Mike Keathley has died
Mike Keathley, the state’s chief budget writer and head of Gov. Matt Blunt’s Office of Administration, has died after battling cancer, it was just announced on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives.
Although his name is not well-known, Keathley played a key role behind the scenes for Gov. Matt Blunt’s administration, according to my colleague Virginia Young. Keathley was part of the transition team that began mapping out Blunt’s financial strategy days after the 2004 election.
Keathley had been battling colon and lymphatic cancer.
A former corporate executive, Keathley consolidated half-empty state offices in St. Louis to save millions of dollars in rent. Although some of his moves were controversial, his style won fans, even among Democrats.
Political editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 
Mike was a quality individual, literally one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was a very bright, intelligent man that accomplished a lot on behalf of Missourians in state government. Mike will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and the tax payers of Missouri.
Mike Keathley was a gentleman, a leader, a visionary and a man of impressive talents. His many, many contributions to effective government in Missouri many never be fully realized. He was a leader in his community, in the region and in our state. Mike leaves us an incredibly legacy; he set the standard for excellence and honorable government service.
Couldn’t agree more with the previous statements. I worked with Mike on campaigns for Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, State Senator Rob Mayer and former State Senator Bill Foster before relocating to Tennesse. Mike was a class act. Mike believed in better, efficient government and in his position, he helped create that for the State of Missouri. Julie and his family are in our prayers during this difficult time.
It’s nice to read these wonderful comments about Mike who was truly one of the good guys in Jefferson City. I sincerely hope that these, not the usual vitriolic anti-Blunt comments that usually dominate this site are the ones that carry the day because our state has lost a tremendous public servant.
You will be dearly missed Mike and I’m glad I got the chance to know you!
I knew Mike Keathley from having attending Elementary and High School with him. We spent many hours debating politics. One of the finest Republicans I knew and one of the truly non partisian administrators from my understanding of his role in Missouri Government. I relocated to Indiana in the 80’s but we lost contact long before that. I remained in contact with his family and am saddened to hear of his loss. His professionalism in every way will be missed I am sure and we pray for his many friends and family during this time that solice will find them appreciative of the time they had with him and remembering of the many good memories spent in happier times.
1. As a home town boy from our small town of Bernie,Mo everyone is well know , and the Keathlety family has been a established family is this area. They owed and operated the IXL Handle factory in both Bernie and Dexter, Mo .
2.Mike even as a young man had a vision for politics ,through he worked for the family business in his teens, he was even then active in the young Repulican party.
3. His Parents, Bob and Yvonne are very active in our area .We as friends to the keathley Family wish to express to each Member at this time of their great loss , We shall remember you in our prayer.
Comments By
R.L and Shirley Duffie
Bernie Mo 63822
I wish to offer my condolences to the Keathley family for their loss. I know that our Lord will carry you through these difficult times. May the many memories you hold in your hearts be treasures for the remainder of your lives and at the end of our walk here on earth may we have that reunion in our home that the Lord has prepared for us.
With Kindest regards,
Terry W. Duffie, CFSP