Richard Lugar, Former U.S. Senator, Dies
Published: Friday, May 3, 2019
Richard G. Lugar, 87, died on April 28 at a medical center in Falls Church, Va. Mr. Lugar was a six-term senator from Indiana who became one of the leading voices on U.S. foreign policy. He supported efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, overthrow Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos and secure the former Soviet Union's weapons of mass destruction.
Lugar began his public service career on the Indianapolis school board. He drew national attention as the city's mayor before winning election to the Senate in 1977. He chaired the Foreign Relations Committee from 1985 to 1987 and 2003 to 2007. Mr. Lugar was the panel's ranking Republican from 2007 until his defeat; by then he was the longest-serving senator in Indiana history.
Lugar was born in Indianapolis on April 4, 1932. His family owned a company that manufactured biscuit-making equipment and owned a farm. He continued to manage the farm while serving in the Senate.
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