Former Gov. Jay Nixon's face is now a permanent fixture in the Capitol.
Nixon, a Democrat, was among scores of people who packed into the state Senate Lounge late Thursday morning as his official portrait was first presented to the public.
Democratic and Republican leaders praised Nixon for the work he did while governor - from 2009-17. Republican Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard said Nixon's work with the General Assembly prevented the closure of a Kansas City-area Ford Motor Co. plant in 2010, when Richard was the speaker of the House.
Another Republican, the current House Speaker Todd Richardson, said whether they always agree or not, "Good people in public office make a difference."
Nixon said he never used the terms "Democrat or Republican" while he was governor.
"My rule and credo was simple," Nixon said: "Do what's fair and right and best for the people of our state."
Nixon's efforts had positive effects on parks, factories and schools, legislators said. Having been the state's attorney general from 1993-2009, he served in statewide elected office for about 24 years, House Minority Leader Gail McCann-Beatty said.
"(Nixon) served Missouri with integrity, honor and distinction," she said. "His longevity in state government is a testament to the unwavering trust Missouri citizens put in him."
Nixon and his wife, Georganne, traveled across the state meeting with and getting to know Missourians. That made him a better governor, Nixon said.
"During my time as governor, we agreed to improve the lives of people who would never know what we did," he said. "My role now is to help advise when asked and to support the folks who now hold the responsibilities I once had."