With respect, reverence and reminisces, friends and colleagues honored the life of and bid a final farewell to John Q. Hammons on June 11.

Hammons, who died June 4 at the age of 94, was a mentor to many, a philanthropist who touched many lives and a developer that made Springfield a better place.

"It's the end of an era with the passing of John Q. Hammons, " said Dr. John Moore, former president of Drury University.

Moore said Hammons' far-sighted vision and leadership moved the community forward in "elegant ways."

That forward motion includes the hotels, office buildings and subdivisions Hammons built along with sporting facilities, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and many other projects that bear Hammons' name, including the JQH Arena on the Missouri State Campus where his memorial service took place.

Jerald Andrews, executive director of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, said Hammons' efforts touched many lives and will continue to do so for years to come.

Farewell, John Q. Hammons, and thank you for all you did.