The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau staff extends our condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of John Q. Hammons who passed away Sunday at the age of 94.

Mr. Hammons, a developer, hotelier and philanthropist, is largely responsible for Springfield’s healthy travel and tourism industry, a legacy that will continue to benefit the local economy for years to come.

The properties Mr. Hammons and Hammons Hotels & Resorts own or have contributed to building are numerous and many draw visitors to the city.

They include five hotels; Hammons Field baseball stadium; JQH Arena, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and Hammons Student Center at Missouri State University; and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Hammons also built subdivisions, shopping centers, the iconic Hammons Tower that stands as the tallest building in Springfield, the John Q. Hammons Enterprise Center and many other projects that helped the local economy grow and provide employment for thousands of people.

Mr. Hammons, a recipient of the CVB’s Pinnacle Award in 2000, will be missed and will not soon be forgotten in Springfield.