Leading lobbyist Scott Marrs passed away Friday evening after a short illness, leaving the legislative community remembering his successful career advocating on behalf of southwest Missouri, healthcare, and local issues.
Marrs represented clients ranging from southwest Missouri leaders such as Missouri State University, Bass Pro Shops, and the Cities of Branson and Springfield. He also represented the Boys and Girls Club, Mercy, the Missouri Hospital Association, and the County Commissioners Association, among others.
“Scott was just a true joy to be around,” Sen. Doug Libla said. “I enjoyed very much working with him in Jeff City. Heartfelt condolences to the family and his many – many friends.”
Marrs lobbying principals date to the summer of 2000 when he first registered for Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Bass Pro Shops, City of Springfield and others.
“In shock tonight,” Sen. Bob Dixon memorialized. “This is a real loss for our area. Scott Marrs was a good man who knew how to accomplish things for his community. Brigitte, you and your family are in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers. I’m so sorry.”
A strong supporter of Mizzou football, Marrs received his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs. He did his political science undergraduate work at Drury University in Springfield.
“Am remembering my longtime friend Scott Maars today as a wonderful refreshing voice that I will truly miss,” fellow lobbyist Andy Arnold said. “First met Scott when we were undergrads at Drury in the mid-70s and always enjoyed seeing him in the Capitol hallways. Godspeed Scotty, prayers for your family.”
“He was a prince,” Victory Enterprises Vice President Joe Lakin tweeted. “One of my first roommates in Jeff City. With our shared interest in Springfield, I always loved working with him. Great stories, great memories. A gentleman always. Rest In Peace, Scotty.”
Marrs was an advocate for the Boy Scouts of America and lover of the outdoors. His family asked that memorial contributions be made to BSA – Ozark Trails Council, National Park Service, of the First Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.
“Scotty was one of my longest and most trusted friends in the capital we are all going to miss him,” lobbyist Jay Hahn said.
A memorial service will be held Friday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Springfield.
Marrs and his wife, Brigitte, had been married 37 years. They had two children, Katharine and William.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
