Former Indiana Governor Joe Kernan Dead At 74

Current Governor Eric Holcomb is directing flags to half-staff in honor of Kernan.

Indiana Statehouse. Shutterstock photo.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A former Indiana Governor has passed away. 

Joe Kernan passed away early Wednesday morning at the age of 74.

Kernan served as the Mayor of South Bend before becoming Indiana's Lieutenant Governor in 1997.

He held that position until 2003 when he became the 48th governor of the State of Indiana following the death of Governor Frank O'Bannon. Kernan lost an election to become the full-time governor to Mitch Daniels in 2004. 

Current Governor Eric Holcomb is directing flags statewide to be flown at half-staff to honor former Governor Joe Kernan. Flags should be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on Wednesday, August 5.

Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents across the state to lower their flags to half-staff to honor former Gov. Kernan and his service.

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar on the passing of former Governor Joe Kernan:

“Joe Kernan was one of the most down-to-earth and humble people in a world that is too often lacking those qualities. Beyond his tremendous public and community service, the work of he and then Chief Justice Randall Shepard on the Kernan-Shepard Commission for local government efficiency will continue to have lasting impacts.Joe Kernan and Randall Shepard were honored as Indiana Chamber Government Leaders of the Year in 2008. Kernan, then 62 years old and owner of the South Bend Silver Hawks, was signed to a one-day contract in the spring of 2008 for an exhibition game against the parent club Arizona Diamondbacks. Kernan said later that year: “I ended up playing a couple of innings at second base. I struck out, but I went down swinging.” That describes the life of Joe Kernan."

Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following after the passing of former Gov. Joe Kernan.

“Indiana mourns the loss of Joe Kernan, a bone fide American hero, decorated Navy officer, and truly selfless statesman who always placed the interests of his fellow Hoosiers first. Distinguished isn’t a strong enough word to describe him. Without regard for personal cost, Joe Kernan devoted every ounce of his life, time and again, to upholding the oath he took, and serving the country and state he loved. Undeterred after being shot down and tortured in Vietnam, he returned and led his beloved City of South Bend as mayor for three terms, and our state as our 47^th lieutenant governor. When duty called him to step into a role he didn’t seek, he served as our 48^th governor. Through his decades of servant leadership and sacrifice, Joe Kernan modeled all the best of what it means to be a Hoosier and his legacy will continue to live on in each of us whom he inspired. Janet and I ask Hoosiers across our state to join us in lifting up in prayer Mrs. Kernan, their incredible family, and all whose lives he touched.”

The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus made the following statement in response:

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of former Governor Joe Kernan. Joe was a true patriot who also was the shining example of a public servant. Service is what immediately comes to mind when we think of Joe: a veteran who endured the rigors and cruelty of being a prisoner of war, and a trusted official as the mayor of South Bend and both lieutenant governor and governor of our state. As lieutenant governor, he was a beloved member of our Indiana Senate family, presiding over the chamber with grace, dignity and always with that famous twinkle in his eye. Governor Kernan was a true American hero who touched the lives of so many, in the Hoosier state and beyond. Joe lived his life with humility and was always ready to go to bat for what was right. We truly lost one of our best champions today. Joe will always have a fond place in our hearts and in the halls of Hoosier history. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to Maggie and all who are so proud and grateful to have known Joe Kernan. Today, as we remember his legacy, we ask that all Hoosiers keep Mrs. Kernan and the whole family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”