Associated Press - October 24, 2009 11:26 PM ET

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Family, friends and admirers are mourning the death of former Wyoming governor and U.S. Sen. Clifford Hansen and reflecting on his personal and political achievements.

Memorial services for the 26th governor of Wyoming's statehood were held Saturday in the state Capitol rotunda and at the Cheyenne Civic Center. Hansen died Tuesday in Jackson at age 97.

A military Honor Guard escorted Hansen's casket into both ceremonies. Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, and former governors Jim Geringer and Mike Sullivan placed a wreath next to the casket at the Capitol service.

Saturday afternoon's service at the Civic Center included prayer, song and reflections.

Freudenthal remarked on the reach of Hansen's influence in a career that spanned generations.

Former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson remembered Hansen's kindness, integrity and "uncommon degree of common sense."

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