18, 2013
Inhofe family; we have a devoted prayer group and learned in my Sunday morning Bible class that one of our parent's son, Mitchell Knight was a good friend of your son. There are so many ties throughout our great state an among Christians with your family. Just know that you and your entire family are so much in our prayers as well as so many others in God's kingdom to help you deal with this transition! May God continue to heal and safeguard your lives. Our DEEPEST heart felt sympathies to all of you! Know that this too, shall some day pass. Joyful Blessings to come from the great works Dr. Perry accomplished and for the many many lives he touched.
Beverly Davis
November 16, 2013
To the family ... please my deepest sincerest condolences; I am so sorry to learn of the death of your loved one.
Carolyn Varble
November 14, 2013
My husband and I were heartbroken to learn of Dr. Perry's tragic death on Nov. 10th. He had operated on my husband's right hand and had an appointment scheduled for the left hand on Nov. 19th. Dr. Inhofe was such a kind, caring physician and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God bless and comfort you as only He can.
November 14, 2013
Perry, I am one of hundreds that graduated with you at Edison. My father used to be the principal at Edison long time ago. You were a kind, generous person and always went out of your way to help and I will always remember that. Your loss will be felt for ever and my deepest sympathies to your family.
Nancy Hoopert
Ellie Case
November 14, 2013
Dr. Inhofe will always hold a piece of my heart. I must share this special encounter that blessed me. Dr. Perry, is the best example of a professional, Christian man. In 2011, I was under his care for bilateral carpal tunnel - on the day of surgery for my first hand, I was extremely anxious and so nervous, I didn't think that I could go through with procedure. Lying on the operating table, I looked up and saw Doc's compassion and asked him, "are a praying man?" for which he replied, "yes mam, I am". I then asked him, " do you mind praying with me?, He held my hand bowed his head and prayed for me as I silently lifted him in prayer too. The entire surgery team bowed and prayed with us, for us. The peace and comfort I received was amazing. The confidence in Dr. Perry was overwhelming. My heart was deeply moved, knowing my hands were being repaired by a humble man who loved God and credited God for his gift of healing. I thank God for the witness of true Christian faith in a man like Dr. Perry. I rejoice, knowing I will have the opportunity to see him again in Glory. Family, you are in my prayers and find comfort in knowing he lived for Christ and was a great witness and testament of his Faith.
Deborah & Charles Bryant
November 13, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, please accept our deepest sympathies. I can not imagine how difficult this is for your family. God bless.
Cathy Bryant
November 13, 2013
Iam very sorry for the loss my husband and really liked dr inhofe our prayers are still going up for the family may god bless you all
retta yahola
November 13, 2013
Dr Inhofe light will always shine 4 ever more in each and everyone's life he touched
Pat
November 13, 2013
I am sorry for the loo of your dear love one. Please be assured that God is willing and able to give you the strength to endure if you draw close to him. (James 4:8)
retta yahola
November 13, 2013
My prayers go out to the
of dr In
hofe and I knew him since I have worked at saint Francis hospital and he also was the one that did my hand surgery and he was very compassionate and caring person and when he had a patient on the 5th floor he would speak to me and I know words can not comfort you in your time of sorrow but the Lord can help your family thrus this and alot of prayers I will miss him :'(
Alvin and Gayle Brown
November 13, 2013
To the Inhofe family, our Prayers are with you at this time. May God wrap his arms around you and give you strength and comfort.
November 13, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this person. The bible can be of some comfort at John 3:16
November 13, 2013
TO THE FAMILY,SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.MAY OUR GRAND CREATOR LOOK KINDLY UPON YOU AT THIS TIME.....G
November 13, 2013
To the family and friends of Perry Inhofe sorry for the loss of your loved one. Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4.
Ms Alexander
November 13, 2013
Dear friends and family of Mr Perry, my condolences to all and may you look to the future with confidence that soon death, sorrow and pain will be no more but everlasting life in a peaceful new world will prevail.
M. Kosh
November 13, 2013
Nov. 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Inhofe family on the loss of you son, husband and father. May the Lord comfort you and give you strength during this difficult time.
You are in my prayer's. God Bless.
M. Kosh
Ft. Myers, Fl.
JW
November 13, 2013
Our hearts go out to the grieving family. We are sorry for your loss. Romans 15:33.
Bobbie
November 12, 2013
I was blessed to have worked with Dr. Perry at Saint Francis hospital. Perry also fixed my broken arm. He always had a smile, and treated everyone with respect. I am devastated by the news of his passing. I know that we will see him again. I know that he is watching over us from heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bobbie (Tyler, Texas. Formerly, from Tulsa, Ok.)
Frank Hobbs
November 12, 2013
As a former classmate of Perry in Tulsa i want to send my deepest sympathy's to the Inhofe family and let them know what a wonderful son and individual Perry was. He was a class act and a cut above the rest !--Frank Hobbs--Tulsa
Acts24:15
November 12, 2013
'Jesus wept' John 11:35 At seeing the pain that lazurs family was going through because of his death, jesus wept with them. But he wept because he understands there feelings, not because there was no hope. Because after praying to his father jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. That is just a glimpse of what he is going to do for us in the future. So dear friends and family of Mr Perry, take comfort in this hope.John 11
Brenda
November 12, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Inhofe family for the tragic death of Perry. I am always so impressed when I hear about a passionate skill being past on from generation to generation. Though the loss of a child can be so painful left only with the joyous memories shared to ease the pain, we know that Perry left us doing one of the things that he loved to do best. May you draw close to God for comfort, and he will respond to your request abundantly.
November 12, 2013
My sympathy to in the Inhofe family and friends in this time of tragic loss. May your hearts find comfort in God's Word of promises, assurances of our heavenly Father's love,(John 3:16) and purpose to end all pain, sorrow brought upon his family of mankind. 2:14. Sincerely, Zoe
Greg Kryspin
November 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy.
From a fellow pilot.
Alicia and Doug Hothem
November 12, 2013
Jim and Kay, we are soo sorry for your loss. Perry was a good kid. Doug and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Big hug to you both.
November 12, 2013
Dear Inhofe family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. May the fond memories and the kind words of loving friends help heal your broken hearts. I pray that God will give each of you the comfort needed to see brighter days ahead.
(Ps 34:17, 18
Dwayne Bickham
November 12, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Larry and Leah Bradford
November 12, 2013
Words alone cannot express how sorry we are to hear the shocking news about Perry. Please accept our condolences. May you find peace with the passing of time. As we work through the tears, pain and grief of the sudden loss of a loved one, it is good to remember that there is much rejoicing and many happy reunions in heaven. Praying for great comfort, peace and healing for your family, friends and everyone who was fortunate enough to know Perry.
November 12, 2013
Senator Inhofe,
I am very sorry about the loss of your son. Also, having lost my sister at a young age, I can sympathize with your surviving children. God bless all of you.
DOUGLAS
November 12, 2013
SENATOR INHOFF I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SON AND I EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME.
DStallings
November 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy.May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. (1John 4:8)
November 12, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing that God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. At 1 Pet. 5:7, He invites you to "throw all your anxiety upon Him." Continue to rely on Him for strength during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Perry Inhofe's name
How to support Perry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Perry Inhofe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored