Ripley County Recorder of Deeds

04/12/2026

04/06/2026

in 1919, Governor Frederick Gardner signed Senate Bill 1 of the 50th Missouri General Assembly, which granted women in Missouri the right to vote in presidential elections.

Previous efforts to secure voting rights for Missouri women, through petitions from the public and bills by the General Assembly, had been unsuccessful. In January 1919, Governor Gardner made women’s suffrage an important part of his speech to the House and Senate. These efforts ultimately led to Senate Bill 1, which was a productive yet incomplete step in women’s suffrage in the state. Voting rights beyond presidential contests would come to Missouri women through the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Three months after the passage of Senate Bill 1, Missouri became the 11th state to ratify the 19th Amendment. Before amendments to the US Constitution can take effect, they must be ratified in ¾ of the state legislatures. It took another year for the amendment to be ratified by 36 of the 48 states, and the 19th Amendment went into effect on August 18, 1920.

04/02/2026

Wishing you a joyous and blessed Easter weekend from Gayla and myself here in the Ripley County Recorder's office. Our office will be closed Friday April 3rd, 2026.

03/18/2026

Some facts and figures made available since I took office in my first term.

03/01/2026

Did you know there was no prior protection for land owners in Ripley against property theft? I prioritized implementing a solution to this problem within my first year, ensuring it comes at no cost to property owners. For more information, please visit WWW.RCMORECORDER.COM, click the FRAUD ALERT tab, and follow the prompts. Our office is also available by phone or in person for your convenience.

RECORDER OF DEEDS: DONNIE JOHNSON JR. DEPUTY RECORDER: GAYLA GUNTER OFFICE HOURS: 8:00AM – 4:00PM ALL STATE HOLIDAYS ARE OBSERVED

02/27/2026

A Recorder of Deeds in Missouri is a county official responsible for maintaining, preserving, and providing public access to land records, such as deeds, mortgages, and surveys. They also issue marriage licenses, record military discharges, and file state/federal tax liens. This office is essential for tracking property ownership and public records. ®
Key responsibilities include:
• Real Estate Records: Recording deeds, deeds of trust, subdivision plats, surveys, easements, and liens.
• Marriage Licenses: Issuing marriage licenses and filing marriage certificates.
• Public Access: Providing public access to search, view, and purchase copies of recorded documents, often including online access.
• Archiving: Preserving property and other official records.

02/26/2026

Our office has made considerable progress over the past three years. I am committed to keeping the public informed about our achievements and future objectives. Below, you will find our contact information. One of my first actions upon entering office was to launch a website, facilitating easier access for the residents of Ripley County and those beyond.

02/25/2026

As I embark on my campaign for a second term as your Ripley County Recorder of Deeds, I am filled with gratitude for the support and trust you have placed in me over the past few years. With your continued support, I am eager to further modernize our office and enhance the services we provide to the residents of Ripley County.

Advancements in Office Technology:
During my first term, one of my primary goals was to bring our office into the digital age. I am proud to say that we have successfully digitized over 400 books and 6 survey books, making it easier for you to access and retrieve important documents. This initiative has significantly streamlined the process of recording and accessing information, ensuring that our office is efficient and user-friendly. I have also introduced the acceptance of credit and debit card payments making transactions faster and more convenient. I have also implemented launching online marriage applications, giving couples the ability to complete their paperwork ahead of time to reduce their in-office wait.

Accessibility and Convenience:
I understand the importance of making our services accessible without the need for you to take time off from work. That's why we now offer e-recording, allowing you to record documents electronically from the comfort of your home or office. Additionally, we have implemented a property fraud protection service at no cost to our citizens, safeguarding the integrity of your property records.

Vision for the Future:
Looking ahead, I have many more ideas and plans to further improve our services over the next four years. With your backing, we can continue to innovate and make Ripley County a leader in public record management.

Personal Commitment:
Beyond my professional responsibilities, I am deeply committed to my family and values.
My wife, Kelsey, and I celebrate 13 wonderful years of marriage this year, and we are blessed with our son, Noah. Recently, we have expanded our family by fostering and in the process of adopting Shelby, a 12-year-old boy who has been with us for just over a year.
As a constitutional conservative, I hold dear the principles of our founding documents, and my faith in our Lord Jesus Christ guides me in all that I do. I am dedicated to serving our community with integrity and compassion.

Request for Your Support:
As we approach the upcoming election in August, I humbly ask for your vote and support. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in Ripley County. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve you. I'm grateful for your trust you have placed in me and I look forward to continuing this work with transparency, efficiency and dedication. Together, we can keep building an office that serves our community with accessibility and integrity it deserves.