Okey L. Patteson
| Okey L. Patteson | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 23rd Governor of West Virginia | |
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In office January 17, 1949 – January 19, 1953 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence W. Meadows |
| Succeeded by | William C. Marland |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
September 14, 1898 Dingess, West Virginia |
| Died | July 3, 1989 (aged 90) Beckley, West Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Lee Hawse Patteson |
| Profession | Politician |
| Religion | Methodist |
Okey Leonidas Patteson (September 14, 1898 – July 3, 1989). He was the 23rd Governor of West Virginia for the term following the 1948 election. He was a member of the United States Democratic Party and of the "machine" that totally controlled politics in that era in the state.
Okey Patteson was son of L.C. And Lola (Groves) Patteson. He was born at Dingess, West Virginia and raised at Mount Hope, Fayette County. He married Lee Hawse in 1923 and they had two children, Fanny Lee and Anna Hughes. His religious affiliation was Methodist. In 1932, a hunting accident left him disabled, as both of his legs had to be amputated below the knees.
Patteson graduated with a bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and did post-graduate work at Carnegie Institute of Technology. He was awarded honorary degrees of L.L.D. from West Virginia University in 1949 and from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Patteson worked as an automobile dealer and with real estate in Mount Hope. He served as President of Fayette County Court 1935–41 and as sheriff of Fayette County 1941–44. In the 1944 elections, he was Campaign manager for the Democratic Party and became a Presidential elector. The new governor, Clarence W. Meadows, appointed him his personal assistant, a position he held for three years, until he resigned to run for Governor, January 1, 1948. He won the nomination with a margin of 62 000 over the nearest opponent and was elected by majority of 110 000 in the general election. He served as governor for one term.
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