Hundreds Attend Service For Former Sen. Burns

Former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana is being remembered as a personable lawmaker who stirred controversy with his politically incorrect words but consistently delivered for his constituents.

Burns died last week of natural causes at 81. Hundreds of mourners paid tribute to the three-term Republican lawmaker during a funeral service Friday in his hometown of Billings.

Attendees included Gov. Steve Bullock, the Montana congressional delegation, federal judges and elected officials from across the state.

Burns' daughter, Keely Godwin, says her father was most interested in people. She says he would know within minutes of meeting someone where that person grew up and who their parents were.

Burns faced criticism while in office for getting too close to lobbyists.

Former U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg says Burns considered himself foremost a Montanan.