After the announcement of former Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond’s death on Tuesday, a large number of Missouri public officials from both sides of the aisle shared their condolences. Bond died in St. Louis early Tuesday,

As the town of Mexico mourns the death of former U.S. Sen. and Missouri Gov. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond, many say they remember him not as a politician but simply as one of their own.

Former Missouri governor and U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond died today at the age of 86. He was the youngest governor in Missouri’s history, taking office at 33.

The late governor will be honored at a State Memorial Service on Tuesday, May 20, held at noon inside the rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol. The service is open to the public. Afterward, Bond will lie in state in the rotunda for 24 hours to allow Missourians an opportunity to pay their respects.

He helped create the modern state GOP as governor and U.S. senator, sharply defending Republican ideals with wit. | Opinion