Longtime Journalist Jerry Fink Dies at 75

Fink spent over 50 years covering stories from war zones to Las Vegas before returning home to Oklahoma

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jerry Fink, a veteran journalist who spent over 50 years reporting on stories around the world, has died at the age of 75. Fink's career took him from the front lines of war zones to the bright lights of Las Vegas, where he covered everything from prison riots to natural disasters. In 2012, Fink returned to his home state of Oklahoma to work as editor of the Indian Journal and Democrat, a role he held until his death.

Why it matters

Fink's passing marks the end of an era for journalism in Oklahoma. As an award-winning reporter and editor, he was known for his commitment to telling the stories of everyday people and giving a voice to the voiceless. His decades of experience and dedication to the craft of reporting will be deeply missed by the local community he served.

The details

Fink began his journalism career in 1974 at the Sequoyah County Times, where he learned the value of a strong front page from his mentor, Jim Mayo. He went on to work at the Tulsa World, covering major events like the Oklahoma City bombing, before moving to Las Vegas in 1997 to become an entertainment writer at the Las Vegas Sun. There, he interviewed legends like Celine Dion and Frank Sinatra Jr. In 2012, Fink returned to Oklahoma to work as editor of the Indian Journal and Democrat, a position he held until his death on January 30, 2026.

  • Fink began his journalism career in 1974 at the Sequoyah County Times.
  • In 1980, Fink spent three weeks in Pakistan in an effort to reach Afghanistan to cover the war between Russian forces and Afghan freedom fighters.
  • Fink worked at the Las Vegas Sun from 1997 to 2009 as an entertainment writer.
  • Fink returned to Oklahoma in 2012 to work as editor of the Indian Journal and Democrat.
  • Fink received a special award from the Oklahoma Press Association in 2025 for his over 50 years in journalism.

The players

Jerry Fink

A veteran journalist who spent over 50 years reporting on stories around the world, from war zones to Las Vegas, before returning to Oklahoma to work as editor of the Indian Journal and Democrat until his death.

Jim Mayo

Fink's mentor at the Sequoyah County Times, where Fink learned the value of a strong front page.

Jeff Mayo

The publisher of the Indian Journal and Democrat, where Fink worked as editor from 2012 until his death.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“McIntosh County was lucky to have Jerry covering their news and we were lucky to call him a friend and colleague.”

— Jeff Mayo, Publisher, Indian Journal and Democrat (mcintoshdemocrat.com)

“My brother, Jack, and I first knew Jerry from when he started his career in the 1970s at the Sequoyah County Times. He worked for our dad as editor before going on to the Tulsa World, then Las Vegas Review. Jerry was not someone who ever wanted to retire, so when he came back home, we were lucky he picked us to be his last gig.”

— Jeff Mayo, Publisher, Indian Journal and Democrat (mcintoshdemocrat.com)

What’s next

The Indian Journal and Democrat plans to hold a memorial service for Jerry Fink on February 15, 2026 to celebrate his life and legacy.

The takeaway

Jerry Fink's passing marks the end of an era for journalism in Oklahoma. As an award-winning reporter and editor, he was known for his commitment to telling the stories of everyday people and giving a voice to the voiceless. His decades of experience and dedication to the craft of reporting will be deeply missed by the local community he served.