Former WV lawmaker Richard Browning has died at 73

By RealWV Staff,

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Former Democratic-lawmaker Richard Browning, who served in both West Virginia’s House of Delegates and State Senate, died this week at the age of 73. 

As a representative of Wyoming County, Browning served for two separate eight-year periods in the House of Delegates – first from 1988 through 1996, and then again from 2000 through 2008 – before serving from 2008 until 2012 in the State Senate. Browning also worked as both teacher and principal for the Wyoming County School District. After leaving office, Browning served as executive director of the Coalfields Expressway Authority. 

In a statement released Tuesday by the West Virginia State Democratic Party, Chair Mike Pushkin said, “Senator Browning’s legacy is one of decency, service, and quiet strength.”

“He leaves behind a model of leadership rooted in humility and care for others,” Pushkin added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.”

Also on Tuesday, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey released a statement that read, “I am very saddened to hear of the loss of former West Virginia legislator Richard Browning. Richard spent nearly 20 years serving the people of our state in the House of Delegates and State Senate as a dignified leader and an unwavering advocate for his community in Wyoming County. My prayers are with his wife, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”