Joseph P. Teasdale

Joseph Teasdale
Teasdale (c. 1977)
48th Governor of Missouri
In office January 10, 1977 – January 12, 1981
Lieutenant	Bill Phelps
Preceded by	Kit Bond
Succeeded by	Kit Bond
Personal details
Born	Joseph Patrick Teasdale (1936-03-29)March 29, 1936 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Died	May 8, 2014(2014-05-08) (aged 78) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Theresa Ferkenhoff ​ (m. 1973)​
Relations	William B. Teasdale (grandfather)
Children	3
Education	Rockhurst University (BA) Saint Louis University (JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Rank	Airman 3rd Class
Unit	Reserves 442nd Military Airlift Wing

Joseph Patrick Teasdale (March 29, 1936 – May 8, 2014) was an American politician. A Democrat, he served as the 48th Governor of Missouri from 1977 to 1981. Teasdale was formerly a prosecutor for Jackson County, Missouri. In 1972, he made his first bid for governor, placing third in the Democratic primary, but attaining name recognition and the nickname "Walking Joe". In 1976, after initially running for U.S. Senate, Teasdale switched races and made a second bid for the Governor's office. He won the nomination and defeated incumbent Kit Bond in an upset. In 1980, Teasdale beat back a primary challenge from State Treasurer Jim Spainhower, but was defeated by Bond in a rematch. After leaving office, Teasdale returned to practicing law until his death.