Rex A. Terry (February 21, 1888 – July 13, 1964) was a banker and politician in the United States state of South Dakota. He served as a member of the South Dakota State Senate and as Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota.

Rex A. Terry
24th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
In office
1949–1955
GovernorGeorge T. Mickelson
Sigurd Anderson
Preceded bySioux K. Grigsby
Succeeded byL. Roy Houck
Personal details
Born(1888-02-21)February 21, 1888
Sturgis, Dakota Territory
DiedJuly 13, 1964(1964-07-13) (aged 76)
Pierre, South Dakota
Political partyRepublican
SpouseDelia Campbell

Early life and education

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Terry was born at Sturgis, Dakota Territory in 1888. After attending public schools and business college, Terry worked in retail in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, where he also acted as president of the Fort Pierre Commercial Club along with managing the Fort Pierre National Bank. He had also been a commissioner of Fort Pierre.[1]

Political career

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Terry was elected to the South Dakota Senate as a Republican in 1941 to represent the 29th district (Stanley County).[1] He served until 1948.[2] He served as Lieutenant Governor from 1949 to 1955, under Governors George T. Mickelson and Sigurd Anderson.

Personal life

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In 1953, Terry escaped a two-car accident, sustaining minor injuries, between Pierre and Fort Pierre that left his car "almost a total wreck".[3]

He married Delia Campbell in 1916. Terry was active within the South Dakota Masons, serving as Grand Master from 1944 to 1945.[1][4] He had previously served as a Deputy Grand Master prior to his promotion to Grand Master in 1944.[5]

Death and legacy

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He died in 1964 at a hospital in Pierre. He was buried at Scotty Phillips National Cemetery after a service at the masonic temple in Pierre.[4] Upon his death, The Sioux Falls Argus-Leader lauded Terry's accomplishments, stating that his career "exemplified the best in American citizenship and the South Dakota way of life.".[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Legislature, South Dakota (2008-12-06). South Dakota Manual - South Dakota. Legislature - Google Books. Retrieved 2013-01-21 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "Legislator Historical Listing - Legislator Information". Legis.state.sd.us. 1964-07-15. Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  3. ^ "Lt. Gov. Terry Only Bruised In Two Car Crash", The Daily Republic, Saturday, July 25, 1953, Mitchell, South Dakota, United States Of America
  4. ^ a b "Schedule Saturday Services for Terry", The Daily Plainsman, Thursday, July 16, 1964, Huron, South Dakota, United States Of America
  5. ^ "Masons Complete Slate Of Officers", Evening Huronite, Saturday, July 15, 1944, Huron, South Dakota, United States Of America
  6. ^ "Rex Terry -- A Fine Servant", The Daily Plainsman, Sunday, July 26, 1964, Huron, South Dakota, United States Of America
Political offices
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
1949–1955
Succeeded by
L. Roy Houck
Preceded by
C. J. Wilson
Member of the South Dakota Senate from the 29th District
1941–1948
Succeeded by
Edwin G. Roller