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Governor W. Lee O'Daniel

Dallas, Dallas County

Marker Text

(March 11, 1890 - May 11, 1969) Born in Ohio, Wilbert Lee O'Daniel moved to Texas in 1925. A flour mill executive, he pioneered in radio advertising and country music. His "Hillbilly Boys" theme song resulted in his nickname "Pappy." In his first try for public office he won a primary over 12 oponents and became Governor of Texas (1938). During his second term in 1941 he won a special election to the U.S. Senate, defeating Lyndon B. Johnson and others. He was elected to a full term in 1942. Recorded - 1981

Marker Details

Address 7405 W. Northwest Hwy.
Location Description Hillcrest Memorial Park. Marker reported missing Oct. 1996. Map dot approximate.
Marker # 6807
Dedicated 1978
Size, Type grave marker
Code governors; state elected official; national elected official; music; media
Latitude, Longitude 32.868413, -96.777937

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