Joseph Teasdale | |
|---|---|
 Teasdale (c. 1977) | |
| 48th Governor of Missouri | |
| In office January 10, 1977 – January 12, 1981 | |
| Lieutenant | Bill Phelps |
| Preceded by | Kit Bond |
| Succeeded by | Kit Bond |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joseph Patrick Teasdale March 29, 1936 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | May 8, 2014 (aged 78) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Theresa Ferkenhoff (m. 1973) |
| Relations | William B. Teasdale (grandfather) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Rockhurst University (BA) Saint Louis University (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Rank | Airman 3rd Class |
| Unit | Reserves |
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.