Spencer Bernard (politician)
| Spencer Bernard | |
|---|---|
| 11th Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma | |
| In office January 3, 1979 – January 12, 1987 | |
| Preceded by | George Nigh |
| Succeeded by | Robert S. Kerr III |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 5, 1918 |
| Died | March 9, 2001 (aged 83) |
| Resting place | Rush Springs Cemetery |
| Spouse(s) | Vivian Opal Bernard |
Spencer Thomas Bernard was an American politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Bernard served as the 11th Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma from 1979 to 1987. He also served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Early life and private career
Bernard was born February 5, 1918.[1] Bernard operated a peanut-processing plant and a farming and ranching operation in Rush Springs.[2]
Political career
Bernard was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1960.[3] He served 18 years, six of which were as speaker pro tempore, the second-in-command leadership position in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.[3]
He was elected lieutenant governor in 1978.[3] In his first term, he arranged for more than $14 million in agricultural exports to Taiwan.[2]
In his reelection campaign in 1982, he defeated Democratic primary opponents John Rogers, a former secretary of state from Oklahoma City, and Rodney Ray of Jenks, Oklahoma.[2]
Death
Bernard died on March 9, 2001, and was buried in the Rush Springs Cemetery in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.[3]
References
- ↑ http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMCCCT_Spencer_Bernard_Rush_Springs_OK
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Spencer Bernard tops opponents early in race for lieutenant governor, The Oklahoman, August 25, 1982. (accessed July 23, 2013)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Greiner, John. "Former Lt. Gov. Spencer Bernard Dies, Governor orders flags to be flown at half-staff," The Oklahoman, March 10, 2001. (accessed July 24, 2013)