Russell G. Lloyd Sr. (March 29, 1932 – March 21, 1980) was an American attorney and Republican politician who served as mayor of Evansville, Indiana, from 1972 through 1979.

Lloyd was elected mayor in 1971, becoming the first Republican elected to the office in Evansville since the 1950s. He was reelected four years later and remains the only Republican to win two terms as mayor in the city’s modern history.

Mayor of Evansville

Lloyd’s two terms came during a period of major development in Evansville. His administration was associated with projects and improvements involving transportation, recreation and city infrastructure.

Among the projects connected to his administration were the development of Lloyd Pool, Swonder Ice Arena, improvements involving Evansville Regional Airport, and planning for the east-west roadway that would eventually become the Lloyd Expressway.

The expressway and Lloyd Pool were later named in his honor.

Lloyd also helped bring a new generation of leaders into Evansville government. Among those who worked in his administration was future Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, who served as Lloyd’s executive assistant.

Murder

After completing his second term as mayor, Lloyd returned to private life.

On March 19, 1980, Lloyd was shot at his Evansville home by Julia Van Orden, a local woman who had been involved in disputes with city government and apparently believed Lloyd was still mayor.

Lloyd was critically wounded and died on March 21, 1980, at age 47.

Van Orden was later convicted in connection with Lloyd’s death.

Legacy

Lloyd remains one of the more prominent mayors in Evansville history. His name continues to be associated with the Lloyd Expressway, one of the city’s primary east-west transportation routes.

His family’s involvement in Evansville government also continued. His son, Russell G. Lloyd Jr., was elected mayor of Evansville in 1999 and served from 2000 through 2003.