Sneak peek

Ellis Dockray resigns as Circuit Clerk and Recorder

Clinton County will soon have a new circuit clerk.

Clinton County Circuit Clerk Ellis Dockray announced on Saturday, July 18, that he will be stepping down from the position – which also carries with it the position and title of Recorder of Deeds – on Thursday, July 30. 

Until then, Dockray will be on administrative leave. 43rd Judicial Circuit Judge Brent Elliott has appointed Angela Stone to serve as the interim clerk until Missouri Governor Mike Parson makes a permanent appointment to the office. 

​In announcing his resignation, Dockray said events both professionally and personally in the last six months led him to the decision, which wasn’t easy to make.

​“For the success of the office, I believe this was the wisest decision,” Dockray said in a Facebook video. “I trust every single one of the deputy clerks who has worked underneath me for the last year and a half. They will do a fantastic job. And the men who will make the decision of my replacement are good and confident and wise men. And they will make the best decision.”

Dockray said serving the public as circuit clerk has been one of the greatest honors of his life and he has considered the journey a blessing. 

​Dockray was elected the Clinton County Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Deeds in 2018 as a Republican, taking office in 2019. His term was set to run through 2020.