Former Gov. Claude Kirk, one of the first Republicans to become governor of a former Confederate state in modern times when he was elected in 1966, has died, according to his family.
Kirk, who served one term from 1967 to 1971, was 85, and died this morning at his West Palm Beach home.
Kirk, nicknamed “Claudius Maximus” for his outsized personality, had asked several years ago to be buried at The Capitol, though it’s not allowed.
“Being buried up there would be a good idea, so I can keep an eye on them,” Kirk said a few years ago.
Kirk defeated Robert King High in 1966, and was defeated in his bid for re-election by Reubin Askew.
