Missouri education commissioner dies of brain cancer
Missouri Education Commissioner Kent King died today after a two-year battle with brain cancer.
Earlier this week, King issued a statement to school districts that he would no longer undergo chemotherapy and other treatments to fight the cancer. He instead was spending time at home with his family in Rolla, Mo.
During the opening day of the Missouri General Assembly, House members paused for a moment of silence to remember King after his death was announced.
Newly elected House speaker Ron Richard called King's death "surprising," and said that King had been a good friend.
Gov. Matt Blunt issued a statement today on King’s death stating that he and his wife, Melanie, were “deeply saddened” by his passing.
“Dr. King was a dedicated public servant who committed his life and career to education, and always put the needs of students first,” Blunt said in the release. “He was a valued member of my Cabinet who shared my belief that education should be the highest priority of state government. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. King’s family especially his wife Sandy, and his children and grandchildren."
Gov.-elect Jay Nixon also issued a release to express his condolences.
“Dr. King was a true public servant, dedicated to the ideals of public education and to the welfare of students,” Nixon said in the release. “That dedication did not waver for more than 40 years, from the time he was a teacher, principal and superintendent through his tenure for the past eight years as Commissioner of Education.”
Nixon also said in the release that his father-in-law, Hubert Wheeler, was the first education commissioner in the state, and that he and his Georganne have “always felt a special kinship” with King because of that connection.
Deputy Commissioner Bert Schulte had been acting education commissioner during King's illness and will likely continue in that capacity.