Clay McMorris was appointed chief coroner-medical examinerMonday, replacing Morris Henderson who retired Sunday after morethan 22 years on the job.

McMorris, a deputy under Henderson since 1996, said theappointment “feels good,” and he thanked the board of supervisorsfor their consideration.

“I want to continue to serve the people of Lincoln County asMorris Henderson did,” McMorris said.

The vote to appoint McMorris was unanimous after District 5Supervisor Gary Walker’s motion to appoint Alton Walker died for alack of a second. Henderson complimented supervisors on theiraction.

“I think you all made a fine decision,” Henderson said.

Supervisors also approved Henderson as a deputy coroner.

Henderson addressed some rumors about his moving to UnionChurch. He said he will still have a home in Brookhaven and be intown when needed.

“I will be here when they tell me,” said Henderson, who will becompensated only when he goes on a call.

In addition to Henderson and Robert Tyler, a long-time deputywho is staying on, supervisors approved the addition of John Hartand Donna Davis as part-time deputy coroners. McMorris, a funeraldirector at Brookhaven Funeral Home, was contacting the two newdeputies, who also would be paid on a per-call basis, Monday aboutthe jobs.

McMorris and Henderson cited an increase the number of coronercalls. They estimated about 260 calls a year were handled.

“You’ve always got to have someone backing someone up,”Henderson said.

McMorris said all death calls will be handled through 911.

Lincoln County voters will elect a coroner to fill the remainderof Henderson’s term during the general election in November.McMorris said he will be a candidate.