Roy J. Turner

Class of
1957
Roy J. Turner

Roy J. Turner

“The future of Oklahoma is in the land and in you.”
Governor Roy Turner

Biography

Oklahoma native and 13th Governor of the state, Roy J. Turner came to Oklahoma City and entered Hill’s Business College. He took his first job in the area in 1911 with Morris & Company, a local meat packer, and then joined Forrest Harper in a real estate venture. Together, they invested in a number of enterprises, including oil leases in the Oklahoma City field. Turner founded a 10,000-acre ranch in 1933 and established Turner purebred Herford cattle in 1935. Before becoming Democratic Governor (1947-1951) of Oklahoma, the only other public office he held was that of a member of the Oklahoma City School Board. During his administration, Turner was successful in establishing a Board of Regents for State Colleges and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Segregation was ended in higher education across the state, and he was also instrumental in guiding Turner Turnpike to creation through the state legislature. After leaving office, he returned to oil and cattle investments and served on the State Highway Commission.

Fun fact

In 1950 Roy J. Turner composed and published the song “Oklahoma – When the Red Bud Blossoms Bloom.”

Oklahoma connections

Turner was born and raised in Lincoln County, Oklahoma.

Hometown

Oklahoma City

Profession

Governor

Presenter

Born

1894

Died

1973
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