Carl Levin served 36 years in the U.S. Senate before retiring in 2015.
Levin’s family says the 87-year-old died late Thursday, July 29.
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A Democrat from Detroit, Levin was first elected to the Senate in 1978.
During his six terms, Levin was considered a strong voice for the military. He spent years leading the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee.
Levin was also known for working effectively across party lines, and engendered feelings of respect among his fellow Senators.
Lori Chapman is a producer on MLive’s video team