William L. Armstrong

William L. Armstrong
United States Senator from Colorado
In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1991
Preceded by	Floyd K. Haskell
Succeeded by	Hank Brown
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 5th district
In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1979
Preceded by	New district
Succeeded by	Ken Kramer
Member of the Colorado Senate
In office 1965–1972
Member of the Colorado House of Representatives
In office 1963–1964
President of Colorado Christian University
In office 2006-2016
Preceded by	Larry R. Donnithorne
Succeeded by	Donald W. Sweeting
Personal details
Born	March 16, 1937 Fremont, Nebraska
Died	July 5, 2016 (aged 79) Denver, Colorado
Nationality	American
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	Tulane University University of Minnesota
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army National Guard
Years of service	1957–1963

William Lester "Bill" Armstrong (March 16, 1937 – July 5, 2016) was an American businessman and politician. He was a member of the Republican party and served as a United States Representative and Senator from Colorado.^[1]

Early life

Armstrong was born in Fremont, Nebraska, and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School. After attending Tulane University and the University of Minnesota without receiving a degree, he served in the United States National Guard from 1957 to 1963.^[2] By the early 1960s, Armstrong owned radio stations in Colorado.^[3][4]

Career

In 1963 and 1964, Armstrong served in the Colorado House of Representatives. He then served in the Colorado State Senate from 1964 to 1972.^[5] In 1972, Armstrong was elected a United States Representative to the 93rd Congress. He was reelected to the 94th and 95th Congresses (January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1979).^[6] In 1978, Armstrong was elected to the United States Senate, defeating Democratic incumbent Floyd K. Haskell. He was reelected in 1984 and served from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1991. While serving in the United States Senate, Armstrong was the chairman of the Republican Policy Committee (99th through 101st Congresses). Armstrong opted to retire and did not seek reelection in 1990.

Armstrong was President of Colorado Christian University at the time of his death, having served in that position since 2006. He was on the Board of Directors for Campus Crusade for Christ.^[7]

Armstrong became well known for his catchphrase "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus".

Armstrong died on July 5, 2016 from cancer at the age of 79.^[8]

References

1. "William L. Armstrong". NNDB. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
2. "ARMSTRONG, William Lester, (1937 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
3. Richard Fatherly & David MacFarland, The Birth of Top 40 Radio Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 2014, p. 38.
4. Susan C. Anthony, "Sen. Bill Armstrong" http://susancanthony.com/res/dennis/barmstrong.html
5. President Armstrong Announces Retirement
6. "Sen. William Armstrong". Govtrack.us. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
7. "Greetings from the President". Colorado Christian University. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
8. "William Armstrong, Ex-US Senator for Colorado, Dies at 79". ABC News. Retrieved 7 July 2016.

External links

• United States Congress. "William L. Armstrong (id: A000219)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• NNDB William L. Armstrong
• govtrack.us: Sen. William Armstrong
• Colorado Christian University: Greetings from the President
• Appearances on C-SPAN