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Born in Madisonville on February 16, 1896, Jubal Richard “J.R.” Parten secured his legacy as a pioneer in the American oil industry and a reputation in local, state and national politics. Studying government and law at the University of Texas, Parten graduated and married Opal Woodley in 1917. Shortly after, J.R. joined the army, rising to the rank of major. After WWI, Parten joined his father-in-law in organizing Woodley Petroleum Company in 1919, thus beginning his over-seventy-year career in the petroleum industry. Throughout his career in the oil industry, Parten stayed active in the affairs of his alma mater and national politics. He served on the University of Texas Board of Regents from 1935-1941 and received a distinguished alumnus award from his beloved university in 1987. During WWII, Parten served as director of the Transportation Division of the Petroleum Administration for War, responsible for delivering necessary oil for the war effort. J.R. also participated in the post-war negotiations at the Potsdam Conference. President Harry S. Truman called on Parten again in 1950, to organize the Petroleum Administration for Defense during the Korean War. He held many public service positions throughout his life representing his country, state, and county. J.R. Parten divorced Opal in 1947, and married Patsy Edwards Puterbaugh and the couple had two children. Parten always generously gave back to Madison County whenever donations were asked. He also gifted multiple tracts of land for an elementary school, hospital, and the Madison County Library. Parten died on November 9, 1992, and is buried in the Madisonville Cemetery. (2017) |
