George W. Lehr
George Warwick Lehr | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 March 1937 Kirksville, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | 21 March 1988 (aged 51) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, bank president |
| Known for | State Auditor of Missouri (1975–1977), first elected county executive of Jackson County, Missouri |
George Warwick Lehr (March 10, 1937 – March 21, 1988) was an American Democratic politician from Missouri who held the office of state auditor between 1975 and 1977. His public service began in 1963 when he was appointed auditor of Jackson County, Missouri. Lehr later became the first elected executive of Jackson County, succeeding the former county judge system. In the 1974 election, Lehr secured the state auditor role by defeating John Ashcroft, who would later serve as U.S. Attorney General. Lehr stepped down in 1977 to dedicate more time to his family, particularly his son afflicted with muscular dystrophy. Following his tenure, Lehr was recognized for contributing to reforms within the Teamsters’ pension fund. He passed away in 1988 due to brain tumors.
Early life and career
Lehr was born in Kirksville, Missouri and attended Kirksville High School, where he played football until he contracted Polio, which necessitated lifelong use of crutches. He earned a degree in accounting from the University of Iowa before being appointed auditor of Jackson County in 1963. At age 29, he became Jackson County’s youngest major elected official by winning the position of collector of revenue.
From 1971 to 1975, Lehr served as Jackson County’s first elected county executive, overseeing the transition of county governance to a legislature-executive model. During this period, the county completed the Truman Sports Complex, and Lehr successfully mediated a strike threat to ensure the project’s continuation. He also gained attention for resolving a prison hostage situation by volunteering himself as a hostage until the crisis ended.
State Auditor of Missouri
In the 1974 election, Lehr won the position of Missouri State Auditor by a margin of approximately 73,000 votes over incumbent John Ashcroft. As a certified public accountant, he highlighted his professional credentials and became the first CPA to hold this office.
Lehr was viewed as a strong Democratic contender for governor in 1976. Although polls indicated he would face a significant challenge against incumbent Governor Kit Bond, Lehr led among Democratic primary candidates ahead of State Treasurer James Spainhower and Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Teasdale. He had considered a gubernatorial run prior to his auditor campaign but ultimately decided against it; speculation suggested that Teasdale’s entry into the race influenced this choice.
On September 18, 1976, Lehr announced his resignation to prioritize his family and care for his terminally ill son with muscular dystrophy. Initially intending to leave office after the November election if Governor Bond remained in power, Lehr postponed his resignation until Democrat Joseph Teasdale won so that the incoming governor could appoint his replacement. Lehr officially resigned on January 11, 1977, with Thomas M. Keyes succeeding him.
Post-Auditor career
Following his departure from public office, Lehr assumed the presidency of Empire Bank and Trust Company in Kansas City. He subsequently served as chairman and CEO of Traders Bank. In 1981, Lehr was appointed executive director of the Teamsters Union Central States pension fund and played a significant role in reforming this previously troubled fund. That same year, he chose not to pursue candidacy for Missouri's 5th congressional district seat.
Death
While traveling to Washington National Airport on March 5, 1987, Lehr experienced a seizure and was promptly admitted to a hospital. Following thorough examinations at the Mayo Clinic, he was diagnosed with brain tumors that could not be surgically removed. Lehr passed away on March 21, 1988, at the age of 51, leaving behind his wife Barbara and their two daughters.