Next Monday, April 14, the Legislature will host a Memorial Service for distinguished former senators who have passed away since May 1987. It’s the first time in nearly 30 years an event of this nature has been held, and long overdue. Together, with the families of the former senators, we will celebrate the lawmakers’ lives and legacies and remember their dedicated service.

This event serves to honor not only those men and women who served in the upper chamber, but also their family members who gave their love and support to make their relatives’ time in Jefferson City possible. Each former senator will be recognized by a roll call and a rose. Family members will be invited to a reception immediately following the ceremony.

From our area, we will be honoring six former members. Each one has left a legacy behind, and we will convey our respect to that legacy on behalf of the great state of Missouri.

Sen. Earl R. Blackwell 1923 - 2009

Earl R. Blackwell
1923 – 2009
22nd Senate District (1959-1974)

Earl R. Blackwell served the people of the 22nd District (Jefferson, Madison, Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties). Born near Blackwell, he received his education from the Bonne Terre public school system; University of Missouri-Columbia; University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio); and Washington University in St. Louis where he earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees. Senator Blackwell maintained law offices in Hillsboro, where he practiced law for 21 years. He served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II. Senator Blackwell was elected to the Senate in 1958, and re-elected in 1962, 1966 and 1970. During the 75th General Assembly, he served as President Pro Tem. (Democrat).

Sen. John Dennis 1917 - 2000

John Dennis
1917 – 2000
27th Senate District (1977-1992)

John Dennis served the people of the 27th District (Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid and Scott counties). Born in Patton, he attended schools in Blodgett and Morely. During World War II, Senator Dennis served three years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Riley, Kansas; and three years in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific and China. He served as Scott County sheriff for 24 years. Senator Dennis was elected to the Senate in 1976 and served as Majority Caucus Chairman. (Democrat).

Durward W. Gilmore
1911 – 1993
27th Senate District (1949-1951)

Durward W. Gilmore served the people of the 27th District (Cape Girardeau, Mississippi and Scott counties). Born in East Prairie, he received his education from East Prairie public schools; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; the University of Missouri; and Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1938. He was an attorney; served in the U.S. Navy from 1941-1945 during World War II; and a commanding officer of the U.S. Naval Reserve Division in Cape Girardeau. Senator Gilmore served as prosecuting attorney of Scott County from 1947-1948. He was elected to the Senate in 1948, and resigned in 1951 when he was appointed to circuit court. (Democrat)

Sen. James F. Patterson 1907 - 1989

James F. Patterson
1907 – 1989
25th Senate District (1951-1972)

James F. Patterson served the people of the 25th District (Bollinger, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Stoddard counties). Born in Portageville, he graduated from high school in Morely, and attended Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau. Senator Patterson worked in mechanical and electrical engineering for a number of years; and for eight years was executive manager of the Caruthersville Chamber of Commerce. He joined his son in business in 1967 and served as vice president of Central Constructors, Inc. Senator Patterson was elected to the Senate in a special election in 1951, sworn in during the 66th General Assembly to serve two years of an unexpired term. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968. In 1970, he was elected President Pro Tem, and re-elected to this position in 1971. (Democrat)

Sen. Leo J. Rozier 1914 - 2008

Leo J. Rozier
1914 – 2008
22nd Senate District (1951-1958)

Leo J. Rozier served the people of the 22nd District (Jefferson, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and Washington counties). Born in Perryville, he attended Perryville elementary schools; high school at Chaminade College in Clayton; and received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Missouri. Senator Rozier practiced law in Perryville. He served four years in the Infantry and Judge Advocate General’s Department during World War II, and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Senator Rozier was the city attorney of Perryville from 1941-1942 until he was called to duty with the Armed Forces. He was reappointed after release from service and served until he was elected in 1946 to the House of Representatives to fill an unexpired term. Senator Rozier was re-elected in 1946 and 1948, serving in the 64th and 65th General Assemblies. In 1950, he was elected to the Senate and served in the 66th and 67th General Assemblies. In 1954, Senator Rozier was re-elected without opposition and served in the 68th and 69th General Assemblies. (Republican)

Albert M. Spradling, Jr.
1920 – 2004
27th Senate District (1952-1976)

Albert M. Spradling, Jr. served the people of the 27th District (Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Mississippi, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott and Wayne counties). Born in Cape Girardeau, he received his education from Cape Girardeau public schools; Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau; and the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. Senator Spradling began practicing law with his family in 1942. He was a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1942-1945. In 1945, Senator Spradling began practicing law in Cape Girardeau and later was appointed city attorney of Cape Girardeau, serving from 1948-1952. He was elected to the Senate to complete an unexpired term. Senator Spradling was re-elected to the Senate in 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972. During the 71st and 72nd General Assemblies, he served as President Pro Tem. (Democrat)



To read more about each senator who will be remembered, visit the Senate Memorial page at www.senate.mo.gov and click on the Senate Memorial link.

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write me at Wayne Wallingford, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email at wayne.wallingford@senate.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov/wallingford.