State Rep. Kenneth Brian "Ken" Waller, 63, of Herculaneum died Aug. 24, 2025, at his home. Mr. Waller was the Missouri state representative for the 114th District for the past three years and had announced plans to run for the Missouri District 22 Senate seat in 2026. He was a graduate of Jefferson College and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he received a bachelor's degree in public administration. After college, he worked for Jefferson County Economic Development and then as an office manager for the Bob Tipton State Farm agency. After that he worked for 10 years as a Shelter Insurance agent.
He was elected and served as Jefferson County treasurer from 2005 to 2008 and went on to work for Vicki James at Sunnyhill. Then, he was elected and served as the county's first elected county executive from 2011 to 2018. He later served as the County Clerk from 2019 to 2022. Mr. Waller achieved his dream of holding a state office in January 2023, when he was elected to his current role, Missouri state representative.
He served on several boards or was a member of or involved with several organizations, including the Missouri Association of Counties, the Missouri Clerks Association, the Missouri Treasurers Association, the Jefferson-Franklin Community Action Corp., the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, the Comtrea Mental Health Fund Board, the EDC of Jefferson County and the YMCA of Jefferson County. He was awarded the 110 Percent Award by KTJJ and was nominated as the Boy Scouts of America’s Man of the Year.
He enjoyed bowling and had multiple 300 games; playing and coaching sports; fishing; making people laugh, whether it be with his jokes or crazy suits; and, most importantly, spending time with his family. Since the age of 12, he strived to stay faithful to his Christian values and church attendance. He was an active member of Gracelife Chapel Jeffco in Pevely.
He will be remembered for bringing warmth, joy, and light to those who knew him, as well as for his strong faith and integrity. He served others with passion, a smile and a helping hand or a kind word. He will be remembered for his laughter, kindness and compassion. Born Oct. 26, 1961, in Festus, he was the son of Barbara Jean (Tripp) Douglas-Phillips of Festus and the late Ronald Eugene Waller.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of more than 35 years: Trina Christine (Lotz) Waller of Herculaneum; two sons: Tyler Waller and Trevor Waller, both of Herculaneum; a daughter: Kayla (Derek) Byers of Charleston, S.C.; a brother: William "Keith" Douglas of Cape Girardeau; a granddaughter: Shaelynn Elizabeth Byers; a grandson on the way; and many other family members and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 3-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Gracelife Chapel Jeffco, 1 Victory Drive, in Pevely. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the chapel, officiated by Pastor Dan Lord. A graveside service will follow in Peaceful Ridge Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the Roll In My Pocket-The Kenny Waller Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel in Festus.