CARNAHAN CHOSES HERBERT MILLER PERRY CORONER

PERRYVILLE -- Gov. Mel Carnahan has appointed Herbert E. Miller to fill a vacancy in the Perry County coroner's office.

Miller and his wife, Kathleen, have owned the Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville the past five years.

The office of coroner became vacant when Patrick Naeger began his duties in the Missouri House of Representatives. Naeger, who was in the middle of his second, four-year term, won the 155th District seat Nov. 8.

"It is an honor to be picked by the governor for this position," Miller said Tuesday. "I just hope we can serve the people of Perryville and Perry County with an office they can be proud of."

Miller hopes to be sworn in today by County Clerk Randy Taylor.

As coroner, Miller said people he comes into contact with will be facing difficult times.

"We want to show them the compassion they deserve," Miller said.

After Naeger was elected state representative, Miller sent a letter to Carnahan requesting the appointment. The Perry County Democratic Central Committee didn't recommend any one to the governor.

In announcing the appointment Tuesday, Carnahan said, "Herb is a well-respected member of the community. I'm confident he will be a fine county coroner for Perry County."

Miller, 46, served nine years as deputy coroner in Butler County and five years as deputy coroner in Baxter County in Arkansas.

For those positions, Miller said he received law enforcement training and has also received other training related to the duties of coroner.

In 1996, Miller said he intends to run for a full term. His wife is president of the Democratic women's club in Perry County and has been more actively politically than he has.

"She's my campaign manager," he said.

He has been a licensed embalmer since 1971 and is originally from Farmington.