Arkansas political history suffered two blows in the past few days. And one hit very close to home.
Last week former governor and U.S. Sen. Dale Bumpers passed away. And now comes word that longtime Texarkana attorney, civic leader and former state Rep. Hayes McClerkin has died.
McClerkin was one of Texarkana's best-known citizens. One of the city's most beloved and respected.
He was a native of the Twin Cities, born on the Arkansas side in 1931. He earned his bachelor's degree from Washington and Lee University in Virginia and graduated from law school at the University of Arkansas in 1959.
After setting up practice in his hometown, he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he served five terms from 1961 until 1970. For the last two years of his tenure he served as speaker of the house.
In 1970 he made a run for the Democratic nomination for governor. But the field was dominated by former Gov. Orval Faubus and Bumpers, at the time a relative newcomer to state politics.
Faubus and Bumpers went to the runoff and Bumpers won, eventually defeating incumbent Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, a Republican.
McClerkin returned to Texarkana to practice law and pursue business interests. He also continued his keen interest in the community. McClerkin was someone who would do whatever he could to help make Texarkana a better place to live. He was always ready to offer his help and support to any worthy cause.
It can truly be said that Hayes McClerkin was a credit to Texarkana and the state of Arkansas. Both are better places because of his spirit and talents. We will miss him.