Funeral services have been announced for former U.S. Senator Al Simpson, who died Friday at the age of 93.
Simpson will lie in honor at the Wyoming Capitol from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 27 and 7 a.m. to 2.p.m. March 28.
He will be the first person to lie in state at the Capitol since former Wyoming Treasurer Joe Meyer in 2012.
This will come in addition to a memorial service planned for Simpson on March 31 in Cody and a free celebration of life event March 29 in Laramie.
Simpson’s death was recognized by people all around the state, country and world who noted his accomplishments during his 18 years as Wyoming’s senator and beyond, along with his impacts on the Cowboy State and the nation.
Precedent
According to the Wyoming State Archives, most of Wyoming’s governors have lied in state at the Capitol after their deaths, including former Govs. Ed Herschler, Cliff Hansen, Nellie Tayloe Ross and F.E. Warren.
It’s also common for members of the congressional delegation to be honored in this fashion, but not all have been. Ultimately, it’s the decision of their families whether or not to do so.
Robert Peck, a former journalist and state legislator, also lay in honor at the Capitol in 2007 when he died while serving in office.
That same year the state developed an official policy for who can and cannot lie in honor at the Capitol, said Wendy Madsen, special projects manager with the Wyoming Legislative Service Office.
Michael Pearlman, a spokesperson for Gov. Mark Gordon, said although the governor does convey offers for lying in state, the State Building Commission gives final approval for these events.
“Generally, only statewide elected officials and members of Congress are eligible for lying in state services,” Pearlman said.
Details
The celebration of life in Laramie will be held on the University of Wyoming campus at the Arena Auditorium at 11 a.m.
Simpson’s memorial service in Cody will be held at 10 a.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church. Since seating at the church is limited, the family is encouraging people to attend from an overflow venue.
The Cody and Laramie events will be broadcast live on TV and can be streamed online via Wyoming PBS. People will also be able to watch the Cody funeral live at the Coe Auditorium in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
A public reception and free open house will be held for Simpson at the Center of the West after the funeral.
“Dad never met a stranger and never forgot a face or a name,” said Bill Simpson, a district court judge and one of Simpson’s three children, in a statement. “So, it feels right to celebrate his memory with as many friends as possible.
“Our family is very appreciative of the many people and organizations making arrangements for events across the state to honor dad and commemorate his wonderful legacy.”
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Spirit Mountain Hospice House and the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation.
Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.
