Marion Mayor Bob Butler will officially step down from his position at the end of January.
He is one of the longest-serving mayors in United States history, having first taken office in 1963.
The City of Marion released a notice from Butler Friday in which the 90-year-old says he's stepping down now - more than a year before the end of his term - because his hearing has deteriorated to the point where he can't perform the job duties to his satisfaction.
By state statute, the city's finance commissioner - Anthony Rinella - becomes the mayor pro tem. He will be sworn into office February 1st and will complete the mayor's term of office. He earlier announced his intention to run for mayor in 2019.
Commissioner Angelo Hightower has announced he plans to run for mayor as well.
The Marion City Council will have to appoint a replacement for Rinella as city commissioner.
