(13) Governor Robert S. Kerr, 1943 to 1947

              Office of the GovernorMS 50 (portrait only)Robert Samuel Kerr, Democrat. Served from 1943-1947. Oklahoma's first native-born governor, was born near Ada, Indian Territory, September 11, 1896. His college work was done at East Central Normal School, and Oklahoma Baptist University. He was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 1922, and practiced in Ada. Beginning as a drilling contractor in 1926, he built up a large oil producing company and at the time of his death was president of the Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, Inc. He served as Governor of Oklahoma from January 13, 1943, to January 13, 1947. He was elected U.S. Senator on November 2, 1948, and served until his death January 1, 1963. While governor, Kerr's administration liquidated the state debt. During his tenure as U.S. Sentor, he worked to get the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System developed, changing much of Oklahoma's landscape. He is buried at his birthplace near Ada.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.