4 controversial new appointees pulled from funeral board

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH
Associated Press

The appointments of four new members to a state board that oversees funeral homes are being withdrawn amid an inspection controversy that has prompted one concerned lawmaker to introduce legislation that would shift some duties away from the board. Gov. Mike Parson appointed the new members to the board in September amid complaints that the previous members had beefed up inspections too much after one crematory was found in such disrepair that body fluids were leaking onto the floor. But Republican Senate President Pro Dave Schatz said Wednesday senators determined that a couple of the appointees didn’t appear to meet the qualifications to serve on the board. He said Parson’s office then decided to withdraw all four of the appointees.