John Spellman | |
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18th Governor of Washington | |
In office January 14, 1981 – January 16, 1985 | |
Lieutenant | John Cherberg |
Preceded by | Dixy Lee Ray |
Succeeded by | Booth Gardner |
1st King County Executive | |
In office May 1, 1969 – January 14, 1981 | |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | Ron Dunlap |
King County Commissioner | |
In office January 1, 1968 – May 1, 1969 | |
Preceded by | Scott Wallace |
Succeeded by | Office abolished |
Personal details | |
Born | John Dennis Spellman December 29, 1926 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
Died | January 16, 2018 Seattle, Washington, U.S | (aged 91)
Resting place | Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse |
Lois Murphy (m. 1954) |
Children | 6 |
Education | Seattle University (BBA) Georgetown University (JD) |
Occupation |
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Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1944–1946[1] |
Battles/wars | World War II |
John Dennis Spellman (December 29, 1926 – January 16, 2018) was an American politician who served as the 18th governor of Washington U.S. state from 1981 to 1985 and as the first King County Executive from 1969 to 1981.
Spellman was elected governor in 1980 amid large gains for Republicans across the country. During his tenure, the Washington State economy suffered due to the early 1980s recession. Spellman was defeated in his reelection campaign in 1984. To date, he is the last Republican to have held the office of Governor of Washington U.S. state.[2]