Missouri Governor. Educated at Southwest Missouri State College, the University of Missouri, he studied law Cumberland University in Tennessee and was admitted to the bar in 1924. He established a legal firm in Jefferson City, Missouri and was the city attorney in 1925. He was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, (1928-37). During World War II, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was decorated for his actions in the European Theater. After the war, he was the Mayor of Jefferson City in 1947 and was Lieutenant Governor of Missouri, (1948-56). In 1956, he was elected as a Democratic the 44th Governor of Missouri, serving until 1961. While he was in office, the state highway patrol was expanded, a water pollution control board was organized, highway speed limits were instituted and a state employee retirement plan was initiated. After his term, he lived in retirement until his death from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning at age 60.j
Missouri Governor. Educated at Southwest Missouri State College, the University of Missouri, he studied law Cumberland University in Tennessee and was admitted to the bar in 1924. He established a legal firm in Jefferson City, Missouri and was the city attorney in 1925. He was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, (1928-37). During World War II, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was decorated for his actions in the European Theater. After the war, he was the Mayor of Jefferson City in 1947 and was Lieutenant Governor of Missouri, (1948-56). In 1956, he was elected as a Democratic the 44th Governor of Missouri, serving until 1961. While he was in office, the state highway patrol was expanded, a water pollution control board was organized, highway speed limits were instituted and a state employee retirement plan was initiated. After his term, he lived in retirement until his death from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning at age 60.j
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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