In a prepared statement, the governor called Shell “a dedicated, loyal public servant, who contributed years of service to his district and was thoroughly committed to bettering the lives of Californians.”

Former assemblyman and longtime Republican leader Joe Shell died at his home Monday morning. He was 89.

Shell was married to former Bakersfield Mayor and Kern County Supervisor Mary Kay Shell.

Shell said her husband had been in poor health for some time and took a turn for the worse after suffering an injury in January.

Friends say he'll be missed. Shell also ran for the Republican nomination for governor in 1962.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday at Hillcrest Park beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial at First Presbyterian Church on 17th Street at 2 p.m.