ST. MARYS, W.Va. — Former state lawmaker Otis Leggett died Monday. He was 97.
Leggett, a Republican, served 20 years in the House of Delegates (1986-2006) representing Pleasants County. He grew up in Doddridge County, one of nine children. He was the only one in his family to graduate from high school and from there graduated from Glenville State College.
Leggett spent most of his career as a classroom teacher. He was also a principal and one time school superintendent in Ritchie County. He spent 42 years in public education.
Leggett’s time in the legislature included being minority chair of the House Education Committee.
Leggett shared the story many times that when he first came to the legislature after the 1986 election he asked then Gov. Arch Moore what he should do as a freshman delegate and Moore told him to keep his mouth shut. He said he followed his advice.