// Workers AI · dad joke modeWho's Owen Elmer? Owen you glad I didn't tell a worse joke?
W. Owen Elmer | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature | |
| In office January 7, 1987 – January 6, 1999 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Vickers |
| Succeeded by | Tom Baker |
| Constituency | 38th district (1987–1995) 44th district (1995–1999) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 13, 1938 |
| Died | May 10, 2023 (aged 84) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Donna J. Hoyt (m. 1959) |
| Children | 4 (Crinda, Sharma, Lewis, Jeana) |
| Education | University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
| Occupation | Agribusinessman |
Willard Owen Elmer (June 13, 1938 – May 10, 2023) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from 1987 to 1999.
Early life
[edit]Elmer was born in McCook, Nebraska, in 1938, and graduated from Indianola High School.[1] He later attended the University of Nebraska,[1] and worked at the Indianola Oil Company, his family's business.[2] Elmer served on the Indianola City Council.[1]
Nebraska Legislature
[edit]In 1986, Elmer ran against State Senator Tom Vickers, who was seeking re-election to a third term in the 36th district, which included Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Harlan, Lincoln, and Red Willow counties.[3] Elmer attacked Vickers, who had switched to the Democratic Party, for being ideologically out of step with the district.[3] In the primary election, Elmer placed second, winning 37 percent of the vote to Vickers's 42 percent,[4] and they advanced to the general election.[5] In the general election, Elmer defeated Vickers by a wide margin, winning 60–40 percent.[4]
Elmer ran for re-election in 1990,[6] and was re-elected unopposed.[7][8]
In 1994, after redistricting took place, Elmer ran for re-election to a third term from the 44th district.[9] He was challenged by Barry Fay Richards and Steven Smith, both of whom were farmers.[10] In the primary election, Elmer placed first, winning 49 percent to Richards's 26 percent and Smith's 25 percent.[11] Elmer ultimately defeated Richards, winning 57–43 percent.[11]
Elmer declined to seek re-election to a fourth term in 1998.[12]
Death
[edit]Elmer died on May 10, 2023.[13]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Lewis, Michael R., ed. (1997). Nebraska Blue Book 1996-97 (PDF). Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved April 9, 2026.
- ↑ "5 vie for 2 legislative seats: District 38". North Platte Telegraph. April 27, 1986. p. 46028. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Cordes, Henry J. (April 28, 1986). "Incumbents the Target in 3 Races". Omaha World-Herald. p. 18. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1986). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 13, 1986, General Election, November 4, 1986 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 9, 2026.
- ↑ Cordes, Henry J. (May 15, 1986). "Winner Over Eret Not Surprised: 'People Are Looking for Changes'". Omaha World-Herald. p. 26. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "State Sen. Elmer seeking 2nd term". Lincoln Star. January 5, 1990. p. 5. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Howard, Ed (March 17, 1990). "DeCamp bid for attorney general among last-minute filings". Lincoln Journal. p. 1. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Beermann, Allen J. (1990). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 15, 1990, General Election, November 6, 1990 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 9, 2026.
- ↑ "7 senators running unchallenged". North Platte Telegraph. March 12, 1994. p. 46024. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Hord, Bill (May 5, 1994). "West Districts To Eliminate 1 Candidate". Omaha World-Herald. p. 24. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1994). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 10, 1994, General Election, November 8, 1994 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 9, 2026.
- ↑ Hammel, Paul (January 22, 1998). "10 State Senators Seek Another Term in Office". Omaha World-Herald. p. 13. Retrieved April 9, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Willard 'Owen' Elmer". Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel & Lockenour-Jones Mortuary. 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2026.