KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond died Tuesday in St. Louis, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office announced.
Bond was 86.
The former senator was a mainstay in Missouri politics for decades.
Many in Kansas City know of his work through the naming of the Christopher S. Bond Bridge that carries Interstate 35/29 to and from downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
“Kit Bond was a skilled statesman, public servant, and a man who truly loved Missouri,” Kehoe said in a statement Tuesday. “I am blessed to have known Kit and honored to call him a friend and a mentor.”
Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond
— Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) May 13, 2025
Kit Bond was a skilled statesman, public servant, and a man who truly loved Missouri. I am blessed to have known Kit and honored to call him a friend and a mentor.
Kit, always with his… pic.twitter.com/6ff5ib5riO
Bond, a Republican, was elected Missouri governor in 1972. He would lose a re-election bid four years later to Democrat Joseph Teasdale, but he ran again in 1980 and defeated Teasdale to return to the governor’s mansion.
After serving two terms as Missouri governor, Bond focused his attention on running for U.S. Senate, a race he would win in 1992. He won re-election in 1998 and 2004 before retiring ahead of the 2010 election cycle.
US Sen. Josh Hawley (R - Missouri) took to social media Tuesday afternoon to reflect on the contributions of Bond.
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
US Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D - Kansas City) worked with Bond during his time as governor and as a senator. Cleaver remembered Bond Tuesday as "a superb statesman, an exemplary public servant and a dear friend."
"With time, our professional relationship grew into a profound friendship that I will cherish forever," Cleaver said. "It is with deep sadness that I say farewell to a true friend, and I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Bond family as they grieve this colossal loss."
"May every Missourian take a moment to give thanks to this Missouri hero, and may his memory be a blessing to all," Cleaver concluded.
U.S Rep. Mark Alford (R - Cass County) also took time to remember Bond on Tuesday.
"Having served for more than 40 years, including as Missouri's youngest ever Governor and later as United States Senator, Kit's impact can be felt all over Missouri and across America," Alford said. "Through various roles, Senator Bond prioritized improving care for our nation's veterans, providing support for a strong and well-equipped U.S. military, and delivering for the residents of his beloved Missouri."
In his second successful campaign for senate, Bond defeated Democratic challenger Jay Nixon.
Nixon expressed his condolences Tuesday afternoon.
"Missouri lost a leader for the ages, smart, tough and fun," Nixon said. "Kit's counsel and help to me personally as Governor was deeply appreciated."
Matt Blunt, who served as a Republican governor of Missouri for four years between 2005 and 2009, spoke fondly of Bond's influence during his time as governor.
"Kit Bond devoted his life to public service, and his passing is a profound loss for Missouri and for all who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him," Blunt said. "Personally, I always benefited from his advice and friendship."
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