We are very sad to report this morning, former US Senator, Kentucky Lieutenant Governor, and Kentucky Governor Wendell H. Ford has passed away at the age of 90.

Secretary of State and recent Senatorial candidate Allison Lundergan Grimes made the announcement. A native of Daviess County, Ford attended the University of Kentucky, but left to serve in World War II and after his honorable discharge in 1949, he continued to serve his country through the Kentucky National Guard until 1956. Ford served as Lieutenant Governor under Louie Nunn (1967-1971), and he was then elected Governor (1971-1974). Following his governorship, Ford went on to serve 24 years in the US Senate where he would serve as both Majority Whip and Minority Whip for the Democratic party. The Senator retired in 1999, opting not to run for a fifth term.

In 1978, the US 60 bypass was renamed the Wendell H. Ford Expressway. During the administration of Paul Patton, the Western Kentucky Parkway was renamed in Ford's honor.

It was reported in July of last year that Ford had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

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