Vern Chesbro

Vernon "Vern" Chesbro (1925 - 2010) was an American politician from Kansas who was an active member of the State's local Republican Party. Running for the State Senate and being elected as the state's party chairman from 1985 to 1987. He was the leader of the state's moderate wing and support bi-partisan work with the state Democrats.

Early life Vern was born in Ottawa, Kansas on October 1, 1925, the eldest son of Vernon M. Jack and B. Ferne Chesbro. He was a graduate of Ottawa High School and of the University of Denver. He served in the United States Merchant Marine and the United States Navy during World War II. He managed The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Topeka and in 1950 returned to Ottawa to own and manage the North American Hotel along with his mother. In 1958 he began a telephone startup service eventually growing to become Contel. Additionally, a portion of US Highway 59 north of Ottawa was renamed the Vern Chesbro Memorial Highway.

Personal life Out of the Navy in 1946, Chesbro married Phyllis A. Née Hart in 1946. The couple remained married for 63 years and had three kids. Two daughters, Sue and Linda, and a son Scott. He served on the Ransom Memorial Hospital Charitable Board. He was a Freemason and member of the Ottawa Lodge #18, AF & AM for over 50 years. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 56 years at Ottawa lodge #803. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Kiwanis.

Electoral history