A long-time minister, retired Odin Assistant Fire Chief, and former Deputy Coroner has announced he will be a Republican candidate for Marion County Coroner next year.
Claude Howell confirmed his candidacy during an appearance last week before the Marion County Republican Central Committee.
“Spent quite a bit of time thinking about the opportunity. I worked with the Coroners Office a few years back and actually have some qualifications through St Louis University. I have the Advanced Death Investigation certification and also the Criminal Justice on forensic anthropology so I have that plus I have worked in the field. I spent a lot of time working on a lot of cases and do have that experience.”
Howell says the timing perfect is perfect for him.
“Felt like there was still I had something to offer to the office of the county. I am actually going to be retiring after this year. I’ll still be working in ministry but my day job I’ll be retiring so I’ll be able to give everything I have to the office if I’m elected.”
Howell says he’ll remain as a volunteer pastor at New Life Church in Salem, which he feels goes hand in hand with Coroner’s duties. He served as a volunteer Odin Firefighter for over 30 years and retired in 2014 as Assistant Fire Chief.
In 2005, he was one of five firefighters from Marion County that responded in the first round to aid efforts of Hurricane Katrina in Kenner, Louisiana. Howell says he has personally worked with every funeral home in the county and has a good relationship with each one.
If elected, Howell said he would attend Marion County Board meetings and work side by side with board members to lead the Coroner’s office in a more effective role. He also promises to work alongside the Marion County Sheriff, his deputies, and all other law enforcement and to stay within budget. Howell also promises to show the upmost respect to the grieving families and bring the highest level of integrity to the coroner’s office.
