Tim Armstead, a West Virginia Supreme Court justice and former Republican speaker of the House of Delegates, died on Tuesday at the age of 60, after a brief hospitalization, though details of his illness were not disclosed.

Armstead’s career in public service spanned more than two decades. He was first appointed to the House of Delegates in 1998 by then-Governor Cecil Underwood and later won election to retain the seat. Rising through the ranks, he became House speaker in 2015.

In 2018, Armstead was appointed to the state’s highest court to fill the vacancy created by Justice Menis Ketchum’s retirement. He later won a special election that year to complete the remainder of the term and secured a full 12-year term in 2020. He also served as the court’s chief justice in 2020 and again in 2024.

Colleagues remembered Armstead as an ethical and principled leader. Governor Patrick Morrisey called him “a good and decent man who always tried to set the right ethical tone.” Chief Justice Bill Wooton said Armstead’s guidance on ethics and his deep knowledge of state finances were invaluable to the judiciary.

Republican Delegate Roger Hanshaw, who succeeded Armstead as House speaker, paid tribute: “West Virginia lost a very special person today, and I lost another wonderful friend. I will miss the wise counsel he often gave me in times of tough decisions.”

Born in Charleston, Armstead graduated from the University of Charleston and earned his law degree from West Virginia University. He served alongside state and federal leaders before entering elected office. He is survived by his wife, Anna, their daughter, and two grandchildren.

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With inputs from Associated Press