(WWJ) Michigan’s former and longest serving Attorney General, Frank Kelley, has died in Naples, Florida.
He was 96 years old.
Born in Detroit and a graduate of the University of Detroit, Kelley served as State Attorney General from 1961 to 1999, when he retired from office. He was appointed by then Governor John Swainson.
Prior to his appointment, he was city attorney of Alpena.
“Kelley made a point of working well with the five Governors that he served with regardless of their political party….” A press release read. “(He) was known for standing up for the little guy much to the consternation of the executives of utilities, insurance companies, companies that polluted and retailers…"
Kelley played an active role in passing the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act, and in providing a resolution to the national tobacco settlement. He was a champion for Civil Rights in Michigan.
His three children, Karen, Frank and Jane, described him as “a great dad and husband, who had a great sense of humor. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many. He considered public service as an honor. He loved the law, and his loyalty to the people of Michigan was unwavering."
He served so long he earned the title, Eternal General; according to current State Attorney General, Dana Nessel.
“Frank J. Kelley was one of my absolute favorite people from whom to get advice, perspective, or humor,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “He was a never-ending fount of wisdom and fun. From his college days to the battles he fought as Michigan’s longest serving attorney general, he always had stories and insight into the human condition and generosity of time.”
His friend, former House Republican Leader Dennis Cawthorne, called him “one of the most kind-hearted, honest, ethical persons I have ever known.”
Biographer Jack Lessenbery entitled the book he wrote about Kelley: “The People’s Lawyer.”
“Frank Kelley didn't just serve as Michigan's attorney general longer than anyone in state history -- he really invented the office in its modern form,” he said.
A cause of death was not listed. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.