Report: Former Missouri governor Warren Hearnes gravely ill
Hearnes
Warren E. Hearnes — a man who has done just about everything possible in Missouri politics — is gravely ill, according to the Southeast Missourian.
The newspaper quotes a family spokesman as saying that Hearnes’ wife and three daughters are near his side at the family home in Charleston, Mo., near the Bootheel.
Hearnes, a Democrat, turned 86 last month. He was governor of MIssouri from 1965 to 1973. Prior to that, he served in the Missouri House for more than a decade.
In 1976, he ran unsuccessfully for his party’s U.S. Senate nomination, but was given the nod after primary winner Jerry Litton died in a plane crash. Hearnes eventually lost to John Danforth in the general election.
Later, Hearnes lost a bid to become state auditor, though did serve briefly as a Circuit Court judge.
The Hearnes Center athletic complex on the Mizzou campus — opened in the latter half of Hearnes’ second term — is named in his honor.
Warren Hearnes is an icon, regardless of party. He did a lot for this state, and I pray for him and his family at this sad time in their lives. While I may not have been alive during his tenure of civil service, I acknowledge his conttributions to the state.
He was the Governor when I moved to Missouri in 1965. Although young, I can remember his leadership and statesmanship.
missouriright is right. He did a lot for the state. I know politicians read this blog, so get this message. Start acting like Warren Hearnes instead of Joe McCarthy.
‘Nuff said. God speed Mr. Hearnes.
One of my family members will never forget the kindness and concern of Governor and Mrs. Hearnes regarding assisting her developmentally disabled child in the late 1960s when such services were simply primitive compared to today. Both Governor and Mrs. Hearnes have been long-standing advocates for those much less fortunate. I also note that Governor Hearnes very publicly split with President Johnson on the conduct and aims of the Vietnam War before this was being voiced by more timid Democratic politicians. Governor Hearnes combined this with a healthy distrust of the incessant creep of federal government into state affairs, which is why conservatives should honor him. He was much more supportive of states banding together to accomplish regional goals than having Washington swoop in and dictate. I wish the Hearnes family peace that surpasseth all understanding.
My prayers go out to Governor Hearnes and his family. I wish him a speedy recovery.
Hey, here is an idea….have him run for office. Dead guys do real well in Missouri