January 3, 2023

Warren and Betty Hearnes come home to Mississippi County

After turning over the reigns of government to Gov. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond on Jan. 8, 1973, former Gov. Warren and Betty Hearnes returned home to Mississippi County.

Gordon McBride ~ Southeast Missourian archive

Published Jan. 9, 1973: Warren E. Hearnes, who stepped down Monday as Missouri's chief executive, along with Betty Hearnes and daughter, Julie B., heads for waiting crowd after landing at the Sikeston airport Monday afternoon in his return to Southeast Missouri and Mississippi County. Escorting them at left is Sikeston Chief of Police Arthur Bruce.

Betty Hearnes accepts a bouquet of roses at the Sikeston Airport.

Former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes at the Sikeston airport.

Part of the motorcade from the Sikeston airport to Charleston.

Former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes is interviewed by a television reporter at Charleston.

Former Gov. and Mrs. Warren E. Hearnes at a welcome home ceremony in Charleston.

Former Gov. Warren Hearnes addresses a welcoming crowd at Sikeston.

(Gordon McBride ~ Southeast Missourian archive)

Betty Hearnes addresses the crowd at Charleston.

(Gordon McBride ~ Southeast Missourian archive)

Betty Hearnes, Jan. 8, 1973.

(Gordon McBride ~ Southeast Missourian archive)

Former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes, Jan. 8, 1973.

Published Jan. 9, 1973: A happy crowd in Charleston listens to former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes whose homecoming Monday after serving in various positions in Jefferson City the past 22 years gave reason for celebration.

Betty Hearnes, Jan. 8, 1973.

Former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes, Jan. 8, 1973.

(Gordon McBride ~ Southeast Missourian archive)

Published Jan. 9, 1973:: Mr. and Mrs. Hearnes reflect over the past eight years as Missouri's first family as they listen to another speaker deliver a welcome address. The welcome home celebration, planned by the East Prairie and Charleston Chambers of Commerce and Mississippi County Colonels, was climaxed by a dinner and dance Monday night.

A crowd awaits the arrival of the former governor and Mrs. Hearnes at the Sikeston airport.

A crowd awaits the return of former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes at the Sikeston airport. The man holding the KFVS camera is Ron Wilson. To his right is KFVS television reporter Mike Shain.

Former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes climbs down from an airplane at the Sikeston airport Jan. 8, 1973.

Betty and former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes arrive at the Sikeston airport Jan. 8, 1973.

Two of the daughters of Betty and Warren Hearnes greet them the Sikeston airport.

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After turning over the reigns of government to Gov. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond on Jan. 8, 1973, former Gov. Warren and Betty Hearnes returned home to Mississippi County.

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