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,

Former Missouri governor and U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond died today at the age of 86. He was the youngest governor in Missouri’s history, taking office at 33.

Christopher S. “Kit” Bond has died. The long-time Republican politician died Tuesday in St. Louis at age 86 – no cause of death has been released yet. Bond was first elected State Auditor in 1970, then two years later he was elected governor of Missouri — at 33 the youngest governor in the state’s history.

"Kit Bond was a skilled statesman, public servant, and a man who truly loved Missouri," Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe wrote.

He helped create the modern state GOP as governor and U.S. senator, sharply defending Republican ideals with wit. | Opinion