Leaders from across the state remembered D. Kent King, Missouri’s education commissioner, today:

“I just never saw him down; he was always cheerful. He never retreated from anything. He fought this illness for such a long time, very courageously.” - Jean Carnahan, the former U.S. senator and widow of the late Governor Mel Carnahan

“Kent was a great leader, tremendously respected among school superintendents and administrators across the state.” - Roger Kurtz, executive director of the Missouri Association of School Administrators

“Dr. King was a dedicated public servant who committed his life and career to education, and always put the needs of students first.” - Gov. Matt Blunt

“He was a great educator, great person to work with. He had a great sense of humor, quick wit, and always put kids first. I would say he was about as fair of a man as you could work with.” - Jerry Giger, superintendent of the public schools in Rolla, who worked with King for 23 years

“Some people I think made the mistake that Kent was kind of laid-back, and I think he gave that impression sometimes. You never wanted to underestimate Kent, in spite of that laid-back appearance. He was always very much on top of issues and very much able to analyze what situations were, and to size people up very quickly.” - Chris Wright, superintendent of Hazelwood schools, who said she looked up to King as a mentor