Former Missouri governor Kit Bond dead at 86

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced the passing of former U.S. Senator and Missouri Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond. He died Tuesday in St. Louis at the age of 86.

“Kit Bond was a skilled statesman, public servant, and a man who truly loved Missouri,” said Governor Kehoe. “I am blessed to have known Kit and honored to call him a friend and a mentor.”

Bond served two non-consecutive terms as governor from 1973-1977 and again from 1981-1985. He became the state’s youngest governor at the time. He then served four terms in the U.S. Senate. He retired from the chamber in January 2009.

The Republican was a strong advocate for children. He created the Parents as Teachers program, which later expanded nationally. Many will also remember him for his work with Democrats across the aisle. In the Ozarks, he pushed for funding for Missouri 13 north of Springfield.



(AP Photo Kevin Wolf)