Senator Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky served in the US Senate from 1973 — 1985. Huddleston lost to Mitch McConnell who was at the time Jefferson County Judge-Executive. Senator Huddleston was the Great Uncle of DKos user, eeff’s cousin.
Born in Burkesville, Walter was one of nine children of a Methodist preacher. He was a graduate of Jeffersontown High School, where he was a standout on the basketball court. Walter Huddleston served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. During World War II he served in Europe as a tank gunner. After his Army service Walter earned a degree in radio arts from the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Walter began his radio career in Bowling Green at WKCT as the sports and program director. He later moved to Elizabethtown where he became part owner of WIEL and another station in Lebanon. Dee also served as president of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association.
While in Elizabethtown, Walter approached University of Kentucky basketball coach, Adolph Rupp and sold him on the concept of broadcasting the UK basketball games on the radio.
"He had personal relationships and friendships with all of the legendary sports figures in Kentucky." ~ Son, Stephen Huddleston
Because political candidates would often approach Huddleston for support in their run for statewide office, Dee soon caught the “politics” bug and his new career began when he was elected to the Kentucky Senate in 1965. Not long after in 1971, Walter ran for the U.S. Senate. His opponent, Republican Louie Nunn, lost the race by 35,000 votes in an election year when Nixon took the state by a margin of 305,000 votes.
While in Congress, Dee served on the Agriculture and Government Operations Committee. He chaired the Subcommittee on Agricultural Production Marketing and Stabilization of Prices as well as serving on several other subcommittees. Huddleston became a member of the Appropriations Committee as well as the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Operations.
Ronald Regan’s presidential landslide swept Dee from office and ushered in Mitch McConnell.
“He had a great, booming voice that he used well in radio. Walter was a very likeable guy, laid-back, calm, cool and very sincere. He always had the best interests of Kentucky at heart.” ~ Former Governor Martha Layne Collins — (Walter’s sister, Mary Helen Miller was Collins’ chief of staff)
“He was one of the first politicians I ever gave a contribution to. He became a soothing statesman. He really wanted to act on behalf of the people of Kentucky and always do what is right.” ~ Former Governor Paul Patton
“Walter Huddleston lived a full life. He had a wonderful career in public service and I don’t think he ever had an enemy. He was quite likeable.” ~ Former Gov. John Y. Brown Jr
“He was a true Democrat who advocated for Kentuckians both during and after his time of service as a U.S. senator.” ~ Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Ben Self
“Walter Huddleston advocated fiercely for the interests of the Kentucky farmer. I hope his family and friends rejoice in remembering a life well-lived.” ~ State Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles
After leaving the U.S. Senate, Huddleston moved to Elizabethtown and was chairman of First Financial Service Corporation.
Walter “Dee” Huddleston died in his sleep on Monday at his son, Stephen’s home in Warsaw, KY.
“My father was the quintessential 20th century American story. He lived through the Great Depression, fought in World War II and earned his education thanks to the GI Bill before rising to the highest levels of state and national politics.” ~ Stephen Huddleston
Huddleston is survived by two sons, Stephen Huddleston and Phiip Dee Huddleston; three sisters, Dimple Duerr , Martha Jane Huddleston and Mary Helen Miller of Shelbyville.
The funeral will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown. Burial will follow in Elizabethtown City Cemetery.
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Jeff Singer published the following yesterday: The Kentucky Democrat who lost his seat to Mitch McConnell dies at age 92