Flags are flying at half-staff Tuesday at government buildings in Barry County in honor of former state Sen. Emory Melton, who died on Dec. 26. He was 92.
Melton represented southwest Missouri for six terms in the state senate from 1973-1996. Funeral services were held Tuesday.
Melton also served as an attorney, newspaper publisher and historian.
In a statement, Gov. Nixon said of Melton, “He had a deep love and respect for the natural beauty of the Ozarks, and was a leader in preserving that beauty for future generations. I was honored to serve alongside him in the state Senate for six years, and to learn from him. My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the First Lady, are with his family and friends in mourning his passing.”