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Friday Funeral Services for Former Sen. Conrad Burns

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

By Justin Franz

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

Burns died last week 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 specter 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.