Outpouring of condolences shown for Kit Bond from both sides of political aisle
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
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, according to a press release from Gov. Kehoe’s office. He served in various roles during his time in the public eye, including as governor from 1973-77 and 1981-85 and was in US senate from 1987-2011.
Once he retired, his seat was won by now-former Sen. Roy Blunt.
“No one understood Missouri better or served our State more effectively than Kit Bond. While he is most often recognized for his ability to bring federal dollars and new opportunities to Missouri, his fellow Senators saw him as a trusted leader on national security, transportation, and education. And I was fortunate to call him friend. Abby and I send our love to his family and will keep them in our thoughts as we remember this great American with fondness and appreciation for his friendship and leadership,” Blunt said in a statement sent to ABC 17 News.
The seat was eventually won by Sen. Eric Schmitt in 2022 after Blunt’s retirement.
“Today, I was saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Missouri Senator Christopher ‘Kit’ Bond. Kit proudly served our state as governor and then in the U.S. Senate for 24 years, with his trademark sense of humor and dedication to making Missouri the best state in our union. He helped to improve the lives of generations of Missourians across the Show Me State. Please join me in praying for Kit, his wife Linda, his son Sam, the entire Bond family, and all those who loved him,” Schmitt said in a statement.
Fellow Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley shared grief in a social media post.
“Erin and I were saddened to hear of the death of our friend, Kit Bond. What a champion for Missouri. He served his state and his nation with the utmost distinction for decades - and he was above all a fine man. He & Linda have been such good friends to Erin and me. We are thankful for them, and are praying now that the Lord would comfort Linda and their family,” Hawley wrote.
Erin and I were saddened to hear of the death of our friend, Kit Bond. What a champion for Missouri. He served his state and his nation with the utmost distinction for decades - and he was above all a fine man. He & Linda have been such good friends to Erin and me. We are…
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 13, 2025
Kehoe gave high praise to Bond during an interview on Tuesday.
“You could never be around Kit Bond and not smile, and you could never be around Kit Bond without knowing that his heart was with Missouri. He might have had a lighthearted approach to tackling some of the toughest solutions, but both as Missouri governor and Missouri senator, he was a leader,” he said.
Missouri Democrats also shared condolences and acknowledged Bond’s influence on Missouri politics.
“Kit's service to Missouri was defined by his deep commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, whether through securing vital infrastructure projects or supporting critical economic initiatives. He was a man of principle, integrity, and, above all, love for the people of Missouri. His leadership set a high bar for future generations, and he leaves behind a powerful example of dedication and resilience,” Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan said in a statement.
Former Sen. Claire McCaskill shared sympathies on social media.
“My sympathies to the Bond family. I am proud that Kit and I were friends. He cared deeply and always about Missouri. #RIPSenatorKitBond,” she wrote.
My sympathies to the Bond family. I am proud that Kit and I were friends. He cared deeply and always about Missouri. #RIPSenatorKitBond
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) May 13, 2025
Former Gov. Jay Nixon showed his appreciation for Bond on his social media.
“Missouri lost a leader for the ages, smart, tough, and fun. Kit’s counsel and help to me personally as Governor was deeply appreciated,” he wrote.
Missouri lost a leader for the ages, smart, tough, and fun.
— Governor Jay Nixon (@GovJayNixon) May 13, 2025
Kit’s counsel and help to me personally as Governor was deeply appreciated.
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce wrote about his influence.
“The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry mourns the passing of former Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator Christopher ‘Kit’ Bond – a dedicated public servant and champion for Missouri,” a social media post from the chamber reads. “Gov. Bond’s leadership helped lay the groundwork for economic growth and opportunity across our state. We are grateful for his decades of service, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Leaders from the University of Missouri – where a building at the Columbia campus is named after Bond -- also shared their condolences.
“Senator Bond was a tremendous champion for Missourians and the University of Missouri,” UM System President Mun Choi said in a statement. “His incredible commitment to groundbreaking research in life sciences, agriculture and other critical areas impacted the state and secured our role as a world-class institution. We are grateful for his decades of support and proud to carry on his legacy of service.”
“The state of Missouri and the University of Missouri System have both tremendously benefitted from Senator Bond’s leadership,” UM Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves said in a statement. “His tenure of dedicated public service continues to positively influence Missouri today, and we value his tireless advocacy and support throughout his long and distinguished career.”
US Republican Rep. Mark Alford shared similar sentiments.
“It’s with deep sadness that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Christopher S. ‘Kit’ Bond. Leslie and I join the Bond family, the Show Me State, and a grateful nation in mourning the loss of one of Missouri's favorite sons,” Alford said in a statement. “Kit was a true statesman and a mentor to many, including myself. He represented the highest ideal of public service.”
Kehoe announced in a Tuesday afternoon press release that a memorial service will be held for Bond at the Capitol Rotunda at noon Tuesday, May 20. The public is invited to attend and the former senator’s body will be at the Capitol Rotunda for 24 hours following the service.
Flags around the state will be lowered to half-staff until after Bond's funeral on Thursday, May 22
