Former U.S. Rep. Mike Oxley of Ohio dies of cancer at 71

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Oxley, a 12-term congressman from Findlay who co-sponsored the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley Act, died Friday. He was 71.

Oxley died in his sleep at home in McLean, Va., according to Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, one of his successors in Congress, and Jody O’Brien, co-director of the Hancock County Board of Elections.

He suffered from nonsmall cell lung cancer, a type of lung cancer seen in nonsmokers, his widow, Patricia, told The Associated Press. He was chairman of the Lung Cancer Alliance board of directors.

“I do believe Mike represented us at that time as well as anyone could represent a district,” said O’Brien, who was his campaign treasurer when he was in the House. “He was a wonderful person. His love for Findlay shown through and he was a great statesman.”

“The country has lost a great public servant and I have lost a great friend and mentor,” said Gov. John Kasich. “Throughout my time in Congress, Mike Oxley was always there to help me, support me and encourage me,” the governor said. “There will always be a special place in my heart for him. … His family should be very proud of his legacy and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”

Latta said, “He was someone who loved working for his constituents, not only in state and federal government, but as an FBI agent.”

He never forgot Findlay, the University of Findlay, or the community, Latta said.

“His presence will be sorely missed,” Latta said.