Spencer Bernard (politician)

Spencer Bernard
11th Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
In office January 3, 1979 – January 12, 1987
Governor	George Nigh
Preceded by	George Nigh
Succeeded by	Robert S. Kerr III
Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
In office 1961–1979
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 (February 5, 1918 – March 9, 2001) 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

1. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMCCCT_Spencer_Bernard_Rush_Springs_OK
2. Spencer Bernard tops opponents early in race for lieutenant governor, The Oklahoman, August 25, 1982. (accessed July 23, 2013)
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)