BUILDING A LEGACY: COMMISSIONER MAX STOVALL RETIRING FROM LOCAL POLITICS

Max Stovall is a man who appreciates the magic of mighty buildings rising from the dust of vacant lots.

The 2nd District commissioner spent most of his life running his construction business, erecting showplaces throughout Cape Girardeau County. But four years ago, he turned his attention to the bricks and mortar of county government. Stovall oversaw the county's buildings and grounds, a major operation involving seven buildings in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson, Mo., including two courthouses.

As a county commissioner, he oversaw construction of a new jail and an archives center in Jackson, Mo., as well as planning for a new juvenile center in Cape Girardeau. He also focused on improving the county's existing buildings and grounds, particularly the parks.

Stovall, 76, points with pride to the planting of new trees and the construction of walking trails.

A Democrat, he will finish his one term as commissioner today. The affable Stovall says he's done running for political office. The quiet-spoken county commissioner is ready for political retirement, having closed up his construction ventures several years ago.

He and his wife, Evelyn, are looking forward to a vacation in Florida. They plan to travel in their recreational vehicle. Stovall said he will have more time to play golf with his buddies.

Cape Girardeau County's 2nd District covers most of the city of Cape Girardeau, but like the other two county commissioners, Stovall's duties extended over the entire county.

He lost to Republican Joe Gambill of Cape Girardeau in the November election. It marked the second time Gambill had defeated him in the past six years and the third time the two men had battled each other for the county commission seat.

Gambill won by 39 votes in 1994 when the term was for two years. Stovall turned the tables in 1996, capturing the seat and a four-year term by less than 500 votes.

In November, Gambill, a 73-year-old former BioKyowa plant manager, won by over 700 votes.

Gambill said he's ready for his second term as commissioner. "I have to do a little homework," he said. Still, Gambill expects the job will be a familiar one.

Stovall says he wishes the best for Gambill.

Building Cape Girardeau

Stovall grew up in Cape Girardeau. He served over two years in the Army during World War II, serving in four major campaigns under General George Patton. He spent the bitterly cold winter of 1944-1945 on the front lines in Europe, a 20-year-old trying to dodge bullets and frostbite.

After the war, he returned to Cape Girardeau. Over the years, he owned two block and brick companies, an excavating and construction company and a real estate development firm.

As a contractor, he built a number of houses and apartment buildings in Cape Girardeau.

He served in a number of civic groups over the years, and has been on the board of directors of Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Decked out in one of his trademark driving hats, Stovall has a warm smile and friendly words for those he meets.

First District Commissioner Larry Bock said Stovall is genuinely nice. "He is just an outstanding, friendly person," said Bock. "He never had a bad word to say about anyone."

Tom Neumeyer, who has worked with Stovall in the local Democratic Party, said the retiring commissioner isn't one for orations.

"He is the kind of person who gets things done without all the bluster," Neumeyer said.

Besides his one term as county commissioner, Stovall served in elective office from 1956 to 1960 when he was commissioner of public works for the city of Cape Girardeau.

At that time, public works operated out of the old fire station at Independence and Frederick. Under his supervision, the city purchased new equipment, including Cape Girardeau's first mechanical street sweeper.

The machine replaced the traditional, rolling trash barrels and broom-armed men who swept up on Good Hope, Main and Broadway.

Cape Girardeau had numerous gravel streets in those days. Stovall worked to get the streets paved and sewers installed, often going door-to-door to get residents to sign the petitions needed to proceed with the projects.

Stovall ran for county commissioner in 1988, but lost to E.C. Younghouse. Still, his desire to serve as a commissioner never wavered.

"I've really enjoyed it," Stovall said. "I think I did a good job."