Man Who Oversaw Tulsa's Iconic Golden Driller Construction Passes Away At 88

John Franklin Stephens, Jr., the man who supervised the construction of Tulsa's iconic Golden Driller statue and served as its model, passed away last week at the age of 88.

Oklahoma state senator Blake "Cowboy" Stephens shared memories of his father, who oversaw the Golden Driller project at the Tulsa Expo Center when the senator was just five years old. The Golden Driller, standing 75 feet tall and weighing 43,000 pounds, has been a Tulsa landmark since 1966 and was adopted as the state monument in 1979.

"I've talked to family members that their uncle or their daddy hauled dirt to put right here where we're standing," said Sen. Stephens, reflecting on the legacy of his father's work.

Stephens said his father never intended to be the model for the statue. "He just found himself in that position and that role just because the artist was there, and my dad boxed in the Navy, so he was pretty fit," he explained.

In January 2023, the city of Tulsa declared Jan. 30 "John Franklin Stephens, Jr. Day," and the state legislature honored him at the Capitol the same year.

"He was a very humble man," said Sen. Stephens. "He never wanted credit for any part that he had building the Golden Driller. It was about the men that worked on that project."

Stephens, Jr., a Navy veteran, father, and husband of 65 years, passed away on September 24, surrounded by family.

The Stephens family said they appreciate that people around Tulsa and visitors get to see Stephens, Jr.’s hard work and can-do spirit.

"It just makes my heart smile to know that my dad left such a legacy for the state of Oklahoma and for our country,” said Sen. Stephens.

Sen. Stephens also said his family is grateful for the outpouring of support and they're looking into possibly putting a plaque by the Golden Driller to honor his dad.