Military honors were part of the Hearnes memorial service at the Capitol. The hearse carrying the former Governor’s body, and a limousine carrying the Hearnes family escorted by two military units marching slowly to muffled drums, paused as the procession drove around the north side of the Capitol for a flyover by four National Guard helicopters and the ceremonial nineteen-gun salute accorded to Governors.
Hearnes was an Army lieutenant when he retired just before starting his political career. As Governor, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Missouri National Guard, which he was forced to activate from time to time during periods of racial unrest. Hearnes was governor 1965-73.
After the military ceremonies, the small motorcade left the Capitol for Charleston, where a visitation will be held for the Governor at the First Baptist Church late tomorrow afternoon. The funeral will be there late Friday morning.
Upload BP’s on-scene report 7:07 mp3)
