MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Former West Virginia state senator and longtime member of the House of Delegates Tony Whitlow has died at the age of 92.
Whitlow was born on May 9, 1933, in the Oakvale/Kellysville area of Mercer County and later graduated from West Virginia Business College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.
Whitlow began his political career in 1970 when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. He served in the chamber for 14 years before winning a seat in the West Virginia Senate in 1984. He remained in the Senate until choosing not to seek reelection in 1996.
During his Senate tenure, Whitlow chaired the Senate Agriculture Committee and served as vice chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee. He was also a member of several key committees, including Energy, Industry and Mining, Finance, Interstate Cooperation, Transportation, Government Organization, and the Forest Management Review Committee. He also held the leadership role of president pro tempore during the 68th and 69th West Virginia Legislatures.
Outside of government service, Whitlow founded the Those Who Served War Museum in Princeton to honor veterans.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a statement mourning Whitlow’s passing, praising his decades of service to the state and his community.
“I am saddened to hear the news of the death of former State Senator and House of Delegates Representative Tony Whitlow,” Morrisey said. “Tony dedicated his life to service, to our nation in the US Army, and then for many years to the people of West Virginia and his community in Mercer County. His career in public service was marked by a deep commitment to his constituents and a tireless work ethic. We mourn the loss of a true public servant and a dedicated West Virginian. My prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Mercer County Prosecutor Brian K. Cochran Issues Statement on the Death of Tony Whitlow
“I have rarely commented on pending criminal matters during my more than five years as your Prosecutor because I deeply believe in the United States Constitution and the principle that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Publicity may be tempting, but it is not fair to those accused of a crime, and I have always chosen to remain silent until cases are resolved through a guilty plea or a verdict.”
“Tony Whitlow was without question a remarkable man who served his country, his state, and his county with honor and distinction. He was a dedicated American, and he will be profoundly missed.”
“I can confirm that an individual has been charged in connection with Mr. Whitlow’s death. The legal process will now move forward, and the courts will determine the outcome. I have been in close contact with Mercer County law enforcement throughout this investigation, and I appreciate their professionalism and diligent work.”
“I am grateful for the efforts of the West Virginia State Police and all assisting agencies. When the law allows, I will provide further updates. In the meantime, my family and I ask that you continue to keep the Whitlow family in your thoughts and prayers.”
