Former Kansas Attorney General and Wichita native Robert Stephan has died at the age of 89.

Stephan served as attorney general from 1979 to 1995, serving four terms.  He emphasized consumer protection and helped to create a victims’ rights amendment to the Kansas Constitution.

The current attorney general, Derek Schmidt, issued a statement:

“I am saddened today to learn of the death of one of my predecessors, Attorney General Robert Stephan, our state’s longest-serving attorney general. Bob served in a different era, but his 16-year tenure left a lasting mark on our office – particularly his contributions to crime victim rights and to consumer protection. Jennifer and I extend our condolences to Marilyn, to their friends and family, and to Bob’s many former staff members and colleagues.”

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also paid tribute to Stephan in a message on social media:

I had the utmost respect for General Stephan’s advocacy and public service, and I appreciated his sage counsel. My condolences go out to his family.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran also issued a statement:

“As the longest-serving Kansas Attorney General, Robert Stephan embodied true public service and servant leadership. Throughout the many years he served our state, he was passionate about working to protect victims’ rights. In my early days of politics, Bob Stephan was considered one of the best retail politicians – best able to connect with Kansans and never a hand unshaken. It was true not because Bob trained or disciplined himself to do this. It was true because Bob Stephan cared for and loved everyone he met. I was privileged to know him, and I will always cherish the time we spent together and the lessons I learned from him. Robba and I are praying for his wife Marilyn and their family.”