Five-time Iowa Governor Robert Ray, who is credited with some major changes to make Iowa the state it is today, has died at the age of 89.
Ray served as the state's 38th Governor from 1969 until 1983. He also had been the President of Drake University and the interim Mayor of Des Moines.
Ray is survived by his wife, three children and eight grandchildren.
"Governor Ray lived and lead with Iowa values," the Democratic Party said in a statement. "He governed with the spirit of service and shaped our great state for the better."
"Governor Ray leaves behind a legacy of public service whose visionary leadership as the state's chief executive will enrich our state for generations to come," Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said.
