Missouri State Representative Ken Waller, a Republican leader in Jefferson County, died at age 63 over the weekend. According to STLtoday, Governor Mike Kehoe confirmed his death, though the cause was not disclosed.
Waller was elected to the Missouri House in November 2022 and won re-election in 2024. His political career began at the county level, serving as treasurer before becoming the first County Executive of Jefferson County in 2010 and later county clerk in 2018, FOX2Now reported.
He played a key role in Jefferson County’s shift to Republican leadership. During his time as county executive, the county transitioned to a charter form of government, as noted by St. Louis Public Radio. His only electoral defeat came in 2008 when he lost a treasurer re-election bid.
In a 2023 Politically Speaking interview, Waller spoke about the challenges of political decision-making, pointing to differences between suburban and rural perspectives in the county.
Tributes were shared by local officials and community members. Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon said Waller would be missed. He is survived by his wife, three children, and one grandchild.
