"A Groundbreaking Man of Missouri"

GOV. WARREN HEARNES DIES AT AGE 86

STATE FUNERAL SET FOR WEDNESDAY

Missouri's first consecutive two-term Governor is being remembered as a champion for education and mental health care.

He served in all three branches of Missouri government, held the first outdoor inauguration ceremony, signed Missouri's first civil rights act and broke his own promise to not raise taxes.

FULL A.P. STORY HERE

***REACTION***

FAMILY SPOKESMAN ROB CROUSE:

"Missouri schoolchildren receive the education they deserve, those with mental illness receive the treatment they need, our citizens experience the benefits of tourism and the arts that they want, senior citizens and those with disabilities receive the care they must have, and all of us reap the rewards of the healthy state business climate we enjoy because of the achievements of Warren Hearnes as Governor. His legacy will reach beyond our generation, continuing to make life better for the citizens of the state he served so faithfully and so well."

GOV. JAY NIXON:

"Gov. Hearnes was a groundbreaking man of Missouri in many ways, beyond being the first Missouri Governor to serve two successive terms. When he saw how Missourians with mental illness were warehoused in state hospitals, he created the system of regional mental health centers to provide effective treatment. When he saw how Missouri’s public schools were not keeping up with other states, he greatly increased state aid for education to give our students and teachers the resources they needed. And when he saw racial injustice, he signed Missouri’s first civil rights act, a public accommodations bill sponsored in the House by a young state representative named Mel Carnahan. Warren Hearnes was a man who got things done – as Majority Floor Leader, as Secretary of State, and as Governor – and Missouri is a better place because he answered the call to a life of public service."

LT. GOV. PETER KINDER:
"Gov. Hearnes' legacy of public service will forever be an inspiration to us all. As a former state representative, secretary of state and chief executive, Gov. Hearnes dedicated much of his life in service to the citizens of the great State of Missouri. He also served his nation proudly as a graduate of West Point and in the United States Army. As a fellow Southeast Missourian, I can truly say how proud we were to call Gov. Hearnes one of us."

FMR. GOV. MATT BLUNT:

"Governor Hearnes was a delightful man and I enjoyed the opportunities I had to spend time with him. I last saw him at a reception we hosted at the Mansion for he and some of his former staff members. He was in a weakened state, but nothing could hide his strong spirit. He was fun to be around and he enjoyed reminding me of the respectful rivalry that exists between our alma maters. Missouri has lost a true public servant. Melanie and I will keep Betty and her family in our thoughts and prayers."

MO. REPUBLICAN PARTY:

"Yesterday, Missouri lost a pioneer, statesman, and dedicated public servant. Warren Hearnes was a man of many firsts: Missouri’s first two-term governor, and the first governor to serve in all three branches of government. He will be remembered for his commitment to increased education funding, and our state is a better place thanks to his service. The thoughts and prayers of all Missourians are with Betty and the rest of Hearnes’ family."

TREASURER CLINT ZWEIFEL:

"The passing of Gov. Warren Hearnes is a sad moment for Missouri as we lose one of our great leaders. Gov. Hearnes was an innovator throughout his career in public service, and his contributions to our state will never be forgotten by Missourians. His commitment to mental health care, education, civil rights and the environment forever changed Missouri for the better. In this sad moment, my family and I express our deepest sympathies with Mrs. Hearnes and her family. Gov. Hearnes will truly be missed."

SEN. KIT BOND:

"Governor Hearnes dedicated his life to public service and will leave behind a legacy of bipartisanship. I will always be grateful for Warren's help to a new young Governor; in true Show Me style he ensured for me a smooth transition into the Governor's mansion. Linda and my thoughts and prayers are with Betty and the rest of the Hearnes family."

FUNERAL INFORMATION:

Gov. Hearnes will lie in state in the first-floor Capitol Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At 2 p.m. funeral services will take place in the 1st floor Capitol Rotunda.

He will be transported to Charleston for funeral and burial Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, care of First Baptist Church, 301 S. Main, Charleston, MO 63834. Condolence notes may be sent to Mrs. Betty C. Hearnes, P.O. Box 509, Charleston, MO 63834.