JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Members of the legislature, Gov. Jay Nixon, staff members and lobbyists gathered on the floor of the Missouri House on Thursday afternoon to mourn the death of state Auditor Tom Schweich.
Nixon, in a statement, said he ordered the state’s flag to half staff to note Schweich’s passing.
“I join all Missourians in mourning the passing of State Auditor Tom Schweich, a brilliant, devoted and accomplished public servant who dedicated his career to making Missouri and the world a better place,” Nixon said. “From his courageous work to combat the illegal drug trade abroad in Afghanistan to his tireless efforts to protect the interests of taxpayers here in Missouri, Tom Schweich’s exceptional intellect and unwavering dedication to public service left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. The First Lady and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Tom’s wife Kathy and two children, Emilie and Thomas, Jr.”
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt:
“Tom was very smart, very capable, outstanding at his job, and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy, their children, and the rest of Tom’s friends and family as they deal with this tragic loss.”
Missouri Republican Party Chairman John Hancock:
“I am in utter shock at the news of Tom Schweich’s tragic passing. Tom will be remembered as a tenacious, energetic, effective elected official who worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of this state and this nation. I ask all Missourians to join me in praying for Tom’s family.”
Speaker of the House John Diehl:
“It was with immense sadness that I learned of the tragic passing of my good friend and fellow public servant, Tom Schweich. This is a devastating loss for our state as we have now lost a leader and a man of the highest integrity, character and dedication. I ask now that all Missourians pray for the Schweich family as they cope with this tragic loss.”
Missouri Senate Leaders Tom Dempsey, Ron Richard, and Democratic Leader Joe Keaveny:
“We would like to offer our prayers and sympathy to the family of Auditor Tom Schweich. Tom’s experience as a talented federal prosecutor, diplomat and Ambassador made him become a brilliant auditor. In his service to the state of Missouri, he led hundreds of audits, making it his mission to fight corruption and bring transparency to many offices across the state. Our heartfelt prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder:
“It is with great sadness that I heard today of the tragic passing of Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich. Tom had a long and unblemished record as a great public servant. As the state’s auditor for the past four years he has served Missouri taxpayers with quiet competence and unswerving dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this extremely difficult time.”
Attorney General Chris Koster:
“Tom Schweich was a lifelong public servant for our state and country. I am deeply saddened by his sudden loss, and extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family. I ask all Missourians to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”