Former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar has passed away at the age of 87. The Lugar Center issued a statement saying Lugar died early Sunday at the Inova Fairfax Heart and Vasular Institute in Virginia. In the statement, the Lugar Center said the cause of death was from a rare neurological disorder called CIDP (chronic inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy).
Lugar served as the mayor of Indianapolis from 1968 to 1975 before moving on to the Senate from 1977 to 2013. He is the longest-serving member of Congress in Indiana history.
Lugar is survived by his wife, Char, and four sons, Mark, Bob, John and David.
Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following after the passing of former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar on Sunday.
“The world weeps alongside Indiana after just learning we lost one of our best, ever.
“As an always faithful servant to the highest ideals in every walk of his incredible life, Richard Lugar ran the family farm, charted a new innovative course for Indiana’s capital city, and devoted a record six terms as a U.S. Senator to making the world a more prosperous and peaceful place.
“He was an officer and gentleman, father and faith leader, a Mayor and Senator, a diplomat and legendary role model to millions.
“Janet and I are keeping Mrs. Lugar and their wonderful family in our prayers and ask all those touched by his service to join us.”