MS SC587

Former Mississippi State Senator Bob M. Dearing of Natchez passed away on July 30, 2020, and the Legislature extends condolences to his family.

Senator Dearing represented District 37 for 36 years, serving nine four-year terms starting in 1979, and was particularly proud of the 1982 Education Reform Act providing public kindergartens and the 1987 Four-Lane Highway Program.

His most significant legislative accomplishments included landmark 1990 casino gaming legislation, retirement income tax exemptions, $1.5 million in Bluff Stabilization funding for Natchez, and animal cruelty laws strengthening protections for dogs and cats.

Dearing had a multifaceted career as a teacher and coach, IBM employee, AFLAC agent, high school sports official and announcer, and community college instructor while serving in the Senate.

He was survived by his wife of 58 years (Shelley Ditzler Dearing), two daughters (Stephanie Daye and Clifford Paige), and one son (Robert Montgomery Jr.).