LITTLE ROCK, AR – A former Arkansas congressman has died.
Former Republican U.S. Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt was 92.
Hammerschmidt died today at a Springdale hospital.
He served the 3rd District of Arkansas from 1967 – 1993.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Roller-Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Roller-Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison.
His bio from the congress.gov website:
HAMMERSCHMIDT, John Paul, a Representative from Arkansas; born in Harrison, Boone County, Ark., May 4, 1922; graduated from Harrison High School, Harrison, Ark., 1938; attended The Citadel, Charleston, S.C., 1938-1939; attended the University of Arkansas, Fayettville, Ark., 1940-1941; attended Oklahoma State University, &1945-1946; B.S., Canbourne University, London, England, 1993; M.A., Canbourne University, London, England, 1997; United States Army Air Corps, Third Combat Cargo Group in China-Burma-India Theater, 1942-1945; United States Air Force Reserves, 1945-1960; District of Columbia Army Reserves, 1977-1981; president, Hammerschmidt Lumber Co.; president, Construction Products Co.; president, Arkansas Lumber Dealers Association and Southwestern Lumberman’s Association; delegate to Republican National Convention, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984; State chairman, Arkansas Republican State Central committee, 1964-1966; elected as a Republican to the Ninetieth and to the twelve succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1967-January 3, 1993); was not a candidate for renomination in 1992 to the One Hundred Third Congress; resident of Harrison, Ark.
Condolences are coming in from state and federal officials:
Former AR Governor Mike Huckabee released the following statement:
“John Paul Hammerschmidt was one of the true pioneers of the Arkansas Republican Party. All of us who have ever been elected in Arkansas as Republicans owe this statesman our deepest respect. But JPH was far more than a Republican leader. He was the purest of public servants, who created the template for serving his constituents and living his life with impeccable integrity and honor. He was the most unselfish and self-effacing person I’ve ever known in politics. If he had an ego, it was the best kept secret in Washington where there are no secrets. In my first race, I was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Houston, the year that JPH was retiring. Reporters came to him and asked his opinion of the news of the day. Knowing that I could use the publicity since I was a newcomer, he turned to me seated behind him and told the reporters they should ask me. Not before or since have I ever known of a political figure who would take himself off the stage to make room for someone else. When I was Governor, I called upon him many times for advice and counsel and he was the creator of the mechanism of our highway construction program. Arkansas has lost one of its most treasured senior statesmen. Janet and I will forever be grateful for the kindnesses that he and Ginny extended to us.”
Senator Tom Cotton released the following:
“Today, I join all Arkansans in mourning the death former Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt. A proud son of Harrison, John Paul was a decorated World War II pilot who represented Arkansas in Congress for 26 years. His contributions to Arkansas’s infrastructure system were invaluable and his legacy lives on in highways, waterways, and bridges across our state.
“John Paul Hammerschmidt was also a Republican leader for Arkansas in an era when not too many others were. His leadership and commitment to the Republican Party of Arkansas paved the way for every Republican elected official in Arkansas today. Arkansas is a better place because of his service to our state. We extend our deepest condolences to his son, John Arthur, and continue to lift the entire Hammerschmidt family up in prayer.”
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also released a statement:
“I am heartbroken by the news that my dear friend and campaign chairman in my race for Attorney General, Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt, has passed away. The Congressman has served as a mentor and friend to not only me, but countless Arkansans. His challenge to public officials that they should ‘represent all Arkansans, not just the ones who voted for you’ is a testament to his character and words that help guide me daily. For 26 years, Congressman Hammerschmidt represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District, and even upon his retirement remained active and involved in major issues to help grow the State for future generations.
“Congressman Hammerschmidt was a true public servant and constant ambassador for the State of Arkansas. My thoughts and prayers are with the Congressman’s numerous family members and friends, and the people of the Third District who he represented with consummate humility and integrity.”
Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following:
“John Paul Hammerschmidt was an icon of Arkansas and Washington politics. For years, he was the lone Republican member of Arkansas’s congressional delegation, representing the Third Congressional District for 13 terms. As such, he balanced his conservative convictions with a unique ability to work across party lines and accomplish great things for the people of Arkansas. His was the voice heard most clearly and often in the bipartisan effort to preserve the Buffalo as the first National River in the United States.
