Community to honor former U.S. Sen. Jerry Litton on 50th Anniversary of his death

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (KQTV) -- Former U.S. Sen. Jerry Litton will be honored on the 50th anniversary of his death on Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center in Chillicothe.

Before running for U.S. Senator, Litton served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Missouri's 6th congressional district from 1973 until he died in 1976.

Litton won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate with 45% of the vote.

On the night of Tuesday, Aug. 3, 1976, Litton and his family were heading to Kansas City to celebrate his win. Shortly after takeoff from Chillicothe Municipal Airport, the plane crashed into a soybean field, killing the entire Litton family, along with family friend and pilot Paul Ruff Jr. and his son, Paul Ruff III.

Litton is remembered for his accomplishments as an innovative cattle producer, political leader, and advocate for farmers, rural development, and agricultural education.

The Aug. 2 celebration will include tours of the Chillicothe campus, a look at the Litton memorabilia collection, and a program featuring a video and remarks from special guests.

The event is open to the public, and guests are asked to RSVP online.