Hotelier John Q. Hammons Dies at 94

SPRINGFIELD, MO-Iconic hotel developer John Q. Hammons has died at age 94, it was announced by the company bearing his name. Hammons remained active in business until retiring in 2010 at age 91 to Elfindale Manor here, where he died this past Sunday.

Following his service in the military during World War II, Hammons saw returning GIs' need for housing in which to raise families, and began his real estate career developing single-family homes in Springfield. He moved into the hospitality sector in 1958, joining with Roy E. Winegardner to purchase 10 Holiday Inn franchises from founder Kemmons Wilson.

Over the course of 52 years in the lodging industry, Hammons developed 210 hotel properties in 40 states.  He founded John Q. Hammons Hotels in 1969, building it into reportedly the largest private, independent owner and manager of upscale hotels in the US, and was among the pioneers of signature-style, full-service hotels featuring atrium lobbies, expansive meeting and convention space, large guest rooms and podium check-in stations.

A noted philanthropist along with his wife Juanita, Hammons donated hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of five decades to the city of Springfield and other organizations. Among other endeavors, Hammons funded the Hammons Heart Institute and Hammons Life Line helicopter for St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield; and the Hammons Student Center, Hammons Fountains, and Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at Missouri State University.

“Hammons was a giant in the hospitality industry and was unwavering in his commitment to exceptional quality and service and to giving back to the community,” Jacqueline Dowdy, CEO of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, says in a statement. “He was a great mentor and friend and will be missed by all who came to know him, but his legacy will live on forever.”