Sidney S. McMath, the former governor of Arkansas, died on Oct. 4. Cause of death was not released. He was 91.
McMath graduated from the University of Arkansas with a law degree in 1936. During World War II, he served with the Marines in the South Pacific, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Upon his return to the states, McMath began a career in public service. He became a prosecuting attorney in 1946 and was elected governor two years later. Although he modernized the state’s roadways and extended electricity access, the Democratic leader was dogged by a scandal in the state Highway Department. He was never directly linked to any wrongdoing, but three members of his administration were indicted, then acquitted.
Leland F. Leatherman and Henry Woods co-founded a Little Rock law practice with McMath after his final term as governor ended. McMath published his autobiography, “Promises Kept,” this year.