PARKERSBURG - Cecil Underwood, who made history as West Virginia's youngest and oldest governor, died Monday at a Charleston hospital at the age of 86.
Friends and associates Monday at the local, state and national levels remember the man, his service to West Virginia and his legacy.
Underwood became West Virginia's youngest governor when the Republican won his first term in 1956 at the age of 34. He won his second term 40 years later on his 74th birthday in 1996.
He had strong support in Wood County from both fellow Republicans as well as Democrats.
''I was very saddened to hear about Cecil's death,'' said former Wood County Commissioner Holmes "Butch" Shaver. ''Gov. Underwood was a rare individual who could unite and transcend each party.
''He was a tremendous leader and a good friend.''
Shaver credited Underwood's even temperament and kindness as well as his commitment to the state and its people for his many successes. That commitment prompted many Democrats to vote for him with campaign signs that said "Democrats for Underwood."
''He was quite a guy,'' Shaver said.
Wood County Republican Party Chairman Beverly Lockhart said the state has lost a great statesman.
''He was a gentleman's gentleman,'' she said. ''He lived a long, blessed life.''
Lockhart said one could not discuss Gov. Underwood without mentioning his wife, Hovah.
''She was a graceful first lady,'' she said. ''They complemented each other so well.''
Tom Badgett, who served as the assistant secretary of transportation in Underwood's second term, said Underwood was instrumental in getting the Corridor D project through Wood County completed.
During his first term, he saw the promise the major road through the area had, Badgett said, adding the project had stalled for a number of years without progress.
''Within the first three months of his second term, Gov. Underwood got the project back on track,'' he said.
That action led to getting funding secured and plans getting done, laying the groundwork to getting the project going, he said.
''A lot of people don't know what he did to get Corridor D done,'' Badgett said. ''He makes you think of the definition of a statesman and he led by example.''
State Sen. Frank Deem, R-Wood, has known Underwood for more than 50 years.
"When I went to the Legislature in 1955, Cecil was the minority leader, the Republican leader in the house, and I've been friends with him ever since," Deem said. "He was very highly respected by both Republicans and Democrats. He was fair to both sides."
Deem said Underwood especially was interested in education issues and always advocated for schools and small communities.
"He was a great leader and a great person," Deem said.
Gov. Joe Manchin also noted Underwood's passing.
"This is a very sad day for all of West Virginia," Manchin said in a statement released Monday. "We have lost a governor who, through two separate terms, served our state and its citizens with honor and dignity and, most importantly, class. We have also lost a dear friend.
"Gov. Underwood was loved as a father, grandfather and husband, and when he lost his beloved wife, Hovah, we all knew that things would never be the same for him. They've now been reunited, and I'm sure that I speak for all West Virginians in sending our thoughts and prayers out to the entire Underwood family," Manchin said.
Former Gov. Bob Wise said Underwood devoted his entire life to West Virginia in many different ways-as its chief executive, in education and in business.
''I am very sorry to learn of Gov. Underwood's death,'' Wise said. ''He left a legacy that in so many ways has improved life for generations of West Virginians. He constantly demonstrated how to govern effectively in a bipartisan manner. He was a gentleman in the finest sense of the word, and we all give thanks for his public service.''
Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., remembered Underwood as a good friend.
''Erma and I were friends with Cecil and Hovah Underwood for more than 50 years,'' he said. ''They were both wonderful people.
''I fondly remember celebrating my 80th birthday at the Governor's Mansion with the Underwoods. A devoted public servant, Cecil's many contributions to the great state of West Virginia will never be forgotten. Those of us fortunate enough to call him a friend will always remember his engaging personality and personal warmth. Today, my thoughts are with the Underwood family and with all West Virginians who are mourning the passing of a great and decent man.''
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., also released a statement Monday, remembering Underwood as a dedicated public servant and leader.
"Gov. Underwood was a man of profound faith, a forward-looking leader and a public servant in the truest sense," Rockefeller said. "He'll be remembered as someone who dedicated his entire life and career to the causes of people around him. I always enjoyed working with him on opportunities to move our state forward. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and far-reaching community of friends."
Underwood was born in Tyler County where he graduated from Tyler County High School, Salem College and West Virginia University. He served in the U.S. Army Enlisted Reserve Corps during World War II.
He taught high school in St. Marys from 1943 to 1946, Marietta College from 1946 to 1950 and was then a vice president at Salem College for six years.
Underwood was elected to the House of Delegates in 1944 when he was in 22 and remained there until 1956 when he ran for governor.
He ran for the U.S. Senate in 1960 and lost. He also unsuccessfully ran for governor in 1964, 1968 and 1976.
Underwood worked for Island Creek Coal and Monsanto Chemical, formed a land development company and became president of Bethany College in 1972. He ran for governor in 1996 and defeated Charlotte Pritt, but lost a re-election bid in 2000 to Bob Wise.
