Evan Mecham

Evan Mecham (/ˈmiːkəm/ MEE-kəm; May 12, 1924 – February 21, 2008) was an American businessman and politician. He was the 17th governor of Arizona from January 5, 1987, until his impeachment conviction on April 4, 1988.^[2] He was very unpopular in Arizona because many of the things he said were seen as racist and was accused of hiring close friends and family to high state jobs.^[3]

Evan Mecham
Mecham c. 1987
17th Governor of Arizona
In office January 5, 1987 – April 4, 1988
Preceded by	Bruce Babbitt
Succeeded by	Rose Perica Mofford
Member of the Arizona Senate from the Maricopa County district
In office 1961–1963 Serving with Joe Haldiman Jr.
Preceded by	Hilliard T. Brooke Frank G. Murphy
Succeeded by	Hilliard T. Brooke Paul L. Singer
Personal details
Born	(1924-05-12)May 12, 1924 Duchesne, Utah, U.S.
Died	February 21, 2008(2008-02-21) (aged 83) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.[1]
Resting place	National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Florence Lambert ​ (m. 1945)​
Children	7
Profession	Automotive dealer
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	U.S. Army Air Forces
Years of service	1943–1945
Rank	Second Lieutenant
Battles/wars	World War II European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign (POW)
Awards	Purple Heart Air Medal

Mecham was removed from office following conviction in his impeachment trial on charges of obstruction of justice and misuse of government funds—funds. In his later career, he unsuccessfully ran for governor again and for the United States Senate against John McCain.

Mecham died at a retirement home in Phoenix, Arizona on February 21, 2008 from problems caused by Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease at the age of 83.^[4][1][5]