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Senate adopts memorial resolution for former Sen. Lou Harden; son addresses chamber
Summary
The Arkansas Senate unanimously adopted Senate Memorial Resolution 2 honoring former senator Luther Boyd 'Lou' Harden (d. Aug. 11, 2025). Senator Mark Johnson presented the resolution and family members, including son Scott Harden, were invited to speak briefly.
The Arkansas State Senate on April 15 adopted Senate Memorial Resolution 2 honoring former senator Luther Boyd "Lou" Harden, who died on Aug. 11, 2025.
Senator Mark Johnson introduced the memorial, asked family members to join the senators on the floor and read the resolution recounting Harden's career — including service in the Senate (1983–1996), appointments to higher-education posts, and his later role as president of the University of Central Arkansas. The resolution recited biographical details supplied in the text submitted to the chamber (dates of birth and death, education, service and community involvement).
"This would mean the world to my dad and means the world to us," Scott Harden said after joining the podium on behalf of the family. He described his father's pride in service and thanked senators for the recognition. The Senate adopted the memorial by voice vote and then recessed briefly to allow photographs.
Senator Johnson also asked the body to grant leave for former senator Shane Broadway and Jeremy Gillum to be recognized on the floor. The memorial was adopted without recorded opposition.
