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PrintCOLUMBIA — Gov. Jay Nixon released the following statement Monday morning on the death of former Gov. Warren Hearnes:
"Early this morning, we received the sad news about the passing of one of Missouri’s true 20th Century statesmen, former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes.
"Gov. Hearnes was a groundbreaking man of Missouri in many ways, beyond being the first Missouri governor to serve two successive terms.
"When he saw how Missourians with mental illness were warehoused in state hospitals, he created the system of regional mental health centers to provide effective treatment.
"When he saw how Missouri’s public schools were not keeping up with other states, he greatly increased state aid for education to give our students and teachers the resources they needed.
"And when he saw racial injustice, he signed Missouri’s first civil rights act, a public accommodations bill sponsored in the House by a young state representative named Mel Carnahan.
"Warren Hearnes was a man who got things done – as majority floor leader, as secretary of state, and as governor – and Missouri is a better place because he answered the call to a life of public service.
"Georganne and I are keeping the Hearnes family, especially his wife, former First Lady Betty Hearnes, in our thoughts and prayers. Over the next few days, my staff and I will be working with the Hearnes family to ensure Gov. Hearnes is given appropriate honors by the state of Missouri."
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