Joseph P. Teasdale

Joseph Teasdale
Teasdale (c. 1977)
48th Governor of Missouri
In office
January 10, 1977 – January 12, 1981
LieutenantBill Phelps
Preceded byKit Bond
Succeeded byKit Bond
Personal details
Born
Joseph Patrick Teasdale

(1936-03-29)March 29, 1936
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
DiedMay 8, 2014(2014-05-08) (aged 78)
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Theresa Ferkenhoff
(m. 1973)
RelationsWilliam B. Teasdale (grandfather)
Children3
EducationRockhurst University (BA)
Saint Louis University (JD)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Air Force
RankAirman 3rd Class
UnitReserves

Joseph Patrick Teasdale (March 29, 1936 – May 8, 2014) was an American politician. A Democrat, he served as the 48th Governor of Missouri from 1977 to 1981. Teasdale was formerly a prosecutor for Jackson County, Missouri. In 1972, he made his first bid for governor, placing third in the Democratic primary, but attaining name recognition and the nickname "Walking Joe". In 1976, after initially running for U.S. Senate, Teasdale switched races and made a second bid for the Governor's office. He won the nomination and defeated incumbent Kit Bond in an upset. In 1980, Teasdale beat back a primary challenge from State Treasurer Jim Spainhower, but was defeated by Bond in a rematch. After leaving office, Teasdale returned to practicing law until his death.