Robert Floyd Kennon Sr. (August 21, 1902 – January 11, 1988), was an American conservativeLouisiana The Land and Its People By Manie Culbertson, 1992 P.405 politician and judge who served as the 48th governor of Louisiana, an associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, a judge of the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal, the district attorney of Bossier Parish and Webster Parish, and mayor of Minden, Louisiana. During Kennon's governorship, he additionally served as chairman of the National Governors Association and chairman of the Council of State Governments.
Early life Kennon was born near Minden, Louisiana. He graduated from Minden High School in 1919 and then went to Louisiana State University. While at LSU, Kennon played football and tennis.Masonic governors of Louisiana listing He completed his undergrad there in 1923 and his law degree there in 1925.bio connected with Louisiana State University papers of Kennon
Career In 1925, Kennon was elected mayor of Minden, Louisiana, at the age of 23. He served in that position until 1928. In 1930, he became district attorney for Bossier Parish. He served as a district attorney until 1940. He also served as district attorney in Webster Parish. Apparently he was attorney for both parishes at the same time.[LSU finding aid bio]
Kennon was elected to the 2nd circuit court of appeals in 1940. However, he instead of serving joined the United States military and did not take up active service as a judge until after World War II.[LSU finding aid bio]
While governor, Kennon reestablished the state civil service in Louisiana, which had been abolished by his predecessor Earl Long. He also advocated constitutional amendments to limit the power of the governor's office. He also worked to create home rule for New Orleans and end state government interference in local issues there.Louisiana Secretary of State bio of Kennon Other things Kennon did while governor were ensuring that every precinct had a voting machine while working to suppress illegal slot machines and gambling in the state.Louisiana Political Museum entry During Kennon's governorship, he additionally served as chairman of the National Governors Association from 1954 to 1955, and as chairman of the Council of State Governments in 1955."Former Governor Kennon dies", Minden Press-Herald, January 12, 1988, p. 1.
References
External links
State of Louisiana - Biography Cemetery Memorial by La-Cemeteries