Tag: Sen. Bob Dole

Russell, Kansas, bids farewell to its most favorite son, Bob Dole

by David Condos and Jim McLean, Kansas News Service

Russell, Kansas — Bob Dole’s hometown said a proud farewell to the former senator one last time on Saturday.

The town of just over 4,000 in central Kansas packed a memorial service at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The ceremony happened near the house where Russell’s most famous resident grew up and returned to after suffering wounds in World War II that would challenge him until his death this month.

Some of the people who came knew Dole back when he was the boy who lived on Maple Street and was the soda jerk at Dawson’s drugstore. And even after Dole left town for a high-profile life in Washington, they said he continued to look out for his hometown.

“He never forgot Russell, he was always ready to come back home and do what he could,” Janet Funk said. “And Russell always welcomed him with open arms.”

Funk lives on a farm just outside of Russell. Her family has been friendly with the Doles her entire life, ever since her father and Dole were classmates at Russell High School.

She said people in town take pride in what Dole became — U.S. Senate majority leader and Republican presidential nominee — but just as proud of what he never lost sight of: his Russell roots.

“When he came home, he was a hometown boy,” Funk said. “He was a part of us.”

Elsie Keller, now 97, remembers growing up as good friends with Dole and his sister, Gloria, in Russell. In more recent years, she’d often bake a cake for Dole during his periodic visits back to see family.

And she said she’s thankful for this final chance to say goodbye, right here in the town that meant so much to them.

“It’s quite touching,” Keller said. “It was an honor to have known him.”

The senator from Russell also brought people to the town on Saturday.

“It’s hard to imagine a Kansas without Bob Dole,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “And I’m not sure I want to.”

Kelly, U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and former Sen. Pat Roberts each spoke at the service.

“While his achievements put him at the pinnacles of power in a public life,” Kelly said during her speech, “it was his unmatched character, his integrity, his wit, his optimism and his work ethic — forged right here in Russell — that won him the hearts of Kansans.”

Dole’s widow, former U.S. senator and one-time cabinet member Elizabeth, and other family members watched from the front row. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky sat in a pew directly behind Kelly.

The speakers highlighted some well-known memories of Dole’s connection with Russell — growing up poor during the Dust Bowl, his early jobs as a paperboy and a soda jerk and how the town came together to collect money in a cigar box to help pay for Dole’s medical care after he suffered injuries in Italy during World War II.

There were lesser-known stories, too. Roberts told of how Dole once saved the Kansas wheat harvest after the Environmental Protection Agency threatened to cancel it.

But the consistent theme that ran through the memorial was the deep connection between the man who rose to the highest levels of American leadership and the small town in rural Kansas that raised him.

“To the people of Russell, to the people of Kansas, thank you for the manner in which you have shaped, treated, respected a man now so worthy of our admiration,” Moran said. “This town should be so proud.”

Later Saturday in Topeka, many of the same politicians spoke about Dole’s life at a service in the state Capitol.

Dole’s flag-draped coffin sat in front of the rostrum as Kelly, Marshall, Moran, and former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker and former U.S. Rep. Jim Slattery paid tribute, while former Attorney General Bob Stephan and former Gov. Sam Brownback looked on.

“We’ve lost the ability — as Senator Dole did so often — to reach across the aisle to get things done,” Kassebaum Baker said in an interview after the service.

Slattery, a Democrat, said Dole was a tough politician but “a skillful legislator who had a heart for the underdog.” Dole’s advocacy for the disabled and and the food stamp program demonstrated that, Slattery said.

“And on the difficult issue of civil rights, Bob Dole was on the right side of history,” Slattery said. Dole voted for the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act the following year and supported a national holiday to honor slain Martin Luther King Jr.

Dole’s casket will now travel back to Washington, D.C., and be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter @davidcondos.
Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter @jmcleanks or email jim (at) kcur (dot) org.
The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.
Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished by news media at no cost with proper attribution and a link to ksnewsservice.org.

See more at https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-11/russell-kansas-bids-farewell-to-its-most-favorite-son-bob-dole.

Flags at half-staff to honor Sen. Dole

Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout Kansas to be flown at half-staff to honor Sen. Bob Dole, who died on Sunday.

The flags will be at half-staff until sunset on Dec. 9.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Dole this morning,” Gov. Laura Kelly said on Sunday. “Senator Dole was many things — a war hero, a father, a husband, a public servant; and to Kansans, a man who embodied everything good and decent about Kansas and about America.

“In public office, Senator Dole was always a voice for Kansas. However, his work in the Senate also had a profound impact on all Americans. Most notably, his efforts to protect Social Security in 1983 and to ensure passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, which transformed the lives of those living with a disability.

“Senator Dole’s legacy goes far beyond the walls of Congress. He was a larger-than-life presence in our nation’s politics and demonstrated a decency, a humility, and a civility that should serve as a model for those of us in public life.

“My thoughts are with his wife, Elizabeth, his family and all those who loved Bob Dole.”

Gov. Kelly also has ordered flags in Kansas to remain at half-staff on Tuesday, Dec. 7, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“This year marks the 80th anniversary of an unforgettable tragedy – when Imperial Japan launched an attack on Pearl Harbor, killing thousands of U.S. personnel and civilians,” Gov. Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans to join me in honoring those killed on December 7, 1941, and in recognizing all veterans and service members who have given their lives in the defense of our country.”

Flags will remain lowered until sunset on Dec. 9, 2021, in accordance with the proclamation signed by President Joe Biden honoring the passing of Senator Bob Dole.

