Tom Steed

Thomas Jefferson ("Tom") Steed (March 2, 1904 - June 8, 1983) was a military veteran, newspaper editor and Democratic politician and a retired U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma. He often stated that his experience in journalism, the military and in the U.S. Congress had taught him "knowledge is power".

Early life and career

Steed was born on a farm near in Eastland County, Texas (near Rising Star, Texas) on March 2, 1904. His family later moved to Oklahoma, where he attended school (in Konawa, Oklahoma). By profession, he was a journalist; Steed worked in the field for over twenty years, including a four year stint as the managing editor of the "Shawnee News-Star". After the outbreak of World War II, Steed enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 29, 1942, and was assigned the task of working with Anti-aircraft Artillery. Steed was released from active duty in May 1944 with rank of Second Lieutenant. Steed continued his contribution to the U.S. war effort when he joined the Office of War Information on July 1, 1944. Steed also served with the information division in India-Burma Theater until December 1945.

Entry into politics

Steed ran for Congress in 1948 and was elected as a Democrat. Steed was re-elected in 1950, and was continuously re-elected until 1980, when he decided to retire. Steed served a total of 32 years in Congress.

Later life and death

Steed returned to Oklahoma and resided in Shawnee, where he remained until his death on June 8, 1983. Steed is buried at Resthaven Cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma. After his death, a portion of U.S. Interstate 40 (near Shawnee) was renamed the "Tom Steed Memorial Highway."

ee also

*Politics of Oklahoma
*Oklahoma Democratic Party
*Oklahoma Congressional Districts

External links

* [http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000829 Tom Steed at Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress]
*findagrave|6876712 Retrieved on 2008-03-24