Former Governor Edgar Whitcomb Remembered During Statehouse Memorial Service

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former and current politicians shared stories Friday about Edgar Whitcomb, the former Indiana governor who died last week.

They celebrated what they called Whitcomb’s adventurous, heroic life.

As Gov. Mike Pence described him, Whitcomb lived big. In his years as governor from 1969 to 1973 Pence said Whitcomb increased funding for education, mental health and infrastructure while maintaining a focus on fiscal responsibility.

House Speaker Brian Bosma quoted a story that said Whitcomb was “anti-establishment and pro-taxpayer before it was cool.”

Before his political career Whitcomb served as a B-17 navigator during World War II, and escaped a Japanese prisoner of war camp twice. He developed a passion for sailing late in life, Pence said, and circumnavigated the globe in his 30-foot boat.

“Sail on, Gov. Whitcomb. But know that we here in your beloved Indiana will never forget your service, we will never forget your smile, and we will never fail to be inspired by your life and your courage,” Pence said. 

Edgar Whitcomb was 98 years old.