Hearnes honored

Warren Hearnes, the late governor of the state of Missouri, was recently inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians.

Hearnes served as governor of the state from 1965 to 1973 and was the first to serve consecutive terms. He left a record of increasing state funding for mental health, education and social services. The governor passed away in August 2009.

Hearnes had a distinguished career in public service. He began this career as a state representative and secretary of state before being elected governor.

During the recent ceremony honoring Hearnes, a bronze bust of the governor was unveiled in the House chamber. Including Hearnes, a total of 38 individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians. A few of the notable inductees include Mark Twain, Walter Cronkite, Jack Buck and John Ashcroft. To be inducted into the hall, inductees must be selected by the House speaker. Hearnes was selected by former House speaker Bob Griffin.

The bust is now permanently displayed on the third floor of the Missouri State Capitol Building.

This is a great honor for a Southeast Missouri native whose public service to the state is commendable. The family of the late governor should be very proud.