Wendell Ford former U.S. senator, Kentucky governor, dies at age 90

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Former U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford, center, stopped for a photograph with Challen McCoy, right, and his son Paul at the Nelson County Democratic Party’s first Jefferson-Jackson Dinner several years ago. Ford was the dinner’s keynote speaker.

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 — Kentucky Secretary of State announced Thursday morning that former U.S. Senator Wendell Ford has died at the age of 90.

Ford was born Sept. 8, 1924 near Owensboro. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 1974 and served four terms, retiring in 1999.

Ford announced last July that he was battling lung cancer.

Ford served as Kentucky’s 53rd governor after serving as lieutenant governor under Gov. Louie Nunn from 1967-71.

Ford attended Daviess County High School and graduated from the University of Kentucky. He was born in Owensboro, and retired from politics in 1998 to return there.

At the time of his retirement, he was the longest-serving senator in Kentucky history.

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