Bill Nation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Nation
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| 45th and 50th Mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming | |
| In office January 2, 1962 – 1966 |
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| Preceded by | Worth Story |
| Succeeded by | Bill Herbert Kingham |
| In office January 2, 1973 – January 3, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | James D. Vanvelzor |
| Succeeded by | Donald Erickson |
| Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from Laramie County | |
| In office 1965–1967 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 28, 1925 Lingle, Wyoming |
| Died | April 13, 2022 (aged 96) Cheyenne, Wyoming |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Jo Ann Petersen |
| Children | 4 |
Bill Nation (born Charles William Nation on May 28, 1925 – died April 13, 2022) was an American politician. He served as the mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, two different times. He was also a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives. Bill Nation belonged to the Democratic Party.
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Early Life and Family
Bill Nation was born in Lingle, Wyoming, on May 28, 1925. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. He was a gunner on a ship called the USS Schroeder (DD-501). This ship was a destroyer, a type of fast warship.
After the war, Bill Nation married Jo Ann Petersen. They had four children together.
Political Career
Before becoming a politician, Bill Nation worked as a professional photographer. He later decided to enter public service.
Serving as Mayor
Bill Nation ran for mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, several times. He was elected mayor twice.
First Term as Mayor
In 1961, Bill Nation ran for mayor and won. He defeated the current mayor, Worth Story. He was re-elected in 1963. During his time as mayor, he was chosen to be the vice-president of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities. This group helps cities and towns in Wyoming work together.
In 1963, after President John F. Kennedy passed away, Nation suggested naming Cheyenne's airport after him. However, he later decided not to go forward with the idea. He chose not to run for mayor again in 1965.
Second Term as Mayor
Bill Nation ran for mayor again in 1972. He won by a very small number of votes, only five! This was the closest mayoral election in Cheyenne's history.
During his second term, in 1974, Bill Nation strongly rejected a group that wanted to set up their headquarters in Cheyenne. He asked the people of Cheyenne to speak out against them. In 1973, a program in Cheyenne called the Model Cities Program faced issues. It was accused of unfair practices. Bill Nation denied the claims, but the city was found to have been unfair.
He ran for re-election in 1976 but was defeated by Don Erickson. He tried to become mayor again in 1980 but lost to Erickson once more.
Other Political Roles
In 1964, Bill Nation was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives. He represented Laramie County. As a state representative, he worked on committees dealing with money, city and county issues, and welfare.
In 1967, the Governor of Wyoming appointed Bill Nation to the Wyoming Recreation Committee. This committee helps plan and manage parks and outdoor activities in the state.
In 1966, Bill Nation also ran to become the Governor of Wyoming. He sought the nomination from the Democratic Party. However, he did not win the primary election. A primary election is when people vote to choose who will represent their party in the main election.
In 1970, he ran for Laramie County Clerk. He won the Democratic nomination but lost the main election to the Republican candidate.
Later Life and Death
Bill Nation passed away in Cheyenne on April 13, 2022. He was 96 years old.
