Guard assists in funeral, memorial service for late governor

Guard soldiers provided a round-the-clock honor vigil for the governor. (Photo by Matthew Wilson.)

Family, friends and political admirers celebrated the life of a former commander-in-chief at a state memorial service in Jefferson City Wednesday and then said their final good-byes two days later at a funeral in his hometown of Charleston.

Warren E. Hearnes served as governor of Missouri from 1965-1973. He was a member of the U.S. Army and a graduate of West Point, as well as holding several other political offices throughout his career.

Current Gov. Jay Nixon -- who spoke in Jefferson City and Charleston -- called Hearnes a champion of civil rights legislation, education, and business and economic growth. He was a dedicated and devoted leader who used patience and hard work to lead the state, Nixon said.

"In the faces of hundreds of Missourians, we saw the many lives Gov. Hearnes touched during the many years of his distinguished career," Nixon said from the First Baptist Church in Charleston Friday. "His legacy of passion, action and enlightened leadership endures. He is proof that one individual can make a difference in the lives of thousands and millions of lives."

At each service, Missourians had the opportunity to pay their final respects to the governor and the National Guard had a strong presence at both. The Jefferson City service --where the body lay in state at the Capitol -- was attended by former governors John Ashcroft, Matt Blunt, Bob Holden, Roger Wilson and Jean Carnahan, widow of the late Gov. Mel Carnahan.

Missouri National Guard leadership, Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner, adjutant general; Col. Glenn Hagler, joint chief of staff; and State Chaplain Col. Gary Gilmore, attended both ceremonies. At both services, members of the Missouri National Guard and state law enforcement kept an honor vigil for the governor.

Following the Jefferson City service, the 135th Missouri Army National Guard Band led a procession around the Capitol. The band was followed by an honors detail made up of Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen and led by Missouri's State Command Sgt. Major Matt Jenkins.

"It was an honor to be able to participate for someone who has served our country and our state," said Staff Sgt. Jack Moore. When the hearse carrying the governor reached the building's north entrance, the procession turned to face the Capitol.

Four AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, flew over the Missouri River next to the Capitol.

"We are the visual representation of the Missouri National Guard," said Lt. Col Charles Hausman, commander of the 1-135th. "It was a privilege for us to honor the service of former Governor Hearnes."

When they passed, 16 Soldiers from the 129th Field Artillery Battalion of Maryville, Mo., fired a 19-gun salute for the late governor.

At the church, Guard soldiers provided a round-the-clock honor vigil for the governor, along with volunteers from the Missouri Air Guard, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri State Water Patrol and the Missouri State Fire Marshals.

"It was a huge honor," said Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Allred, readiness noncommissioned officer for the 1140th Engineer Battalion's Forward Support Company. "I'm from Mississippi County, the same county Gov. Hearnes was from, so it was a special honor for me. The Soldiers were outstanding."

Danner assisted Hearnes' widow, Betty Hearnes, to her seat at the church. Gilmore led the graveside service, which included full military honors and a 21-gun salute. Danner presented flags to Mrs. Hearnes and their three daughters.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.