McCaskill memorializes mother in rousing ceremony

ST. LOUIS -- Two days before election day, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill bid farewell to a mother who was "the sun, the moon and the stars."

In an upbeat, even joyous tribute featuring a Baptist choir and four-piece band, the senator said her mother loved Missouri and "Missouri loved her back."

In attendance: Gov. Jay Nixon, Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, former Sen. Jean Carnahan, former Congressman Richard Gephardt and other statewide officials.

The service began with a rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" and ended with rousing versions of "O Happy Day" and "Happy Days are Here Again."

McCaskill described her mother, who died Monday at 84, as the sun, "big and bright...warmth and light" who drew people in naturally.

"We all know the sun is shining even when we can't see it," the senator said.


Read more here: http://midwestdemocracy.com/articles/mccaskill-memorializes-mother-rousing-ceremony/#storylink=cpy