Former U.S. Senator Kit Bond has died at the age of 86.

Bond passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in St Louis. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered all flags across the state to fly at half-staff effective Tuesday until Bond is laid to rest Thursday, May 22. In a statement, Kehoe said that his fellow Republican, “was a skilled statesman, public servant, and a man who truly loved Missouri.” Kehoe added that Bond, “always with his trademark smile and sense of humor, was a fierce advocate for Missouri throughout his 40-year career of public service. Kit kept Missouri’s interests at heart, both in office and out, making our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

After an unsuccessful bid to represent Northeast Missouri in the House of Representatives, Bond won election as state auditor in 1970. Two years later, Bond would win his first of two non-consecutive terms as governor, becoming Missouri’s youngest governor at age 33. Bond was denied a second term by Joseph Teasdale in 1976, but came back in 1980 to unseat the Kansas City Democrat. He would then run for and win the first of four terms in the U.S. Senate in 1986, succeeding Thomas Eagleton. Bridges over the Missouri River in Hermann and Kansas City, as well as a courthouse in Jefferson City and science buildings on the University of Missouri and Missouri Western State University campuses, are all named for Bond.

A state memorial service for 86-year-old former senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond will take place next Tuesday, May 20 at noon in the Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol. Bond will lie in state for 24 hours following the conclusion of the service. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at the Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church.

The Governor’s office has also posted Bond’s obituary.