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Former Indianapolis Mayor Bill Hudnut dies at 84

Remembering former Indianapolis Mayor Bill Hudnut
Posted at 10:47 AM, Dec 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-19 19:36:29-05

INDIANAPOLIS – Former Indianapolis Mayor William "Bill" Hudnut passed away Sunday at the age of 84, according to family.

Hudnut was the longest serving mayor in Indianapolis, beginning his term in 1976 and was re-elected three times for a total of 16 years.

According to the family, Hudnut died in Maryland following a lengthy illness. Services are being planned for the former Indianapolis Mayor and former senior pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis.

The family released a statement following his death:

“On behalf of our family, I would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.  It was a real gift to Bill that he had an opportunity to hear how much he meant to family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors—and to the communities he served—through your notes, cards, letters, personal visits, and comments on his CaringBridge posts,” said his wife, Beverly Hudnut.

“So many wonderful people helped us in so many ways these past couple of years— and we will be eternally grateful.  In particular, I would like to thank our employers for their steadfast support in recent months.  That includes Georgetown University and Bose Public Affairs Group (where Bill worked) and the Campaign Legal Center (my previous employer) and the Bipartisan Policy Center where I now work.

“Our family is very grateful for the organizational support and longtime friendship of former colleagues John Ryan, Lesa Dietrick, and Dave Arland, as we finalize details for two public memorial services.  One will be in Washington, D.C. and the other will be in Indianapolis.

“My husband Bill loved writing updates for his CaringBridge website, under the site name ‘Mayor Bill Hudnut.’  He developed themes for his posts about, among other things, the importance of perseverance, the tender love of pets, and reflections about his time as Indianapolis Mayor and other life-changing moments.  It meant a lot to him that readers found his words inspiring and wise.  

“In September 2016, Bill finished My Valediction Prohibiting Mourning and he asked me to post his intended final reflections upon his death.”

During Hudnut’s time as the city’s chief executive, several major projects, totaling more than $4 billion, were completed in the downtown area such as the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center.

A life-size statue of Hudnut that sits near the Convention Center was dedicated in his honor in 2014.

RELATED | Statue of former Indianapolis Mayor Bill Hudnut unveiled | Former Mayor Bill Hudnut remembers Colts' debut in Indy

He is also known for his efforts in bringing the Colts to Indianapolis after the build of a domed stadium.

In addition, the 1987 Pan American games were hosted in Indy during Hudnut’s time and the Indiana Sports Corporation was created.

In 1988 he was named “Man of the Year” and was awarded The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service in 1986 by Princeton University, his alma mater.

During his time in office, he sponsored 17 bills that became law.

Indianapolis’ current Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city is mourning the loss of a visionary leader.

Mayor Hudnut was ahead of his time, helping to turn, as he often said, “India-NO-place” into “India-SHOW-place,” and paving the way for the world class city that Indianapolis has become. He was a true public servant, with an energy and personality that captured the hearts and imaginations of countless residents.

Over the years, I was fortunate enough to get to know Mayor Hudnut very well– as an opponent for political office, as a leader of this community and as a friend.  In today’s politically polarized world, there are far too few like him.
                                                                                                   
During this difficult time, Steph and I have Beverly and the entire Hudnut family in our thoughts and prayers. For the City of Indianapolis, there will only ever be one Mayor Bill Hudnut. But it is my deepest aspiration that we will continue building on his legacy and in so doing, make our Mayor proud.”

Mayor Hogsett called upon state and Marion County officials to join him in flying flags at half-staff this week in remembrance of Mayor Hudnut.

Other Indianapolis dignitaries and organizations sent their best wishes to Hudnut's family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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