Stephen Lucid Robert McNichols (March 7, 1914 – November 25, 1997) was an American politician who served as Colorado's 35th Governor from 1957 to 1963. Family roots and early life McNichols' father, William H. McNichols, Denver's well-respected auditor for over thirty years, was influential in steering his two sons Bill and Stephen toward their success in state politics. Stephen McNichols graduated from East Denver High School and Regis College to pursue a law degree from Catholic University in Washington. After graduating in 1939, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a field officer in Baltimore and Boston. After a year of service, McNichols returned home to assist the Denver District Attorney, John A. Carroll. He later became an assistant in the U.S. Attorney General's antitrust division in Denver. Marriage and service in World War II In 1942, McNichols married Marjory Hart. The couple had five children, Stephen, Robert, William, Mary and Marjory. McNichols' family life as well as his municipal and judicial aspirations were put on hold, however, when the United States Coast Guard required his services as an officer in the amphibious corps in 1942. He distinguished himself in the service earning the Purple Heart, Bronze and Gold Stars and was promoted to lieutenant commander. Service in the Colorado State Senate Less than ten years after receiving his law degree McNichols opened his own law firm McNichols, Dunn & Nevans and was elected to the state senate. As a senator McNichols soon became recognized as a skilled planner and was respected for his ability to cross party lines to achieve his goals. During his two terms he was instrumental in developing a plan for long-range highway development, a school district reorganization proposal, and a scheme to centralize public utility management. Lieutenant Governor of Colorado McNichols' abilities to plan and pass legislation were rewarded in 1954 when he was elected as Edwin Johnson's lieutenant governor. When Governor Johnson was ill, which was much of the time during this administration, McNichols learned under this period the daily responsibilities of the governorship. Governor of Colorado McNichols took over the responsibilities of governor when Edwin Johnson became ill and was unable to complete his term. It was this experience that helped McNichols to be elected Colorado's governor in 1956. The term was 2 years and McNichols was re-elected in 1958 and again in 1960. Controversial activism and far-reaching plans distinguished McNichols' administration.