Frank Farrar, South Dakota's late governor, remembered as resilient, kind statesman

Political dignitaries, lawmakers past and present and family members of Frank Farrar on Tuesday filled the Rotunda of the South Dakota Capitol Building for a memorial service honoring former governor and attorney general Frank Farrar.

Farrar, who died Oct. 31 at the age of 92, served as South Dakota's 24th governor and was remembered during the service at the capitol as an honorable public servant who always put his state first.

"He was South Dakota's elder statesman," Gov. Kristi Noem eulogized from inside the crowded Rotunda on the second floor of the Capitol building. "And he really leaned into that role."

Noem said she'll remember Farrar as a leader with a can-do attitude with an admirable sense of resiliency and a kind-hearted approach to life. Noem's predecessor, former Gov. Dennis Daugaard, was also a featured speaker at Farrar's memorial service.

More: Frank Farrar, former South Dakota governor and Republican statesman, dies

Following the ceremony, Farrar's casket was carried down the steps of the Capitol by members of the South Dakota National Guard as well as troopers from the South Dakota Highway Patrol. He received a 21-gun salute.

"It was very powerful," Rep. Caleb Finck, R-Tripp, said.

A Republican, Farrar was elected as the South Dakota Attorney General in 1962 at the age of 33. He went on to become governor in 1968 and served one term.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Frank Farrar, South Dakota's late governor, remembered as resilient, kind statesman