Virginia Town Crier

In August 2013, nine Virginia governors - five in person and four on video - paid tribute to Del. Lacey E. Putney, I-Bedford, Virginia’s longest-serving legislator, who was stepping down after 52 years in the House of Delegates.

The demonstration of respect by Virginia’s chief executives - four Republicans and five Democrats - signified Mr. Putney’s place in the state’s political history and as a bridge to to its past who worked to help build its future.

Mr. Putney died Saturday morning at 89, according to Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford.

“With a heavy heart I am sad to share that Virginia has lost an icon,“ Howell said in a statement, adding that Mr. Putney will lie in state at the state Capitol Rotunda with flags there at half-staff in his memory.

Mr. Putney will be the first House member so honored since Speaker of the House A.L. Philpott died in 1991.