News Archive

Edgar Whitcomb, ’50, a former governor of Indiana, died at his home in Rome, Indiana, on February 4. He was 98.

Whitcomb was a student at Indiana University when World War II began, and he left his studies to serve in the U.S. Army. He recounted some of his harrowing experiences during the war in his book, “Escape from Corregidor.” He returned to IU after the war and earned his law degree. Whitcomb practiced law in North Vernon, Seymour, and Indianapolis before running for office. He served in the Indiana State Senate, and also as Indiana Secretary of State, prior to being elected governor in 1968; he was Indiana’s governor from 1969 to 1973. After leaving office, he served as director of Mid American World Trade Association and resumed his law practice. Whitcomb moved to Perry County when he retired.

In the photo, Governor Mike Pence, '86, right, is visiting with Whitcomb.

Dean Emeritus Gary Roberts and former Indiana House Speaker Paul Mannweiler, ’76, traveled to Whitcomb’s home for a visit in 2012. Dean Roberts reported at the time that the legendary stories of Whitcomb moving to a cabin with no heat and cutting his own firewood were true, though the former governor was living in a house in town when they visited.

An adventurer at heart, Whitcomb took up sailing in his 70s and ultimately sailed around the world. He wrote three books; two about his World War II experiences and one about his sailing adventures.