Stanley Russ facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stanley Russ
President pro tempore of the Arkansas Senate
In office 1995–1997
Member of the Arkansas Senate from the 21st (later 30th) district
In office January 28, 1975 – January 8, 2001
Preceded by	Guy H. Jones
Succeeded by	Gilbert Baker
Personal details
Born	Otis Stanley Russ (1930-08-31)August 31, 1930 Conway, Arkansas, United States
Died	January 5, 2017(2017-01-05) (aged 86) Conway, Arkansas
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Nina Benton (m. 1951–2005)
Children	2
Alma mater	University of Arkansas
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	July 1952 – July 1954

Otis Stanley Russ was an American politician. He was born on August 31, 1930, and passed away on January 5, 2017. He served in the Arkansas Senate for many years, from 1975 to 2001. This means he helped make laws for the state of Arkansas.

Stanley Russ's Early Life and Education

Stanley Russ was born in Conway, Arkansas in 1930. His parents were Otis Stanley Russ and Gene Brown Russ. He went to Arkansas Polytechnic College from 1948 to 1950.

Later, he transferred to Arkansas State Teachers College in 1950. He then moved to the University of Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1952.

Military Service

In July 1952, Stanley Russ joined the United States Army. He served in the Army until July 1954. After that, he also served in the Arkansas National Guard. He was part of the National Guard until September 1961.

Stanley Russ's Political Career

Stanley Russ decided to run for the Arkansas Senate in 1974. He wanted to represent the 21st district. The seat was open because the previous senator had left office.

In January 1975, Russ ran in a special election. He came in second place in the first round of voting. However, he won the next round, called a runoff election. He then won the main election with a large number of votes.

Russ tried to become a member of the United States House of Representatives twice. He ran in 1978 and again in 1984. However, he was not successful in these elections.

Leading the Senate

In 1995, Stanley Russ became the President pro tempore of the Senate. This is a very important leadership role in the state Senate. Because of this position, he sometimes acted as the Governor of Arkansas. This happened when both the regular governor and the lieutenant governor were not available.

Stanley Russ's Personal Life

Stanley Russ married Nina Benton in 1951. They had two children together. Nina passed away in 2005. Stanley Russ attended Calvary Baptist Church in Conway.

Stanley Russ died on January 5, 2017, when he was 86 years old. He passed away from cancer. After his death, former President Bill Clinton spoke about him. Clinton said he respected Russ greatly, whether they agreed or disagreed on issues. He added that everyone who worked with Russ thought highly of him.