Rex KELLEY Named Acting Sheriff, 1986

KELLEY, LAYTON, BUCKINGHAM, KILLPACK, MARTIN, PECK

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 7/20/2016 at 04:08:11

The Leon Journal-Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Wednesday, June 25, 1986

Rex Kelley Named Acting Sheriff

Announcement was made this week by the Decatur County Board of Supervisors that Rex Kelley has been named acting sheriff for the county. The action was taken following the resignation of Sheriff Steve Layton, who indicated that he will be pursing other interests.

Kelley, a thirteen year veteran of the force, has held the post of Chief Deputy for over eight years. A long-time resident of Davis City, Kelley resides there with his wife Margaret Louise. The couple have four children.

Other changes were also made due to the resignation. Kelley announced that Dale Killpack, another veteran of the force, has been names as First Deputy, while Mike Martin will assume the role of Investigator. Martin will replace Ken Peck who has requested to be returned to night patrol.

The Leon Journal-Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Wednesday, July 09, 1986

Board Appoints Acting Sheriff

The Decatur County Board of Supervisors today announced the appointment of Chief Deputy Rex Kelley as Acting Sheriff effective July 1, 1986. The duration of this appointment will be until such time as a sheriff may by elected.

This appointment is in keeping with Chapter 331.651 of the 1985 Code of Iowa, which reads as follows:

"331.651 'Office of county Sheriff.'

"1. The office of sheriff is an elective office except that if a vacancy occurs in the office, the first deputy shall assume the office after qualifying as provided in this section and shall hold the office until a successor is appointed to the unexpired term as provided in chapter 69. If a sheriff is suspended from office, the district court may appoint a sheriff until a temporary appointment is made by the board as provided in section 66.19.

"2. A person elected or appointed to the office of sheriff shall qualify by taking the oath of office as provided in section 63.10 and give bond as provided in section 64.8.

"3. The term of office of sheriff is four years."

NOTE: Rex Kelley was acting sheriff until Fred Buckingham was sworn into office in 1986.

Submission by Decatur County Historical Museum, Sara Rose Joan LeFleur, June of 2016