Former U.S. Sen. Alan K. Simpson, who charmed Wyoming and the nation while befriending presidents in a lifetime of public service, always keeping a twinkle in his eye

Wyo., famous for his quick wit and ability to work across the aisle in Congress, died Friday morning. He was 93 years old.

A plain-spoken lawmaker from Wyoming, he balanced his conservative views with moderate stands on abortion rights, gay marriage and immigration reform.