LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Former Kentucky U.S. Senator Walter “Dee” Huddleston died in his sleep early Tuesday morning, his son confirmed to WDRB News.
Huddleston was 92 years old and had lived at his son’s home in Warsaw, Kentucky since last year.
“He died peacefully in his sleep,” said Stephen Huddleston, an attorney. “He was a gentleman. He comported himself with dignity with everything that happened to him.”
Huddleston, a Democrat, served two terms in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 1985. Republican and now-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell defeated Huddleston in 1984 with the help of a groundbreaking television commercial that portrayed a bloodhound searching for Huddleston.
McConnell released a statement about how much he respected his former political rival:
“I want to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Senator Walter ‘Dee’ Huddleston. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Dee proudly served Kentucky and our nation: first in the United States Army, next in Frankfort, and then in the U.S. Senate. With a serious approach to the issues and a constant support for our agriculture, Dee earned the respect of his colleagues and Kentuckians throughout the Commonwealth.
“When we each had the opportunity to share our visions for Kentucky’s future in 1984, I experienced Dee’s tenacity, competitiveness, and skill firsthand. He was a tough competitor, and I always respected him for his service to our home state. Elaine and I were saddened to hear of Dee’s passing, and I hope that the memories of his life will bring comfort to those who knew him in this time of grief.”
Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-03) released a statement offering praise for Huddleston:
"Dee Huddleston was a kindhearted and thoughtful man. Though he was a spirited politician, he never quite enjoyed the combative side of politics. His interests remained in serving the people of Kentucky to the very best of his ability. When he was first elected to the Senate in 1973, I was working as a staffer for Senator Cook, and I had the distinct joy of getting to know him and his staff well as we developed a great working relationship and friendship inside the Capitol and out. We stayed in touch over the years, and even compared political notes after I became a Democrat. Dee had an unmatched personality and a heart of gold. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers."
Huddleston was a World War II combat tank gunner, radio station manager and Kentucky state senator and majority leader. He managed Wendell Ford’s 1971 campaign for governor, and later served with Ford in the U.S. Senate. He lived in Elizabethtown for more than 50 years, Stephen Huddleston said.
Huddleston was born in Burkesville, Ky. He was one of 11 children and a 1949 University of Kentucky graduate. He is survived by two sons and two grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown.
The funeral is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church.
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