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Former Arkansas Governor And U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers Dies At 90

CHARLESTON (KFSM) — Former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers passed away New Year’s Day, according to his family. Bumpers died Friday ...

CHARLESTON (KFSM) -- Former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers passed away New Year's Day, according to his family.

Bumpers died Friday (Jan. 1, 2016) night at the age of 90 in his home surrounded by family.

He passed away after suffering from Alzheimer's disease and a broken hip.

Bumpers, a Democrat, served as the 38th Governor of Arkansas from 1971 to 1975 and then served as a U.S. Senator from 1975 until his retirement in 1999.

After he retired from the Senate, Bumpers acted as defense attorney during then-President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial.

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville founded the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life Science in 1995 in his honor.

Mike Vayda, dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life Science, released the following statement:

"We are truly saddened to hear about the loss of Sen. Bumpers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to    Betty, their children, families, and all friends and supporters. What he did for agriculture, farmers and       researchers in the state of Arkansas can not be understated. He was a great ambassador for the state, and our agriculture and food industries. We are proud to have his name associated with the Bumpers College and to honor his legacy with the Dale and Betty Bumpers Distinguished Lecture Series. What he accomplished in his years of service to the state and to the nation will be evident for generations to come. He was a great person and he will be missed."

Bumper's family released the following statement:

"We want to thank his many friends and colleagues who have supported him and us over the years. While most people knew him as a great governor, senator and public servant, we remember him best as a loving father and husband who gave us unconditional love and support and whose life provided wonderful guidance on how to be a compassionate and productive person."

Bumpers was born in Charleston, Arkansas in Franklin County and attended the University of Arkansas.

Current Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson released the following statement:

"The entire state mourns the loss of an Arkansas legend. In my first statewide race, Dale took me to school on Arkansas politics. He was a master storyteller, and his stump speaking was impossible to beat. From that first campaign in which we served together in Congress. I have admired Dale for his skill, heartfelt convictions and his sense of humor. After he retired, he continued to set an example of civic responsibility and good will during a time of increased partisanship in our nation. We will all miss Dale."

According to his family, arrangements for his memorial service are being handled by Roller Funeral Homes.

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