STATEHOUSE (Feb. 8, 2017) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) memorialized Jean Paul Lushin with a House resolution Tuesday at the Statehouse.
Lushin passed away Jan. 25 after serving the community for more than 30 years as the Center Township Trustee in Howard County.
“He served the community well by supporting constituents,” Karickhoff said. “He was more than willing to stand up for his beliefs and led the charge to reshape township government statewide, while also serving as a mentor for other trustees.”
Lushin was born in 1937 in Kokomo, the son of the late Mary Helen Lushin (Tate) from Russiaville and Paul Kosta Lushin, an immigrant from Macedonia who settled in Kokomo in 1926 to work in the steel industry. He graduated from Kokomo High School and served in the United States Marine Corps for two years.
Lushin’s son, Paul A. Lushin, accepted the resolution on behalf of his family and addressed the House and Senate.
“This was such a nice tribute to my father for his more than 50 years of public service and specifically for his 33 years as a township trustee,” Lushin said. “Being a township trustee really defined him as a public servant, but working with legislators in drafting laws refined his service.”
Dawn Lushin-Manfredi, Lushin’s daughter was unable to speak to the legislators but her brother read her words. “My dad’s success and his greatness came because he walked among the people,” she wrote.
Deborah Driskell, executive director of the Indiana Township Association, was able to see state legislators present the resolution on the House floor.
“We were so blessed to have worked with Jean,” Driskell said. “He was a leader, a mentor and a friend.”
“I appreciate the time Representative Karickhoff took to draft this resolution and find a senator to carry it to the Senate,” Lushin said. “His time is valuable, and we really appreciate it.”
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), a co-author of the resolution, said, “It’s not often that someone impacts their community as much as Jean Lushin did. For more than five decades, he devoted himself to serving his fellow Hoosiers. Whether it was during his days in the Marines or in local government, Jean set an example for all to follow and he will be sorely missed.”
State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) addressed the House during the presentation.
“Jean Paul Lushin’s contributions as township trustee and his active involvement in the community will live for generations as a testament to the accomplishments of his public service. He will be sincerely missed,” Klinker said.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
A high-resolution photo of Karickhoff can be downloaded by clicking here.
Photo of presentation is attached. It is a phot of Rep. Karickhoff presenting the resolution.
