Gov. Exon to Lie in State in Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda
(Lincoln, NE) Nebraskans are invited to pay respects to former U.S. Senator and Governor Jim Exon on Tuesday, June 14 at the State Capitol in Lincoln. Public viewing hours will begin at noon and end at 8 p.m.
The casket is scheduled to arrive at the north entrance to the State Capitol at 11:30 a.m. and will be carried up the steps of the north grand entrance, into the vestibule and down the main foyer of the Capitol by honor guards from the Nebraska National Guard and State Patrol. The casket will be placed on a platform in the middle of the Rotunda.
The viewing will be open to the public and citizens are encouraged to enter the Capitol on the north side of the building, either through the grand entrance or on the ground level where the wheelchair-accessible entrance is located. The Rotunda can be accessed by stairs and elevators located on the ground floor. Mourners will file past Exon’s closed casket and have an opportunity to sign a guest book as they exit the Rotunda.
The casket will be carried out of the Capitol at the conclusion of the public viewing and return at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday for the 4 p.m. funeral service, which also will be held in the Capitol Rotunda. Chairs will be set up in the Rotunda and down the grand foyer for those wanting to attend the public service. Standing room also will be available in portions of the adjoining wings.
Live statewide coverage of the funeral will be provided by Nebraska Educational Telecommunications.
Accessible elevators are located on the ground floor of the Capitol inside the north door and to the west in Room 1009, and central tower elevators located near the information desk offer limited accessibility. Parking is available on the streets surrounding the Capitol and in the residential areas south of the Capitol. The nearest public parking garage is located at 12th and L Sts.
Gov. Exon is the first person in recent memory to lie in state in the Nebraska Capitol. In 1997, a memorial service for former State Senator Jerry Warner was held in the legislative chamber. His casket was brought into the chamber for the service, and a funeral was held later at a church.
