[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12646]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN N. LIMBAUGH, JR.

 Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Judge Stephen 
N. Limbaugh, Jr., of Cape Girardeau, MO, for his service and dedication 
to the State Historical Society of Missouri.
  Judge Limbaugh is completing his final term as president of the 
society after a distinguished tenure leading the board of trustees. He 
is the first leader in the society's 118-year history to serve two 
terms as president. It has been my pleasure to work with him as a 
member of the board of trustees.
  Judge Limbaugh's election as president of the State Historical 
Society of Missouri 6 years ago follows in the footsteps of his 
grandfather, Rush H. Limbaugh I, who served as vice president of the 
society during the 1940s.
  Judge Limbaugh has been a guiding force in expanding the society's 
network of research centers to Cape Girardeau and Springfield. In 
addition, he facilitated an agreement with the University of Missouri 
that gave the State Historical Society ``sole responsibility'' for the 
management of the Western Historical Manuscript Collection.
  Judge Limbaugh successfully launched the Center for Missouri Studies, 
an educational initiative to advance the study of Missouri's history 
and culture with competitive, interdisciplinary fellowships. He worked 
unwaveringly to ensure passage of a bill in the Missouri General 
Assembly to finance the construction of the Center in Columbia, MO, 
which was agreed to in 2015. The building project begins a new era for 
the State Historical Society of Missouri and greatly enhances the 
Society's mission to collect, preserve, publish, and showcase material 
that features all of Missouri's unique history.
  The leadership and dedication that Judge Limbaugh, Jr., demonstrates 
as president of the society is the same leadership and dedication he 
demonstrates in his personal and public life. He studied at Southern 
Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and went on to earn his master of 
laws in judicial process degree from the University of Virginia School 
of Law. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Cape Girardeau County in 
1978 at the age of 26, after beginning his legal career with the family 
firm of Limbaugh, Limbaugh, and Russell. After serving a 4-year term, 
he returned to private practice until 1987, when he was appointed 
circuit judge for the 32nd Judicial Circuit. Judge Limbaugh held this 
position until he was appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court in 1992.
  Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr., served for 16 years as a judge on the 
Supreme Court of Missouri, including a 2-year term as chief justice. He 
was recognized among his colleagues for his sound interpretation of the 
law and compassion for his fellow Missourians. In 2007, Limbaugh was 
nominated by President George W. Bush to the U.S. District Court for 
the Eastern District of Missouri. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate 
with unanimous consent on June 10, 2008.
  The judge's tireless dedication to public service has been recognized 
by the American College of Trial Lawyers, Legal Services of Eastern 
Missouri, the Adoption and Foster Care Coalition of Missouri, the 
National Eagle Scout Association, Professional Blackmen's Club of 
Southeast Missouri, and Rotary International.
  He is the author of numerous historical works, including ``The 
Antebellum History of Centenary Church of Cape Girardeau.''
  I am confident Judge Limbaugh will always continue to study 
Missouri's vibrant history and heritage and share his knowledge with 
individuals and groups across the great State.
  In October, Judge Limbaugh will be awarded the Missouri Historical 
Society's Distinguished Service Award and Medallion for his significant 
and lasting contributions to preserving Missouri's history and 
fostering recognition for Missouri's distinct role in our Nation's 
history.
  Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr., has played a major role in the 
success of the State Historical Society of Missouri. His legacy will 
continue to impact future generations through the programs and 
partnerships he helped put in place. I am grateful for his friendship, 
and I thank him for his service to the country, citizens of Missouri, 
and the State Historical Society of Missouri.

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