“Congressman Hammerschmidt was also a leader on transportation issues, helping to build Arkansas’s roads and highways and making the state more competitive nationally. On a personal note, John Paul was a mentor of mine. I was privileged to hold his seat in Congress, and I called on his wise counsel and advice countless times. I will miss him greatly. The state has lost a true statesman and a good man.”
Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan issued the following statement:
“I am deeply sadden to hear of the passing of my dear friend, mentor and party stalwart, John Paul Hammerschmidt. Tina and I offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
“I had the opportunity to work with Congressman Hammerschmidt as a party chairman and candidate. I was honored to have his support during my campaign and always valued his advice and insights. He will be deeply missed.”
“Many things will be said about Congressman Hammerschmidt and his legacy, and all I will add is the word legend might be too small.”
Condolences are coming in from state and federal officials:
Former AR Governor Mike Huckabee released the following statement:
“John Paul Hammerschmidt was one of the true pioneers of the Arkansas Republican Party. All of us who have ever been elected in Arkansas as Republicans owe this statesman our deepest respect. But JPH was far more than a Republican leader. He was the purest of public servants, who created the template for serving his constituents and living his life with impeccable integrity and honor. He was the most unselfish and self-effacing person I’ve ever known in politics. If he had an ego, it was the best kept secret in Washington where there are no secrets. In my first race, I was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Houston, the year that JPH was retiring. Reporters came to him and asked his opinion of the news of the day. Knowing that I could use the publicity since I was a newcomer, he turned to me seated behind him and told the reporters they should ask me. Not before or since have I ever known of a political figure who would take himself off the stage to make room for someone else. When I was Governor, I called upon him many times for advice and counsel and he was the creator of the mechanism of our highway construction program. Arkansas has lost one of its most treasured senior statesmen. Janet and I will forever be grateful for the kindnesses that he and Ginny extended to us.”
Senator Tom Cotton released the following:
“Today, I join all Arkansans in mourning the death former Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt. A proud son of Harrison, John Paul was a decorated World War II pilot who represented Arkansas in Congress for 26 years. His contributions to Arkansas’s infrastructure system were invaluable and his legacy lives on in highways, waterways, and bridges across our state.
“John Paul Hammerschmidt was also a Republican leader for Arkansas in an era when not too many others were. His leadership and commitment to the Republican Party of Arkansas paved the way for every Republican elected official in Arkansas today. Arkansas is a better place because of his service to our state. We extend our deepest condolences to his son, John Arthur, and continue to lift the entire Hammerschmidt family up in prayer.”
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also released a statement:
“I am heartbroken by the news that my dear friend and campaign chairman in my race for Attorney General, Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt, has passed away. The Congressman has served as a mentor and friend to not only me, but countless Arkansans. His challenge to public officials that they should ‘represent all Arkansans, not just the ones who voted for you’ is a testament to his character and words that help guide me daily. For 26 years, Congressman Hammerschmidt represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District, and even upon his retirement remained active and involved in major issues to help grow the State for future generations.
“Congressman Hammerschmidt was a true public servant and constant ambassador for the State of Arkansas. My thoughts and prayers are with the Congressman’s numerous family members and friends, and the people of the Third District who he represented with consummate humility and integrity.”
Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following:
“John Paul Hammerschmidt was an icon of Arkansas and Washington politics. For years, he was the lone Republican member of Arkansas’s congressional delegation, representing the Third Congressional District for 13 terms. As such, he balanced his conservative convictions with a unique ability to work across party lines and accomplish great things for the people of Arkansas. His was the voice heard most clearly and often in the bipartisan effort to preserve the Buffalo as the first National River in the United States.
“Congressman Hammerschmidt was also a leader on transportation issues, helping to build Arkansas’s roads and highways and making the state more competitive nationally. On a personal note, John Paul was a mentor of mine. I was privileged to hold his seat in Congress, and I called on his wise counsel and advice countless times. I will miss him greatly. The state has lost a true statesman and a good man.”
Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan issued the following statement:
“I am deeply sadden to hear of the passing of my dear friend, mentor and party stalwart, John Paul Hammerschmidt. Tina and I offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
“I had the opportunity to work with Congressman Hammerschmidt as a party chairman and candidate. I was honored to have his support during my campaign and always valued his advice and insights. He will be deeply missed.”
“Many things will be said about Congressman Hammerschmidt and his legacy, and all I will add is the word legend might be too small.”
