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

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

Over the course of 52 years in the lodging industry, Hammonsdeveloped 210 hotel properties in 40 states. He foundedJohn Q. Hammons Hotels in 1969, building it intoreportedly the largest private, independent owner and manager ofupscale hotels in the US, and was among the pioneers ofsignature-style, full-service hotels featuring atrium lobbies,expansive meeting and convention space, large guest rooms andpodium check-in stations.