About the Office:
A County Medical Examiner (CME) is a physician licensed within the state of Iowa and appointed by their respective County Board of Supervisors to conduct investigations necessary to determine the cause and manner of death of individuals who die under violent, sudden, and unexpected circumstances (Iowa Code 331.802 (3)). CME Investigators are trained death investigators who assist the CME in performing these duties.
Once the cause and manner of death have been determined, the Medical Examiner signs the death certificate for those cases falling under their jurisdiction.
Immediate next-of-kin must have properly completed death certificates to claim insurance, receive government benefits, settle the decedent’s estate, and pursue any civil or criminal legal action.
Click here information for those who have questions in reference to the loss of a loved one and the role of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Personnel:
Mark Easter, DO – Chief Medical Examiner
Dr. Mark Easter, DO graduated from Graceland University and University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri in 1981. Dr. Easter joined Decatur Medical Services in 1987 and ultimately joined Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa in 2008. Dr. Easter serves as the Medical Director of Athletics at Graceland University.
Dr. Easter currently serves as the Chief Medical Examiner for Decatur County.
Larry Richard, MD – Deputy Medical Examiner
Dr. Larry Richard, MD graduated from the University of Iowa - College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa on May 17, 1975. He received his post graduate training at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Richard joined the Leon Clinic in July 1978 and ultimately joined the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa in 2008. Dr. Richard is Board Certified in Family Medicine and serves as an instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation, and Hunter Safety.
Dr. Richard currently serves as a Deputy Medical Examiner for Decatur County.
Nathan Allen, DO - Deputy Medical Examiner
Dr. Nathan Allen, DO graduated from Des Moines University with his Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Allen did his residency at Broadlawns Medical Center Family Practice. Member of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians and the American Association of Family Practitioners. He joined Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa in 2013 and provides services in the Leon and Lamoni clinics.
Dr. Allen currently serves as a Deputy Medical Examiner for Decatur County.