‘Statesman,’ ‘hero,’ ‘favorite son’: Well wishes pour out after death of Sen. Bob Dole

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi orders flags at the U.S. Capitol be flown at half-staff

by Allison Kite, Kansas Reflector

Kansas City, Mo. — Reverence for U.S. Sen. Bob Dole’s service as a soldier in World War II, a longtime senator and fixture in Washington, D.C., was evident Sunday morning following the announcement of his death.

In the hours after the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced Dole, 98, had died following a battle with lung cancer, well wishes poured out from prominent Republican and Democratic lawmakers, journalists and historians. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ordered the American flags at the U.S. Capitol be flown at half-staff to honor the Kansas icon and giant in the Republican Party, Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff confirmed on Twitter.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said in a statement that Dole’s longtime service was “rooted in a simple mission: looking out for his neighbors.” He said the Senate, the state of Kansas and the nation were better off from Dole’s service.

“Bob was a steady leader and a legislative master. He unlocked both conservative victories and big bipartisan achievements,” McConnell said. “His Dust Bowl roots fueled a special commitment to vulnerable Americans, and sure enough, Bob’s work on food security, veterans’ issues and the rights of disabled Americans have continued to have an especially lasting impact.”

Statements referred to Dole as a “statesman,” civil servant and “hero.”

“When I think of the greatest generation, I think of Senator Bob Dole — a man who dedicated his life to serving our country,” U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said on Twitter. “Rest In Peace, my friend. Ann and I will be praying for Elizabeth, their family, and loved ones.”

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, who sits in Dole’s old desk on the Senate floor, said on Twitter he was “regularly reminded of his tireless commitment to Kansas values while being, first and foremost, a statesman who treated others with respect and kindness.”

“Sen. Bob Dole will be remembered as a true American hero and an exemplary statesman — a man who chose what was right over what was convenient,” Moran said.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said Dole “embodied everything good and decent about Kansas and about America.” She said his work in the Senate on Social Security and championing of the Americans with Disabilities Act had a profound impact on the country.

“Senator Dole’s legacy goes far beyond the walls of Congress,” Kelly said. “He was a larger-than-life presence in our nation’s politics and demonstrated a decency, a humility, and a civility that should serve as a model for those of us in public life.”

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor and was endorsed by Dole, and his wife, Jennifer Schmidt, offered their prayers to Dole’s family in a statement.

“America has lost a national hero and Kansas a favorite son,” Schmidt said. “A powerful example of the courage and integrity of the Greatest Generation, Senator Dole dedicated his life — in the military and in elected office — to selfless service to his beloved country and his fellow Americans.”

Former Gov. Jeff Colyer offered his prayers to the Dole family, noting Dole’s service representing western Kansas in the U.S. House of Representatives when Colyer was a child.

“Kansas lost a true statesman today,” Colyer said on Twitter. “Ever since growing up in the Big First and interning in his office, I’ve been inspired by Bob Dole to do more and be better.”

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson offered his condolences on behalf of the Kansas Senate.

“A great man, he will be forever missed but never forgotten,” Masterson said. “As Kansans, we will always be proud. As Americans, we will always be thankful.”

Dole’s longtime service inspired comments from both Republicans and Democrats alike.

“He was one of the finest leaders I have ever had the fortune of meeting and served his state, country, and the world with great distinction,” said Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas.

Congressional outpour

Congresswoman Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., said she was sorry to hear of Dole’s passing, who she called a “dedicated public servant.”

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones as our state mourns his loss — though we know his legacy will surely live on, preparing future generations of Kansans to lead,” she said.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said Dole’s “huge heart and ability to work across the aisle” delivered results.

“For him, it was always more than politics, it was about being a positive influence for our nation and the world,” Marshall said in a statement.

He added: “Senator Dole always imparted the best advice to me, which was to ‘always remember where you are from’ and when there is ‘any problem too big, just go listen to the people of Kansas – they will give you the answer.’ He was forever a Kansan who always put service above self and was profoundly dedicated to bettering the lives of all those in our great state.”

Congressman Ron Estes, R-Kansas, called Dole an “American icon, a heartland hero and the epitome of Kansas grit and values.”

“His life has been an inspiration to me and countless individuals around the world, and a number of leaders can point to advice and encouragement they received from this giant in Kansas and U.S. politics,” Estes said n a statement. “His wounds fighting for freedom in World War II only strengthened his character, and his love of this country was fully displayed in his decades of public service that followed.”

Congressman Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, said Kansas lost “a devoted statesman, a role model and a true American hero.”

“Senator Dole was the very personification of service and never wavered from his passion for a better and stronger America,” LaTurner said in a statement. “Senator Dole will always be an inspiration to me as I serve Kansas, and his legacy will live on forever.”

Dole, born in Russell, was a giant in Kansas politics. He began his service during World War II and suffered combat injuries that limited the mobility of his right arm for the rest of his life. He briefly served in the Kansas House of Representatives before running for Congress and then the U.S. Senate where he served as both minority and majority leader.

In 1976, he served as running mate to President Gerald Ford as he sought a full term after assuming the presidency following the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Ford was defeated by President Jimmy Carter.

And in 1996, Dole won the Republican nomination for president, ultimately losing to President Bill Clinton.

Kansas Reflector stories, www.kansasreflector.com, may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
See more at https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/05/statesman-hero-favorite-son-well-wishes-pour-out-after-death-of-sen-bob-dole/