The model of Tulsa's Golden Driller Statue has passed away. John Stephens Jr. oversaw the construction of the Golden Driller in 1966 and then became the model for the 75-foot statue.

Tulsa’s Golden Driller has been standing tall in midtown since 1966. At 76 feet, the statue towers over Expo Square and is a popular spot with tourists, with a history you might not be familiar ...

The Golden Driller turns 50 this year. John Stephens, 79, recalls the project from sketching to installation. He was an unwitting model and oversaw the statue's construction.Photo gallery: Through the ...

John Stephens, a longtime Tulsa construction superintendent who not only supervised the building of the city’s iconic Golden Driller but served as the model for the statue, died Tuesday. He was 88.

Additionally, Tulsa County declared January 30th, 2023 as John Franklin Stephens Jr. Day. Sen. Stephens shared the news of his father’s passing on social media.

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.