Sculpture of Warren Hearnes unveiled in Charleston

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A man who dedicated his life to public service will continue to be a part of that public scene. On Saturday a bronze sculpture of former governor Warren E. Hearnes was dedicated at the Mississippi County Courthouse.

Saturday's dedication ceremony drew state and local leaders and a large group of Charleston residents to catch the first glimpse of the bust by Sabra Tull Meyer, a nationally known sculptor. Meyer recently completed the Lewis and Clark monument at the Capitol complex in Jefferson City, Mo.

Lining up to speak about Hearnes, who died last year, were Gov. Jay Nixon, former governors Roger Wilson and Bob Holden and former first lady and former Missouri senator Jean Carnahan.

Nixon called Missouri's 46th governor a "truly remarkable man." He detailed Hearnes' career from his graduation at West Point to his service as a state legislator and floor leader to his election as secretary of state and then governor.

"In his quiet way, Warren Hearnes transformed Missouri," Nixon said. "... He was a quiet man but an unstoppable force."

The governor touched on Hearnes' work to aid education, to end discrimination and to improve mental health services.

"His legacy of action, compassion and enlightened leadership endures," Nixon said.

Wilson, Carnahan and Holden also spoke of Hearnes' accomplishments as well as the service of Betty Hearnes to the state and to her husband. Many times, the speakers said, Hearnes would take political risks to do what he believed was best for Missourians.

Warren Hearnes was an example of "what integrity should be for the rest of us," Holden said.

The statue was unveiled by the artist and Hearnes' daughters, Julie Hearnes-Sindelar and Leigh Hammond.