Former St. Charles County Sheriff Tom Neer has died, according to an announcement Monday from the St. Charles County Police Department. Neer, a fixture in local law enforcement for decades, was a central figure in the county's shift to a modern county police model that changed how policing is structured in St. Charles County.
In a post on Facebook, the St. Charles County Police Department said it "is saddened by the passing of former sheriff Tom Neer" and extended condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. The department also shared details for the public to pay their respects.
According to the St. Charles County Police Department, public visitation is scheduled for April 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by a chapel service at 1:30 p.m. and burial at 2:30 p.m.
Funeral Plans at Baue Funeral Home Cave Springs
Services for Neer are set to take place at Baue Funeral Home - Cave Springs, which includes an on-site chapel and memorial grounds serving St. Charles County families. Location details and general information about the facility can be found through Baue Funeral Homes.
Neer’s Long Tenure and Role in Reshaping County Policing
Neer rose through the ranks of the St. Charles County sheriff's department over the course of his career and retired at the end of 2014. County records state that he helped guide the ballot amendment that created the St. Charles County Police Department, which took effect on January 1, 2015, according to St. Charles County Government.
At the time of the transition, Neer publicly argued that the new structure would put a premium on professional qualifications in top leadership. Local reporting from Patch recorded his comments that the change would help ensure leadership was chosen for "professional standards and qualifications."
No cause of death was listed in the department's announcement, and officials requested that condolences be directed to Neer's family, according to the department's post. Any further details or updates are expected to appear through the department's official channels and on the funeral home's pages.
