Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Former Arkansas Governor Dale Bumpers, Known for Integrating Schools, Dies

Former Arkansas Gov. and U.S. Sen. Dale Leon Bumpers, 90, born in Charleston on Aug. 12, 1925, died Friday at his residence in Little Rock surrounded by his family.

By Kate Jordan

Former Arkansas Gov. and U.S. Sen. Dale Leon Bumpers, 90, born in Charleston on Aug. 12, 1925, died Friday at his residence in Little Rock surrounded by his family.

Many in Arkansas have expressed their mourning for the loss of one of the most successful politicians the state has ever had, as he not only restructured the tax system in the state, but also played a key role in integrating the first school in Arkansas.

He took part in integrating the Charleston public school in 1954, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education. In fact, he integrated that school before the National Guard came to Little Rock to assist in the integration of Central High School, said friend, B.G. Hendrix, formerly a state legislator and always a community leader.

Hendrix said, "He was a very dependable person, and very cooperative with both Democrats and Republicans, and I found him to be very knowledgeable about the issues that were facing state politics."

The superintendent of Charleston Public Schools, Jeff Stubblefield said, "One of the many things he did was early in his career, he successfully integrated the Charleston school. Charleston, is known as the first school in the confederate south to integrate.

"His accolades are still remembered," Stubblefield said. "He is a trailblazer for someone from a small town to go on and gain national fame. Educators validate (that) a good education can take you far, and he proved it regardless of where you're from. He was a Charleston Tiger, through-and-through."

Bumpers is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty F. Bumpers; daughter, Brooke Bumpers Low; his sons, Brent and Bill Bumpers; seven grandchildren; and several other family members.

In a statement released by Bumpers' wife and children, they say, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and husband, Sen. Dale Bumpers ... . 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 graduated from Charleston High School in 1943, served in the Marine Corps in World War II and after, graduated from the University of Arkansas, and went on to complete Law School at Northwestern University, according to an obituary about Bumpers on the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home website.

Two Arkansas judges who knew Bumpers expressed their condolences.

"Dale always said in his ads, when he was running for governor in 1970, that his father told him politics was an honorable profession," said Circuit Court Judge Jim Spears. "Dale personified that quote and the spirit of his father's notation. Dale Bumpers was an honorable person ... . It shows his character and the love Arkansas had for him."

Former Circuit Court Judge John G. Holland said, "I knew him, and he was a very personable person."

Bumpers ran for governor in 1970. He went on to defeat Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller in the general election and was sworn in as governor in January 1971, serving for four years.

In 1974, he decided to run for the Senate, defeating Sen. J. William Fulbright, and went on to serve in that office for 24 years, being re-elected in 1980, 1986 and 1992. While in the Senate, Bumpers served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Energy and National Resources Committee and was chair of the Small Business Committee. He was a staunch defender of the Constitution and was particularly proud of having opposed numerous efforts to amend the Constitution, according to the obituary.

He was active in numerous church and civic leadership positions, directed the choir at the First Methodist Church in Charleston, and he continued to direct the choir upon several occasions throughout his four years as governor, according to the obituary.

Janine A. Parry, a political science professor at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and an Arkansas poll director, personally knew Bumpers. "I'm just so sad to learn of his passing. He was a giant, and -- as my students giggled about when he visited with them a few years ago -- the only man to ever call me "doll" and walk away unharmed. He was still so quick-witted and charming at 90 ... ," Parry said.

"This guy (Bumpers) promoted all day publicly-funded kindergarten (ahead of most states), ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment ... respect for the natural world, and cleaner politics in a state with a pretty absurd history of corruption ... ," Parry said. "I admired him so much. He seemed to me to be the very best of what Arkansas has to offer, and too few people know about it."

Politicians also have expressed their condolences.

Sen. John Boozman issued a statement which reads, "Dale Bumpers was a larger than life figure in Arkansas politics who was highly respected in Washington D.C. and here at home. His sincere dedication to the state of Arkansas was paired with exceptional oratory skills and a relentless commitment to every challenge he took on."

Boozman added, "Sen. Bumpers leaves behind a legacy of public service, civic responsibility and accomplishments that has undoubtedly made our state a better place to live. I join with all Arkansans as we mourn his passing and keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers."

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee released a statement as well.

"Janet and I were deeply saddened by the news of Sen. Bumpers' death," Huckabee is quoted as saying. "I first knew him as a political opponent, and I must confess he beat me like a drum. Later, when I became governor and he was the senior senator, we worked very well together. Sen. Bumpers was extremely helpful to the state and to me personally. His distinguished service to his country in the Marine Corps, to his state as a governor and senator is a legacy of which his family can be justly proud. Our political differences aside, he was a dedicated public servant who always reminded his audiences that 'public service is a noble calling.' His wife, Betty, is also a proud public servant who was a strong ally of Janet's efforts to promote childhood immunizations and renovate the governor's mansion. Betty and the family are in our prayers."

Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued a statement which reads, "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 were competitors to the time 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."

In 1995, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees recognized Bumpers' service and accomplishments and named the UA College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences in his honor.

After the board's decision, Bumpers said, "In my years of public service, I have been honored many times in many ways. Other than the honor of being elected governor and senator by the people of Arkansas, this is easily the highest honor ever bestowed upon me," according to the college.

Many former and current students of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences have expressed their condolences via social media.

UA Bumpers College Dean Mike Vayda said, "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."

(c)2016 Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.)

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
Special Projects