On April 14, 2014, the 97th General Assembly will host a Memorial Service for the distinguished former senators who have passed away since May 1987. It will be the first time in nearly 30 years an event like this has been held. Together, with the families of the former senators, we will celebrate the lawmakers’ lives and legacies and remember their dedicated service.

This event serves to honor not only those men and women who served in the upper chamber, but also their family members who gave their love and support to make their relatives’ time in Jefferson City possible. Each former senator will be recognized by a roll call and a rose. Family members will be invited to a reception immediately following the ceremony.

From our area, we will be honoring two former members. Each one has left a legacy behind, and we will convey our respect to that legacy on behalf of the great state of Missouri.

Marvin L. Dinger

1921 – 1997

20th Senate District (1975-1982)

Marvin L. Dinger served the people of the 20th District (Crawford, Dent, Franklin, Iron, St. Francois and Washington counties). He received his education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Washington University-St. Louis, where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. Senator Dinger served with the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943-1946; and the U.S. Air Force from 1947-1952. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1964, and re-elected in 1966, 1968 and 1970. Senator Dinger was elected to the Senate in 1974 and 1978. (Democrat)

Thomas G. Woolsey

1917 – 2003

33rd Senate District (1961-1968)

Thomas G. Woolsey served the people of the 33rd District (Benton, Camden, Cooper, Hickory, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Polk and St. Clair counties). Born in Warrensburg, he received his education from Webster Groves public schools; attended Westminster College in Fulton for two years; and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Senator Woolsey was a lawyer and served with the U.S. Air Force in World War II. He served three terms as prosecuting attorney of Morgan County. Senator Woolsey was elected to the Senate in 1960 and 1964. He was elected Minority Floor Leader during the 74th General Assembly. (Republican)

To read more about each senator who will be remembered, visit the Senate Memorial Service page at www.senate.mo.gov and click on the Senate Memorial Service link.

If you are a relative who would like to attend, please contact the Secretary of the Senate, Terry Spieler [tspieler@senate.mo.gov; (573)-751-3766)], for more information.

Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting my website at www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.