SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - Friends and family of former U.S. Rep. Mel Hancock say he was a fierce and stubborn conservative who also had a soft and gentle side.
Hancock, who died Sunday at the age of 82, was buried Thursday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield with full military honors. He served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged from active duty as a first lieutenant.
Hancock was a Republican congressman from Missouri's 7th district for four terms. But he is best known for the Hancock Amendment, which limits Missouri government spending and taxes.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that hundreds of people attended the service, including several southwest Missouri lawmakers. U.S. Rep. Billy Long, the current 7th District representative from Springfield, called Hancock was his mentor.
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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com