JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Former state Sen. Carl Vogel passed away at the age of 61 Thursday night at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Vogel served in the Senate from 2003 to 2011, when his term limit expired. Vogel also served as a state representative for Jefferson City from 1991 to 2000.
Vogel was a mainstay of Jefferson City. He owned the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in the town, was commissioner of the Jefferson City Housing Authority and was a member of many civil groups, including the Knights of Columbus.
His passing prompted memories from state officials who worked with him, including a statement from Gov. Jay Nixon.
“Carl Vogel was a proud lifelong resident of Jefferson City who represented Cole County in the House for 12 years and then the people of central Missouri in the Senate for eight years. As a legislator, Carl was dedicated to serving his constituents, particularly on fiscal responsibility, on children’s issues and on maintaining our historic Capitol.
“The First Lady and I send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Kimberly, their two children, and all his loved ones, and join all Missourians in celebrating his life and accomplishments.”
Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe replaced Vogel in the Senate and was a close friend of his. He also offered a statement of his own on Vogel’s passing.
“Claudia and I were saddened to learn of Carl Vogel’s death last night,” Kehoe said. “We have been, and will continue, praying for Kim, Jake, Kristen and their whole family. Carl and his family are part of the fabric of Jefferson City and Central Missouri, and Carl’s kindness and generosity were matched only by his success in business.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in the same senate seat that Carl held for eight years, but much more than that, I am blessed to have known Carl Vogel as a friend. I am thankful for the legacy he leaves behind and for the impact he has had on my life. I will miss Carl greatly.”
The prognosis for Vogel was grim at the outset. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous of its kind, and it had progressed to stage three by the time Vogel was diagnosed in March of last year. The five-year survival rate for stage three pancreatic cancer is about three percent.
Vogel died surrounded by his family.
