Carl Pursell | Former congressman, 76

Former Rep. Carl Pursell, 76, who served in the U.S. House for 16 years and later became an Eastern Michigan University trustee, died Thursday in Lansing after a lengthy illness.

The Republican was elected to the Michigan Senate in 1970 and was in the middle of his second term in 1976 when he was elected to the U.S. House. He was the ranking Republican on the House Education Appropriations Subcommittee during his tenure, and was reelected seven times before deciding to step down in 1992.

Born in Imlay City, Mich., Mr. Pursell served in the U.S. Army from 1957-59 and was a teacher and businessman before going into politics.

- AP