SPRINGFIELD ( 25News Now ) - Illinois bid farewell Saturday to its 38th governor, Jim Edgar, with a memorial service highlighting his wisdom, integrity, and civility.

Edgar died last weekend from pancreatic cancer. He was 79. A Republican, Edgar was governor from 1991 until 1999, and before that he was Secretary of State.

Family members and Illinois political leaders from both sides of the aisle filled Springfield’s Central Baptist Church to pay tribute to Edgar.

Politicians who delivered eulogies came from the Republican and Democratic side.

“Jim Edgar is the gold standard for public service, for honesty, and for integrity,” said Ray LaHood, former GOP congressman from the Peoria area and U.S. Transportation Secretary in the Obama Administration.

LaHood said Edgar may have been I

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