Former Nebraska Governor Charles Thone died Wednesday at the age of 94. Current Governor Pete Ricketts says flags are to be flown at half-staff from sunrise on Thursday, March 8, to sunset on Tuesday, March 13.
Stare leaders leaders are honoring Thone, who led Nebraska during a time of national economic recession. He leaves a legacy of fiscal restraint, great integrity, and stable leadership.
“Governor Thone was a man of integrity who provided stable leadership as Nebraska endured a national recession. While we mourn his passing, the people of Nebraska will remember his legacy of fiscal responsibility as Governor of Nebraska and Congressman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruthie and the entire Thone family as the state honors a true public servant,” says Governor Ricketts.
State Treasurer Don Stenberg served as an aid to Governor Thone. “My career in politics and government would not have been possible without Charley Thone’s support and wise counsel. He was a very smart, down-to-earth Nebraskan who presidential candidates from Goldwater to Reagan sought out for common sense advice as they campaigned for our nation’s highest office. He will be greatly missed by the many Nebraskans whose lives he touched for the better.”
After serving four terms in Congress Thone came back to Nebraska and served as governor from 1979-83. "Charley Thone served our state with high distinction as a U.S. Congressman for the First District and as Nebraska Governor. He was an able administrator, a distinguished lawyer, a dedicated public servant, a man of integrity, and a consummate gentleman," says Secretary of State John Gale.