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 PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 17, 2003

 

Gov. Frank O’Bannon

Jan. 30, 1930 – Sept. 13, 2003

Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon died Saturday, September 13 in Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, five days after suffering a stroke. He was born January 30, 1930 in Corydon.

Gov. O’Bannon graduated from Corydon High School in 1948 and earned an undergraduate degree in government in 1952 from Indiana University where he was a member of the basketball team. He served two years in the Air Force before returning to IU, where he earned his law degree.

O’Bannon had practiced law in Corydon and had managed First Federal Savings and Loan Association. He was proficient in writing news and sports stories and taking photos for the Corydon Democrat, a family-owned newspaper.

The long-time politician was active in the Corydon community and in many community activities in Indianapolis. He was elected to the Indiana Senate in 1970 where he served until 1988 when he was elected lieutenant governor under Evan Bayh. They were reelected in 1992. In 1996, O’Bannon was elected as governor of Indiana and reelected for his second term in 2000.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Judith (Asmus) O’Bannon, a longtime civic leader; three children, Polly Zoeller and Jennifer and Jonathan O’Bannon; five grandchildren; three sisters, Jane Parker, Rosamond Sample and Margaret Fawver.

His brother Robert Jr. died in December 2002.

Services will be held in Indianapolis and Corydon.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to O’Bannon Foundation in care of Union Federal Bank, 45 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

 

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