Former GOP Chairman Bud Stewart Dead

Former Republican Party chairman and congressional candidate Bud Stewart of Muskogee has died in Jacksonville, Florida.

Stewart and his late wife, Kit, were dominant Republicans at a time when Oklahoma had few Republicans.

Stewart was involved in Henry Bellmon's successful campaign to become the state's first GOP governor and he was chairman when Dewey F. Bartlett was elected to succeed Bellmon.

Stewart's tenure as chairman ended when President Nixon appointed him as co-chairman of the Ozarks Regional Commission.

Later, he was the GOP nominee for Congress in the 2nd District.

A memorial service will be held in Muskogee with burial in Illinois.

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