OKLAHOMA CITY — Paul English, a former Tulsa World Capitol Bureau reporter known for his tenacious questioning of state officials during a 50-year career, has died after a long illness. He was 79.

“Paul was one of the best newsmen I have ever known,” said longtime colleague John Greiner.

“Paul was a tireless worker, often staying late into the night to work on stories, particularly investigative stories, for which he won several journalism awards,” Greiner said.

English was born and grew up in Ada, where he developed an interest in journalism. After graduating from Oklahoma City University, he worked briefly for the Duncan Banner before joining United Press International in Oklahoma City.

He became a fixture at Capitol news conferences, always sitting to the right of the governor. English was known for refusing to let that state’s chief executives avoid answering his questions.

“He was obnoxiously relentless,” said his widow, Nancy English.

“He would ask a governor something, and the governor would say, ‘That’s a good question, and I’ll answer it, but first let me tell you something else.’ And Paul would patiently wait, and then say, ‘That’s nice, but about my question.’ ”

Greiner said English recorded everything and played the recordings back for officials who claimed to have been misquoted.

Another colleague, Marie Price, said English “was the most kind-hearted, generous friend and colleague. But coupled with that was a tenacious bulldog of a reporter.”