William H. Webster

William Hedgcock Webster (March 6, 1924 – August 8, 2025) was an American attorney, and jurist. He was the Chairman Emeritus of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. Previously Webster was the third Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1978 to 1987 and Director of Central Intelligence from 1987 to 1991. He is the only person to have been in charge of both the CIA and FBI.

Webster was born on March 6, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri. He studied at Amherst College and at Washington University in St. Louis. 

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed him as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This was despite Webster being a registered Republican.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed him director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He led the CIA until his retirement from public office in 1991. After this, Webster practiced law at Milbank, where he specialized in arbitration, mediation and internal investigation.

Webster was married to Drusilla Lane Webster from 1950 until her death in 1984. They had three children. He married Lynda Clugston in 1990, and was married to her until his death in 2025. 

Webster turned 100 in March 2024.

Webster died at a care facility in Warrenton, Virginia on August 8, 2025, at the age of 101.

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Category:1924 births
Category:2025 deaths
Category:Politicians from St. Louis, Missouri
Category:Directors of the Central Intelligence Agency
Category:Directors of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians
Category:American centenarians
Category:Lawyers from St. Louis, Missouri
Category:Politicians from Washington, D.C.
Category:Lawyers from Washington, D.C.