INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Lee Hamilton, former Democratic congressman who represented Indiana’s 9th district for more than 30 years, has died at age 94. Hamilton reportedly died peacefully in his home in Bloomington Tuesday night, according to his office. Hamilton even came into work the day before his passing. His cause of death was not publicly available. Hamilton’s wife of 58 years, Nancy, died in 2012. The couple had three children and five grandchildren. The late political scholar was considered as one of the “nation’s foremost experts on Congress and representative democracy.” Born in Florida, but raised in Evansville, Hamilton graduated from Evansville Central High School before graduating from DePauw University in 1952. He continued his education at IU School of Law, where he graduated in 1956. He then practiced law in Columbus, Indiana, for 10 years. He started his political career in 1964, after being elected to the House of Representatives. He served in several committees and was the vice chair of the 9/11 Commission. Outside of politics, he was a talented athlete, shining as a basketball star in both high school and collegiate levels. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. Deeply integrated with IU, Hamilton co-founded the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies alongside his contemporary, Richard Lugar. At the time of his death, he served as a “Distinguished Scholar in the School of Global and International Studies and as a Professor of Practice in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.” Indiana University President Pamela Whitten remembered Hamilton in a statement on his passing as one of a few public servants who “have shaped our understanding of democracy.” Few public servants have shaped our understanding of democracy, global engagement, and principled leadership as profoundly as Lee Hamilton. His lifelong commitment to public service reflects the very best of our democratic ideals and left an enduring impact on our nation. Congressman Hamilton’s legacy at Indiana University is both deep and lasting—from earning his law degree on our Bloomington campus to returning as a Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Practice, inspiring generations of students through his teaching and mentorship. His vision lives on through the Center on Representative Government and the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and remain profoundly grateful for his service to Indiana University and the country. IU President Pamela Whitten. Gov. Braun orders flags to be lowered Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on Wednesday ordered all flags statewide to flown at half-staff in honor of Hamilton. All flags will be at half-staff until sunset on the day of Hamilton’s internment. Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton, a man whose life embodied integrity, civility, and public service. We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun Statement from Sen. Todd Young Indiana lost a giant today. Lee Hamilton was a statesman, a respected voice on national security, and a strong advocate for Hoosiers. He was also a friend, an insightful writer, and a unique voice on the institution of Congress. My deepest condolences to Lee’s family and loved ones as they celebrate his remarkable life. Sen. Todd Young via X Statement from House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta Rep. Lee Hamilton was a Hoosier hero who dedicated his life to service and bolstering national security. Throughout his 34 years serving in Congress Rep. Hamilton worked across the aisle for the benefit of his fellow Americans, something politicians from our city halls to the halls of Congress should always strive to do.  As a lawmaker, Hamilton dedicated much of his work in D.C. and after leaving Congress toward strengthening American democracy through civic engagement. After he left Congress in 1999, his work still wasn’t done. In 2002, former President George W. Bush appointed Hamilton as the vice-chairman of the 9/11 Commission. He also went on to start the Indiana University Center on Representative Government as the Center on Congress in 1999. From Washington, D.C. to Bloomington, Rep. Hamilton’s dedication to public service has made Indiana, and our nation, stronger. House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta ...read more read less