Following the death Thursday of Texas County Clerk Don Troutman, chief deputy clerk Kris Neal has been named as his replacement on an interim basis.
Presiding Commissioner Fred Stenger said Neal was sworn in during a private ceremony Thursday night at the county administrative building in downtown Houston.
Gov. Jay Nixon is expected to appoint a permanent replacement within the next several months.
Troutman, who had been in declining health, was found dead in his Houston home Thursday after not reporting to work. Neal has been employed by Texas County for about 21 years. Troutman was first elected in 1978.
Services for Mr. Troutman are 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at First Baptist Church at Houston. Visitation is 9 a.m. until service time.