https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/former-indiana-governor-joe-kernan-dies-at-74/531-0abdccaf-866e-4d24-a790-5c6c4533fa3f


FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004, file photo, Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan acknowledges the applause of supporters as he concedes to Republican challenger Mitch Daniels in the race for governor in Indianapolis. Former Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan has lost the ability to speak due to Alzheimer's disease and is living in a care facility, according to a report confirmed by his former press secretary Wednesday, July 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Author: WTHR.com staff
Published: 7:55 AM EDT July 29, 2020
Updated: 9:35 AM EDT July 29, 2020

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Joe Kernan, the 48th governor of Indiana, died Wednesday morning. He was 74 years old.

Kernan passed away around 5:30 a.m. after a prolonged illness.

Kernan served as a United States Navy Lieutenant. He and his co-pilot were shot down while on a reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam in 1972.

In 1987, Kernan was elected to his first of three consecutive terms as mayor of the City of South Bend.

In 1996, Frank O'Bannon chose Kernan as his running mate for Lt. Governor of Indiana. He held that role for eight years.

When Governor Frank O'Bannon died of a stroke in 2003, Kernan was sworn in as the state's 48th governor.

Kernan made history by appointing Kathy Davis as Indiana's first female Lt. Governor.

Kernan retired from politics in 2005 and moved back to his hometown of South Bend.

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