Oran K. Gragson

Oran Kenneth Gragson (February 14, 1911 – October 7, 2002) was an American businessman and politician. He was the longest-serving mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada, from 1959 to 1975. Gragson, a member of the Republican Party, was a small business owner who was elected Mayor on a reform platform against police corruption and for equal opportunity for people of all socio-economic and racial categories.[1][2] He is, as of 2020, the most recent Republican mayor of the city.

Oran K. Gragson
17th Mayor of Las Vegas
In office 1959–1975
Preceded by	Charles Duncan Baker
Succeeded by	William H. Briare
Personal details
Born	Oran Kenneth Gragson February 14, 1911 Tucumcari, New Mexico, U.S.
Died	October 7, 2002 (aged 91) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Resting place	Palm Memorial Park, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Bonnie Henley
Children	2
Profession	Businessman politician

After he became the Las Vegas mayor Gragson also an integral part of the construction of Freeway US 95. Gragson was at the Las Vegas church when he collapsed with a heart attack, and later died in a Las Vegas hospital on October 7, 2002, at the age of 91. The US 95 was named in his memory, and he was buried at the Las Vegas cemetery.

Gragson’s grandson Scott became a real estate developer for the city, and his great-grandson Noah Gragson is a currently a NASCAR driver competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

See also

• List of mayors of Las Vegas

References

1. "Oran K. Gragson Mayor Who Made His Mark". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
2. "Oran K. Gragson obituary - Las Vegas Sun". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 12 April 2013.

External links

• Oran K. Gragson at Find a Grave