Former U.S. Rep. Ken Gray, who represented southern Illinois in Congress and earned the nickname the "Prince of Pork,'' has died at age 89.
Officials with Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort said Sunday that Gray died late Saturday at a hospital in Herrin after a long illness. Gray was elected to Congress in 1954 and served ten terms. He returned to Congress in 1984 to serve two terms.
The funeral home says Gray's services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Benton Civic Center. That's where visitation will be from 10 a.m. Saturday until service time.
Gray was a colorful figure during his time in Washington and the Democrat was known for bringing about $7 billion in federal projects to his district.
Those projects included a prison, an interstate highway, post offices and hospitals.
In 2008 a portion of Interstate 57 in southern Illinois was named after Gray, who helped write the Interstate Highway Act of 1956.
From Gov. Pat Quinn: “Ken Gray was a gentleman and statesman who never tired of advocating for his beloved state and region. Congressman Gray was the people's voice. A grateful state fondly remembers what the Congressman did for Illinois. I join my fellow citizens in keeping Congressman Gray's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers."
From U.S. Rep. John Shimkus: "I was saddened to learn of Kenny Gray's passing on Saturday. Kenny was a larger than life advocate for southern Illinois with a legacy that brought us Rend Lake and the Interstate Highway System. In a era of bland politicians, I remember Kenny's colorful personality fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Toedy as well as his family and friends in West Frankfort and across the state."
From U.S. Rep. Bill Enyart: "I was saddened to hear of Ken's passing. His contributions to Southern Illinois have been and will be felt for generations to come. From Rend Lake to interstate highways to countless jobs, Kenny was a true advocate for the good people of this area. His colorful suits, sense of bipartisanship, and friendship will be missed by so many across the country. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife, Toedy, and his family and friends in West Frankfort."
From State Rep. Brandon Phelps: "Ken Gray built Southern Illinois. Whenever he would wake up each day, he'd ask 'Who can I help today?' That's all I try to do."
