Frank J. Kelley
Frank Joseph Kelley (December 31, 1924 – March 5, 2021) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 50th Attorney General of the U.S. state of Michigan. His 37-year term of office, from 1961 to 1999, made him both the youngest (36 years old) and oldest (74 years old) attorney general in the state's history, and led to his nickname as the "Eternal General". He won ten consecutive terms of office. He was the longest serving state attorney general in United States history, until Tom Miller of Iowa surpassed his longevity record in 2019—although Kelley still holds the record for longest continuous tenure as an attorney general. In 37 years of service as Michigan's chief law enforcement officer, he worked in concert with five Michigan governors.
Frank J. Kelley | |
|---|---|
Kelley in 1996 | |
| 50th Attorney General of Michigan | |
| In office December 28, 1961 – January 1, 1999 | |
| Governor | John Swainson George W. Romney William Milliken James Blanchard John Engler |
| Preceded by | Paul L. Adams |
| Succeeded by | Jennifer Granholm |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Frank Joseph Kelley December 31, 1924 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | March 5, 2021 (aged 96) Naples, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Alpena, Michigan |
| Alma mater | University of Detroit |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
He was cited by all 50 states attorneys general as being the attorney general who most furthered the cause of justice in the United States and was elected president of the National Association of Attorneys General, becoming the only Michigan attorney general so honored. He was the first attorney general in the United States to establish Consumer Protection, Criminal Fraud and Environmental Protection Divisions.