Caudle challenging Branam for Scott County coroner GOP nomination

BENTON — Several local races in Scott County are contested in the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 6 Primary Election. Among those is the race for coroner.

On the Republican ballot, voters will choose between incumbent Scott Branam and challenger John Cody Caudle. There are no Democratic candidates.

To help voters get to know the candidates, the Standard Democrat has compiled information in a question-and-answer format with them. The following responses by Branam and Caudle are in their entirety.

Background

Branam: I have lived in Scott County for 22 years and am the son of Joyce Brown Branam and the late Odell Branam of Dogwood. I am a graduate of East Prairie High School and Mid America College of Mortuary Science and a licensed funeral director and embalmer. My career choice in death care was influenced by personal loss followed by supportive mentors employed in the industry. I feel it’s a true calling to have the desire and ability to help people facing loss and not just a career. I am a member of the Missouri Coroners’ and Medical Examiners’ Association; National Funeral Directors Association; and Southeast Missouri Funeral Directors Association.

Caudle: I am a lifelong resident of Scott County. I live in Oran with my wife, Paige Rampley-Caudle, and our two children. I am a member of the Oran Knights of Columbus, Sikeston Elks, Lions Club of Sikeston, board member of Oran Housing Authority, and member of Oran Fire Department. I worked for Sikeston Department of Public Safety from 2008 to 2019 and two years for Scott County Sheriff’s Office. In 2019, I started working for Ponder and Shelby Funeral Homes and was able to continue serving the public, purchasing both funeral homes in 2020.

What do you think the biggest issue the coroner is likely to face during your term if elected?

Branam: The biggest issue facing the coroner is an increase in deaths due to unnatural causes. Scott County has seen the number of deaths due to crime, drugs and suicide continue to climb upward. The impact on the coroner is the increased time involvement for the investigation and paperwork required for each death. Also, these cases have a direct economic impact to our county because they often involve autopsies, toxicology and other needed tests to determine contributing factors to the cause of death.

Caudle: I think one of the biggest issues the coroner faces during their term is when families are needing answers when a loved one has passed. The relationships I have built over the years with law enforcement, EMS and medical professionals in Scott County can resolve these issues. Also, with my training, knowledge, investigative skills and compassion, I will be able to answer their questions with confidence and accuracy.

If elected, what are your goals?

Branam: If elected, my goals would be to continue the successful fulfillment of this position’s obligations and responsibilities and to continue to always serve with fairness, integrity, compassion and professionalism.

Caudle: I believe that cooperating and working together with all emergency services within the county, including the coroner’s office, is of utmost importance. I believe a timely response when the coroner is needed is important to families and first responders. Continuous communication with families and law enforcement during an investigation is very important to me. I think that families should be well informed and involved. These are my goals I would make happen.

Why should the voters pick you (experience or other)?

Branam: I have long had a heart for those facing the difficulty of death, and serving as your coroner for the past three years has been a great privilege. The position of coroner requires the highest standard of compassion, professionalism and integrity. My commitment is to continue serving you with these standards. My experience includes over 20 years assisting coroner’s offices in Jefferson County, Kentucky; Butler County, Missouri; and Mississippi County, Missouri, and the past three years as the Scott County coroner. I have been involved in the funeral profession as a licensed director and embalmer. I feel may experience as a licensed embalmer gives me appropriate knowledge of the human body and furthers my ability to act and determine a cause of death. In each of the past three years, the Scott County Coroner’s office has processed over 120 hospice, nursing home and emergency room death notifications, and 70 or more responses to medically unattended home deaths, wrecks, suicides and homicides. During my tenure as your coroner, I have completed 60 hours of continuing education regarding the operation of my office provided by the Missouri Coroners and Medical Examiners Association. This education and my accumulated years of experience in handling deaths and working with families at the most difficult of times, is a solid foundation to provide for the residents of Scott County and to continue serving as your coroner. I humbly ask for your vote and support on Aug. 6.

Caudle: My investigative skills, medical understanding, communication skills, diligence, honesty and compassion gained from my experience in law enforcement, fire, EMS and the funeral service uniquely qualify me for the role of coroner. Being knowledgeable and able to answer questions that families have about their loved one’s passing helps to give families closure. As a business owner, I know that cooperation is a team effort, and I will strive to build the coroner’s office by supporting all funeral homes and emergency services in Scott County. I am a lifetime resident of Scott County and my family roots run deep. My family has farmed, owned businesses and served the citizens of this county for over 100 years. I feel that this gives me a unique and deep understanding of the citizens and families of our county. I currently reside in Oran which is centrally located in Scott County. This would allow a quick and timely response when the coroner is needed throughout the entire county.