Richard Edmund Lyng facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Edmund Lyng
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| 22nd United States Secretary of Agriculture | |
| In office March 7, 1986 – January 20, 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | John R. Block |
| Succeeded by | Clayton K. Yeutter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 29, 1918 San Francisco, California, United States |
| Died | February 1, 2003 (aged 84) Modesto, California, United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Bethyl Lyng |
| Children | Jeannette Lyng Robinson Marilyn Lyng O'Connell |
| Parents | Edmund John Lyng Sara McGrath Lyng |
| Alma mater | University of Notre Dame |
| Occupation | Government |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Richard Edmund Lyng (born June 29, 1918 – died February 1, 2003) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. He is best known for serving as the United States Secretary of Agriculture from 1986 to 1989. He worked in this role during the time Ronald Reagan was president.
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Who Was Richard E. Lyng?
Richard Edmund Lyng was born in San Francisco, California. He grew up and later became involved in government work. He was a smart and dedicated person who cared about farming and food.
Early Life and Education
Richard Lyng was born on June 29, 1918. He went to the University of Notre Dame. This is a well-known university in Indiana. His education helped prepare him for a career in public service.
Service in World War II
During World War II, Richard Lyng served in the United States Army. This was a very important time for him and for the country. His military service showed his commitment to his nation.
Richard Lyng's Career in Government
Richard Lyng had a long career helping the government. He worked in different roles before becoming a top leader. His experience helped him understand how to support farmers.
Working for the State of California
Before joining the national government, Lyng worked for the state of California. He held positions that focused on agriculture. This gave him a lot of knowledge about farming issues. He learned about crops, livestock, and how food gets from farms to people's tables.
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
Later, Richard Lyng became the United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. This was a very important job. He worked closely with the Secretary of Agriculture. He helped manage many programs that support farmers and ensure food safety. This role prepared him for an even bigger job.
Leading the Department of Agriculture
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan chose Richard Lyng to be the United States Secretary of Agriculture. This is a very high-ranking position in the U.S. government.
What a Secretary of Agriculture Does
The Secretary of Agriculture leads the United States Department of Agriculture. This department helps farmers and ranchers. It also makes sure that America's food supply is safe and healthy. The Secretary works on policies that affect:
- How food is grown
- How food is distributed
- Protecting natural resources
- Supporting rural communities
Key Goals as Secretary
As Secretary, Richard Lyng worked on several important goals. He aimed to help American farmers during challenging times. He also focused on trade, trying to open up new markets for U.S. farm products around the world. His work helped shape how food and farming were managed in the country.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as Secretary of Agriculture, Richard Lyng continued to be an important figure. He passed away on February 1, 2003, in Modesto, California. He was 84 years old.
His Health
Richard Lyng died from problems related to Parkinson's disease. This is a health condition that affects movement.
Remembering His Contributions
Richard Lyng is remembered for his dedication to public service. He spent many years working to improve agriculture in the United States. His work helped farmers and ensured a stable food supply for the nation.
