Former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton passes away

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Lee Hamilton, who served 34 years as a U.S. Representative representing Indiana's 9th District, died on Tuesday. He was 94.

Hamilton was raised in Evansville and graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 1956. Following graduation, he moved to Columbus and practiced law for a decade. 

He was then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served from 1965 to 1999. 

After he left Congress, he continued to serve his country on several governmental advisory boards, most notably as the vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission.

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon paid tribute to Hamilton on Thursday, stating, "I join others across Columbus and this country in expressing my condolences on the passing of Representative Lee Hamilton. He served both Indiana and his country with distinction and will be remembered for his deep knowledge of foreign policy, thoughtful analysis of public policy, and ability to work with people from both sides of the aisle. During his time in private practice in Columbus, he served as the first Chairperson of the Columbus Human Rights Commission. His daughter, Tracy Hamilton Souza, and her family are long-time residents and community leaders in this community. We share our heartfelt condolences with the Hamilton Family. He was a leader, a scholar, and a gentleman."