– The passing of former U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton on Monday night brought on statements of praise and admiration from lawmakers in both parties.

Skelton, the former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee who served in Congress for 17 terms, passed away in Virginia on Monday after fighting a brief illness. Skelton was 81.

• President Barack Obama: “For 34 years, Ike Skelton served the people of Missouri in the United States Congress. He was beloved and respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Ike was a devoted advocate for our men and women in uniform. To many in Congress and across Missouri, Ike was a mentor and a friend, and he will be missed. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Patty, his family and loved ones.”

 

• U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.: “Missouri lost a giant tonight. Ike Skelton represented the very best of Missouri, and fought tirelessly for the state he loved. Those of us lucky enough to call him a friend know that he lived the Missouri values of compromise and common sense. And in his half-century of service, he showed how Missouri could be a leader in contributing to the safety and security of our nation. I join all Missourians in sending my thoughts and prayers to Patty and the rest of Ike’s family. I’ll miss him dearly.”

• U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.: “It was a great privilege to serve Missouri in the Congress with Ike Skelton and to benefit from his friendship and advice. No member of the Congress was more dedicated to America’s defense and those who defend us than Ike Skelton. He loved our country and its history and will be remembered for his contributions to both.”

 

 

• Gov. Jay Nixon: “A role model to whom I had the honor of presenting Missouri’s highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Medal, Ike Skelton inspired us all with his quiet dignity and tireless commitment to America’s men and women in uniform. A friend to Missourians, Americans and liberty-loving people worldwide, Congressman Skelton embodied the true meaning of public service and will forever be remembered as a leader who left a legacy of greater prosperity and security for his district, our state and our nation.”

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  Attorney General Chris Koster (Official photo)

  Attorney General Chris Koster: “I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family of Congressman Ike Skelton. He was a patriot who always put the defense of our nation at the forefront of his service in Washington. I was honored to be represented by him as my Congressman for many years, and I will always regard him as the model of a true public servant who places duty before self.”

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville: “I am deeply saddened at the passing of my predecessor and respected friend, Ike Skelton. I have appreciated our conversations over the past two and a half years and the commitment we shared to see Missouri’s 4th District prosper. I am thankful for Ike’s tireless efforts on behalf of our men and women in uniform and know our country is safer as a result of his unwavering leadership. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

• Rep. Sam Graves, R-Kansas City: “I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Ike Skelton, who was a great friend. From his start as a county prosecutor through his 34 years in Congress, Ike always put Missouri and America first. He was a great Missourian who was an unsurpassed expert on military and national defense matters. Ike was also an Eagle Scout, and though we were from different parties, I knew I could always work with Ike to benefit our state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”