Hearnes to be inducted into Hall of Famous Missourians

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Warren Eastman Hearnes, the 46th governor of Missouri, will be inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians at a special induction ceremony at 9 a.m., Wednesday in the House Chambers of the Missouri House of Representatives in the Missouri Capitol building, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported.

Hearnes was a Charleston native who was governor from 1964 to 1973. He died in August 2009.

Welcoming remarks will be given by House Speaker Ron Richard, followed by remarks by Gov. Jay Nixon, former House speaker Bob F. Griffin and former first lady Betty C. Hearnes.

A bust commissioned by Griffin will be unveiled. The bust is the work of William J. Williams of Bellows Falls, Vt. Williams is the sculptor for 25 of the busts in the hall, including the first in the collection of Samuel Langhorne Clemens.

Hearnes's daughters, Julie Hearnes and Leigh Hammond, will unveil the bust.

"It is a privilege to see one of the greatest governors that Missouri has known inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians," said Griffin. "His contributions to education, mental health, civil rights, the arts, tourism, the environment and economic development still touch the lives of all Missourians today."

Initiated in 1982, the Hall of Famous Missourians recognizes Missourians who have made outstanding contributions to the "Show-Me State." Located in the third floor rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol Building, the busts in the collection are showcased on individual pedestals with plaques describing each notable citizen's accomplishments. Honorees are selected only by speakers of the Missouri House of Representatives.