Lawton Chiles

American politician (1930–1998)

Lawton Mainor Chiles, Jr. (April 3, 1930 – December 12, 1998) was an American politician. He was the 41st Governor of Florida from January 8, 1991 until his death in December 12, 1998.

Lawton Chiles
41st Governor of Florida
In office
January 8, 1991 – December 12, 1998
LieutenantBuddy MacKay
Preceded byBob Martinez
Succeeded byBuddy MacKay
United States Senator
from Florida
In office
January 3, 1971 – January 3, 1989
Preceded bySpessard Holland
Succeeded byConnie Mack III
Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget
In office
January 3, 1987 – January 3, 1989
Preceded byPete Domenici
Succeeded byJim Sasser
Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging
In office
January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1981
Preceded byFrank Church
Succeeded byH. John Heinz III
Personal details
Born
Lawton Mainor Chiles, Jr.

(1930-04-03)April 3, 1930
Lakeland, Florida
DiedDecember 12, 1998(1998-12-12) (aged 68)
Tallahassee, Florida
Resting placeChiles Family Estate Lakeland, Florida
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Rhea Chiles
RelationsKay Hagan (niece)
Alma materUniversity of Florida
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1953–1954
Battles/warsKorean War

Before he was governor, Chiles was also a United States Senator from Florida serving from January 3, 1979 to January 1989.

Chiles once walked 1,003 miles from Key West to Pensacola, so that he could win the election for the United States senate. This earned him the nickname "Walkin' Lawton".

Chiles died on December 12, 1998 in Tallahassee, Florida from a heart attack, aged 68. He was survived by his three children and his wife Rhea.

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  Media related to Lawton Chiles at Wikimedia Commons