Governor Beshear says retired Senator Wendell Ford will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort on Sunday, followed by a funeral service and interment in Owensboro on Tuesday.
“Senator Ford’s long political career began here in the halls of the state Capitol, where he served as a state Senator, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor. It’s fitting for the Senator to return here, so that grateful Kentuckians may pay their respects and celebrate his life,” said Beshear.
Sen. Ford died Thursday at his home in Owensboro after fighting lung cancer. He was 90.
Gov. Beshear also directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise Friday, Jan.23, 2015 through sundown Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in honor of Sen. Ford. He encouraged individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in the flag-lowering tribute.
Memorial service in Capitol
The public is invited to visit the Capitol on Sunday, where Sen. Ford will lie in state from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen will participate in the service.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. CT at First Baptist Church in Owensboro. Visitation will be at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory in Owensboro from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. A private service of committal will be held in Elmwood Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the charity of one’s choice or the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center.
