Arkansas Republicans and Democrats both are sharing memories and paying respects to Marion Berry, a Delta Democrat who served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Berry died Friday at the age of 80.
The Arkansas Democratic Party sent this release:
Arkansas Democrats Mourn the Loss of Congressman Marion Berry and Celebrate His Lifetime of Public Service for Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK – On Friday, the State of Arkansas lost one of its most dedicated public servants, Congressman Robert Marion Berry (1942 – 2023). From Stuttgart, Arkansas, Berry was first elected as city alderman in Gillett and later became an influential member of Congress, serving on the Veterans Affairs and Appropriations committees. He represented eastern Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives until his retirement from public service in 2011.
“Marion Berry believed that government should work for the people,” said Democratic Party of Arkansas Chair Grant Tennille. “Congressman Berry never forgot his roots, growing up on a farm in the Arkansas Delta, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of working Arkansans, particularly our farmers. His straight talk and sense of humor attracted attention on the national stage, but those who knew him recognized that delivering results for his constituents was the Congressman’s highest priority, always. He was a great Democrat and an even better public servant.”
Republican Gov. Sarah Sanders shared condolences, too.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Representative Robert Marion Berry (AR-01):
“Bryan and I are saddened to learn that former Representative Marion Berry has passed away. A son of the Delta, Marion was a farmer and a statesman, whose mix of homespun wisdom and hard-won political knowledge always made him a formidable representative for our state. His work took him to Washington and around the country, but Arkansas and his family farm were always home. I know that every Arkansan he served admired his loyalty to our state. I extend my deepest condolences to Carolyn and the entire Berry family in this difficult time.”
Former Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, now off chasing his dreams on the presidential campaign trail, also had a sweet memory to share.
Marion Berry was a loyal democrat and fully devoted to serving his constituents in the 1st District. You never knew what Marion would say on the House floor but he always spoke with passion and humor. Susan and I appreciate Marion’s service and his love of Arkansas.
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) May 20, 2023
