Elected Missouri county official dies days after election; governor to appoint replacement

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. - A recently-elected official in rural Missouri died just six days after winning a seat as a county commissioner. In response, Gov. Mike Parson is expected to appoint a replacement before the new year.

The Washington County (Missouri) Commissioner's Office confirmed to FOX 2 that Donnie Eye, who was elected for the District 2 County Commissioner seat in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, passed away less than a week after his victory. The DeClue Funeral Home in Potosi, Missouri has also posted an obituary in Eye's memory.

Eye ran for the District 2 seat unopposed and won with more than 4,200 votes, according to Washington County's unofficial election results.

A spokesperson for the Washington County Commissioner's Office says they have contacted the governor's office over the next steps in wake of Eye's death. According to the spokesperson, it's the county's understanding that Parson will handle the appointment process for the Washington County Commissioner District 2 seat.

According to Missouri State Statute 105.030, when a vacancy occurs in a "county office originally filled by election of the people," with the exception of some specific roles, the governor is tasked with appointing a replacement.

The appointment process typically involves applications, interviews and Senate confirmation.

Once appointed, according to Missouri statutes, the appointee is authorized and obligated to finish the remainder of the term. In the case of the Washington County Commissioner District 2, the appointee will serve a full four-year term as stipulated by state law.

In the next general election, November 2028, Washington County voters will have an opportunity to vote for either the appointed commissioner or a different candidate for the seat.

FOX 2 has reached out to Gov. Parson's Office for comment, but our request for comment has not yet been returned as of 4 p.m. Monday.