Christopher S. “Kit” Bond has died.
The long-time Republican politician died Tuesday in St. Louis at age 86 – no cause of death has been released yet.
Bond was first elected State Auditor in 1970, then two years later he was elected governor of Missouri — at 33 the youngest governor in the state’s history. He lost a re-election bid in 1976 but was elected governor again in 1980. In 1986 he was elected to the U.S. Senate and re-elected three more times by Missouri voters before choosing not to run again in 2010.
In a statement, Gov. Mike Kehoe calls Kit Bond a “favorite son” to Missouri and listed him as both a friend and mentor.
“Kit, always with his trademark smile and sense of humor, was a fierce advocate for Missouri throughout his accomplished 40-year career of public service,” Kehoe said. “Kit kept Missouri’s interests at heart, both in office and out, making our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Whenever he was thanked for his service, Kit’s response was always, ‘Serving the people of Missouri was the honor of my life.'”
News of Bond’s death has led to an outpouring of sympathy from Missouri elected officials from both political parties:
“Kit Bond was a superb statesman, an exemplary public servant, and a dear friend to myself and Missourians across the Show Me State,” said U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo. 5th Dist. From his time as State Auditor to his stewardship of Missouri as Governor, and eventually as Missouri’s Senator in Washington, Kit was the kind of elected official that every Missourian could be proud to call their representative; I know I was.”
Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley posted the following to social media.
“Erin and I were saddened to hear of the death of our friend, Kit Bond. What a champion for Missouri,” said U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri. “He served his state and his nation with the utmost distinction for decades – and he was above all a fine man. He & Linda have been such good friends to Erin and me. We are thankful for them, and are praying now that the Lord would comfort Linda and their family.”
Missouri’s junior U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt also expressed his condolences.
“Kit proudly served our state as governor and then in the U.S. Senate for 24 years, with his trademark sense of humor and dedication to making Missouri the best state in our union,” Schmitt said. “He helped to improve the lives of generations of Missourians across the Show Me State.”
U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo. 2nd District, is also morning Bond’s death.
“Few people in Missouri politics have had more of a positive influence on our state and the nation than Senator Kit Bond,” she said. “A true statesman seemingly from a bygone era in today’s divisive world, Kit Bond devoted his life to public service, working with others to find the best ways to lift up Missouri and the nation, to make it a better place for those he was so honored to serve. He was a cheerful warrior who always had an encouraging word and a smile on his face, even in challenging times.”
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a proclamation ordering U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings statewide through sunset on May 22.
On Tuesday, May 20, a state memorial service to honor Bond will be held in the Missouri Capitol Rotunda at noon. The public is invited to attend.
Bond will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda for a 24-hour period immediately following the memorial service, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.
On Thursday, May 22, a celebration of his life will be held at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. All who knew and loved Kit are welcome to attend.
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