Kit Bond through the years

Surrounded by a crowd of sign-carrying supporters, Gov. Christopher S. Bond paid a brief visit late Saturday to the Southeast Missouri District Fair. The Fair closed Saturday night after a spectacular one-week stand which attracted a record number of people. (Sept. 19, 1976)

State Auditor Christopher "Kit" Bond, right, and his wife Carolyn are surrounded by young supporters as he campaigns for the Republican nomination for governor at Capaha Park. (May 30, 1972)

Christopher "Kit" Bond (1986)

Southeast Missourian archive Vice President George Bush speaks at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport on Sept. 30, 1982. He was accompanied by Missouri Gov. Christopher "Kit" Bond, left, and U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, right.

Christopher "Kit" Bond at Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport (July 23, 1986)

Farm policies are discussed at a press conference in Sikeston Tuesday. From left are 8th District U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson; U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond; retiring Farm Bureau President C.R. "Dick" Johnston; area farmer Dan Jennings; and Missouri Director of Agricuture Charles Kruse. (Photo by Sikeston Democrat Advertiser) (Oct. 26, 1988)

Southeast Missourian archive Former Gov. Christopher Bond, right, stands with Alice Hulett of Cape Girardeau as he posts a campaign sign in her yard. A number of campaign volunteers look on. Bond, in a campaign swing to Cape Girardeau Saturday, said he was pleased with his performance in the Friday night debate with opponent Harriett Woods. (Oct. 26, 1986)

Fred Lynch/Southeast Missourian archive President Ronald Reagan arrives in Cape Girardeau aboard Air Force One on Sept. 14, 1988. Coming off the plane with the president at Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport are Congressman Bill Emerson of Cape Girardeau, front right; U.S. Senator John Danforth, rear left; and U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond, rear right.

Southeast Missourian file Senator Kit Bond receives a standing ovation after being introduced by U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson at the Cape Girardeau County Lincoln Day dinner Saturday night, March 14, 2009 at the A.C. Brase Arena Building.