(16) Governor Raymond D. Gary, 1955 to 1959

              Office of the GovernorMS 50 (portrait only)Raymond Dancel Gary, Democrat. Served from 1955 to 1959. He was the first Governor to be born Oklahoma since statehood. His birth date was January 21, 1908, and his birthplace, a farm midway between Madill and Kingston. He was educated in the local schools and Southeastern State College. After five years of teaching he was elected county superintendent of schools and served for four years. In 1936, he began his business career, first in school and office supplies, later as president of the Sooner Oil Company. He was a State Senator from 1941 until he became governor January 10, 1955. He died December 11, 1993, and is buried in Madill.The Governor of Oklahoma is the chief executive officer of the state and is elected for a four year term. Principal powers and responsibilities are outlined by the state constitution and by statute and include certain appointive powers, the veto or approval of bills passed by the Legislature, the granting of pardons and paroles, the summoning of special sessions of the legislature, and the calling out of the militia. Moreover, the Governor is directly responsible for the preparation of the state budget, serves as an ex officio member of several boards and commissions, receives reports from various state officers and agencies, and is charged with the duty of seeing that all laws are faithfully executed in the state.