The Founder of Southwest Airlines Has Passed Away

Herbert Kelleher, the founder and chairman emeritus of Southwest Airlines, has passed away at 87 according to a company announcement on Thursday.

The founder is survived by his wife and three of their four children as well as several grandchildren.

Kelleher had founded the airline with Rollin King back in the 1960’s. Southwest’s first flight didn’t take off until 1971 though.

“Herb was a legendary business and leader, a civic titan and, most importantly, an ardent defender of the Federal Reserve System and it’s independence,” remarked former Dallas Fed president Richard Fisher.

“Herb was a pioneer, a maverick, and an innovator,” the company stated. “His vision revolutionized commercial aviation and democratized the skies. Herb’s passion, zest for life, and insatiable investment in relationships made lasting and immeasurable impressions on all who knew him and will forever be the bedrock and esprit de corps of Southwest Airlines.”

“His vision for making air travel affordable for all revolutionized the industry, and you can still see that transformation taking place today,” said Southwest’s CEO Gary Kelly. “He inspired people; he motivated people; he challenged people — and, he kept us laughing all the way. He was an exceptionally gifted man with an enormous heart and love for people — all people.”

“Smart, innovative, funny — and a bit out of his brilliant mind,” said Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric. “I loved him. He was, to me, an American business hero, in that he elevated his people to heights they never imagined they could reach, changing an industry for the better in the process.”

“He was big, brash funny and wickedly smart,” said Henry Harteveldt, a former airline executive. “Herb pushed the airline to expand across the country.”

Disclaimer: We have no position in Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and have not been compensated for this article.