Former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton dies at 94 after years of public service

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton has died. He was 94.

Hamilton grew up in the Evansville area where he went to public school and was standout basketball player, according to the Indiana University Libraries site.

He studied history at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and continued his basketball career, which earned him a spot in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. He also met his lifelong partner, Nancy Ann Nelson, at DePauw and married her in 1954. They had three children.

Hamilton graduated from the IU Law School in 1956 before starting a private law practice first in Chicago and then Columbus, Indiana. That's where he first entered politics. He was active in the Democratic party before managing Birch Bayh's Senate Campaign in 1962. He was persuaded to run for Congress in 1964 and won.

He served as the Democratic U.S. representative for Indiana's 9th Congressional District from 1965-98. Hamilton was a well-respected voice on Capitol Hill playing key roles. Over the years, he chaired the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions with Iran, the Joint Economics Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

After Hamilton left Congress, he continued to serve in high-profile appointments including the vice chair of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, and he co-chaired the 9/11 Public Discourse Project.

The Indiana Historical Society named Lee Hamilton an Indiana Living Legend in 2005. In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Tributes to Hamilton

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has ordered flags lowered to half-staff statewide at all state facilities until sunset on the day of Hamilton's internment.

"Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton, a man whose life embodied integrity, civility, and public service. We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers," Braun said in a statement.

Indiana U.S. Senator Todd Young offered his deepest condolences to Hamilton's family, as they celebrate his remarkable life.

"Indiana lost a giant today. Lee Hamilton was a statesman, a respected voice on national security, and a strong advocate for Hoosiers. He was also a friend, an insightful writer, and a unique voice on the institution of Congress."

Hamilton returned to his alma mater to teach and mentor students. Indiana University President Pamela Whitten said the school remains profoundly grateful for his service.

"Few public servants have shaped our understanding of democracy, global engagement, and principled leadership as profoundly as Lee Hamilton. His lifelong commitment to public service reflects the very best of our democratic ideals and left an enduring impact on our nation," Whitten said in a statement.

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian called Hamilton a "giant of Hoosier Democratic politics" and a "shining example of how legislators should serve."

"He exemplified public service in his responsiveness and ability to work across the aisle, even on the most important issues. Through his work on the Iran-contra scandal, the 9/11 Commission, and the Iraq Study Group, Rep. Hamilton fought so the American people would always have a transparent look at their government," Tallian wrote.

Ninth District Democratic Party Chair Adam Dickey said Hamilton was "the model of a true American statesman."

"Whether as a confidant to presidents or a mentor to those of us here at home, Lee genuinely cared for those he served and worked to make our world a better place," Dickey said in a statement.

This story will be updated.

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