Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Rep. Stan Berry, a longtime public servant representing central Arkansas’ District 44, has died at the age of 71. Berry, a Republican, served portions of Pope and Van Buren counties and was widely respected for his dedication to both his constituents and his community.
Berry first joined the Arkansas legislature on January 9, 2023, and had quickly become a familiar figure in state politics. He served on several key committees during the 95th General Assembly, including the House Public Transportation Committee, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. He was unopposed for re-election in the upcoming general election, reflecting the confidence his constituents had in his leadership.
Before his tenure in the legislature, Berry had a long history of public service. He served in the National Guard and held multiple local roles, including positions on the Dover School Board, the Dover City Council, and the Tri-County Water Commission. His commitment to local governance and civic engagement shaped the way he approached state-level legislation, emphasizing practical solutions and community needs.
Berry attended Arkansas Tech University and was an active member of the Dover Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was married to Mona Berry, and together they raised four children and were proud grandparents to nine grandchildren. Family was central to Berry’s life, and those who knew him often spoke of the pride he took in his loved ones and the joy he found in his home community.
House Speaker Brian Evans (R-43), whose district borders Berry’s, expressed deep sorrow over his passing. “I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Rep. Stan Berry. To me, he wasn’t just a colleague—he was a true friend and someone I genuinely enjoyed being around. Stan loved Arkansas, and he loved the people of District 44. You could see that in the way he served and the way he treated everyone he met—with kindness, sincerity, and a good sense of humor,” Evans said. He added that Berry often spoke fondly of his family and would be greatly missed by colleagues and constituents alike.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also released a statement offering condolences. “Bryan and I send our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Representative Stan Berry. Stan was a solid conservative, a patriotic veteran, a faithful Christian, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. It was a pleasure to serve the people of the River Valley and all of Arkansas alongside him and work to make our state a better place to call home. My condolences are with Stan’s wife, Mona, his children and grandchildren, and all his neighbors and friends,” Sanders said.
Berry’s passing leaves a vacancy in District 44, though the governor’s office has not yet provided information regarding a special election to fill the seat. His death marks the loss of a respected legislator whose career was defined by dedication, integrity, and a focus on serving others.
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Throughout his life, Berry demonstrated a commitment to both his local community and the state of Arkansas. From his work on municipal boards to his role in the state legislature, he championed practical solutions and built strong relationships with colleagues and constituents alike.
Colleagues and community members remember him as approachable, thoughtful, and genuinely committed to improving the lives of those around him. His contributions to public service and his emphasis on family values leave a lasting legacy in the River Valley and beyond.
As friends, family, and constituents mourn his passing, Berry’s life stands as a testament to decades of service, leadership, and devotion to the state and communities he loved. His work in Arkansas politics and his dedication to his family and neighbors will be remembered by many for years to come.
