DES MOINES, IOWA (November 3, 2021) — Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement today in response to the passing of former US Representative Neal Smith, who passed away at the age of 101:
“Rep Neal Smith was an American hero and a true Iowa treasure. He faithfully served our state as Iowa’s longest-serving member in the US House of Representatives and served our nation in the Army Air Forces, receiving the Purple Heart.
“Through his bipartisan work, Rep Smith understood the importance of Iowa’s agriculture economy and kept that at the forefront, while also playing a vital role in changing Iowa’s natural landscape with the creation of the Saylorville and Red Rock reservoirs.
“Rep Smith leaves behind a storied legacy in our state and across our nation and his notable accomplishments serve as daily reminders when we visit the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Jasper County, the Neal Smith Trail in Des Moines, or the Neal Smith Federal Building in downtown Des Moines.
“Kevin and I join with Iowans to extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues across Iowa and far beyond our borders.”
Information on flag-lowering in honor of former US Representative Neal Smith will be forthcoming.
