SPRINGFIELD ( 25News Now ) - Illinois residents were able to pay their respects to former Governor Jim Edgar as his body was laid in state on Friday.

Visitors were able to pay their respects and sign a memorial book at the state capitol building in Springfield. The Procession started at 3:30 p.m. and lasted until 7 p.m.

Edgar’s funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at Central Baptist Church in Springfield.

The Republican served as Illinois Governor from 1991 to 1999, when the GOP controlled the Illinois government. Before he was elected as governor, he served 10 years as Illinois Secretary of State from 1981 to 1991.

After he retired, Edgar founded the Edgar Fellows Program, where local officials can learn about leadership and governing skills. The program teaches ho

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