Christopher “Kit” Bond, a Republican who was Missouri's youngest governor before serving four terms in the U.S. Senate, was remembered Tuesday as a beloved statesman who helped train a generation of leaders.

During a public ceremony in Jefferson City, the former U.S. senator and governor was honored for his accomplishments and for not seeing political parties as a barrier for progress.

Current and former colleagues praised Bond for energy, dedication to job as auditor, governor and U.S. Senator.