Okey L. Patteson
| Okey L. Patteson | |
|---|---|
| 23rd Governor of West Virginia | |
| In office 1949–1953 |
|
| Preceded by | Clarence W. Meadows |
| Succeeded by | William C. Marland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 14, 1898 Mingo County, 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) was born in Mingo County, West Virginia. 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.
He is best known for his decision to place the state's first medical school at West Virginia University in Morgantown, in the northern part of the state, rather than in the more centrally located Charleston. A section of West Virginia Route 705 leading to West Virginia University Hospitals is named Patteson Drive in his honor.
He also is known for the initial construction of the West Virginia Turnpike, which was to be a 4-lane road system throughout the state, although, after his term, it was superseded by the interstate highway system, with only a 2-lane section between Charleston and Princeton ever completed.
After his term he served as general manager of the Turnpike.
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| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Clarence W. Meadows |
Governor of West Virginia 1949–1953 |
Succeeded by William C. Marland |
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