OA Commissioner Loses Fight With Cancer

Office of Administration Commissioner Michael Keathley, 50, died Wednesday morning after a long battle with cancer.

“Melanie and I offer our deepest sympathy to Julie and Mike’s entire family at this very sad time," Gov. Matt Blunt said in a statement. “Mike Keathley was a fighter. He fought off his cancer for many months even when the doctors said it could not be done.

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman also offered her sympathies in a statement.

"As a State Senator, I worked with Mr. Keathley when he was the Senate Administrator, and I always knew him to be a very hard worker and kind man. He was a true public servant- always putting the interests of the citizens of Missouri first. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Keathley family during this very difficult time," Steelman said.

Gov. Blunt appointed Larry Schepker, who is currently the State Budget Director, as Commissioner of the Office of Administration.