The Latest: Hundreds attend service for former Sen. Burns

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Latest on funeral services for former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana (all times local):

2:25 p.m.

Former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana is being remembered as a personable lawmaker who stirred controversy with his politically incorrect words but consistently delivered for his constituents.

Burns died last week of natural causes at 81. Hundreds of mourners paid tribute to the three-term Republican lawmaker during a funeral service Friday in his hometown of Billings.

Attendees included Gov. Steve Bullock, the Montana congressional delegation, federal judges and elected officials from across the state.

Burns’ daughter, Keely Godwin, says her father was most interested in people. She says he would know within minutes of meeting someone where that person grew up and who their parents were.

Burns faced criticism while in office for getting too close to lobbyists.

Former U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg says Burns considered himself foremost a Montanan.

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6 a.m.

Funeral services for former Montana U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns are scheduled for Friday at Metra Park Arena in Billings.

Burns died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Billings. He was 81.

The former cattle auctioneer and Republican county commissioner was 53 years old when he was elected to the Senate in 1988 over incumbent Democrat John Melcher.

He served three terms, helping shape energy development across the rural West from his post on the influential Senate Appropriations Committee.

Burns lost his seat to former Montana Senate President Jon Tester in 2006 under the spectre of scandal due to his close ties to a lobbyist.

The funeral services and a reception to follow will be open to the public. Pastor Darren Paulson of Atonement Lutheran Church will officiate.