The death of former Governor Warren Hearnes, who died Sunday night at the age of 86, has brought statements and kind thoughts from many of Missouri’s political leaders, including the man who succeeded Hearnes in the Governor’s Office – now-U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond.

In a statement, Bond expressed sadness on the death of Hearnes, praising him as someone who dedicated his life to public service.

A few days before Hearnes’ death, when it was known the former Governor was gravely ill, Bond spoke to reporters at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, talking about the true spirit of bipartisanship exhibited by Hearnes.

"Nobody could have been a better friend," said Bond. "You talk about working in a bipartisan way. Warren Hearnes showed me how to do that. He was a true leader. A great spirit of bipartisanship came from his efforts."

Bond, a Republican, had campaigned hard against the policies of Hearnes, a Democrat. But when Bond won election to the Governor’s Office, Hearnes could not have been more helpful.

"He stepped forward and made a transition as smooth as it could be for a real greenhorn like me to take over," said Bond.

Funeral arrangements have been finalized. Hearnes’ body will lie in State in the Capitol Rotunda for public visitation from 10 am to 2 pm on Wednesday, followed by a State Funeral in the Rotunda. Following the services Hearnes’ body will be taken to his hometown of Charleston, in southeast Missouri, for a visitation from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, with a Charleston funeral service scheduled for Friday morning at 11 o’clock at the First Baptist Church.

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