Cape Girardeau federal courthouse dedication celebrates life of Rush Limbaugh Sr.

At the end of a ceremony that mixed personal remembrance of Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. and allusions to the difficulties of constructing the building named in his honor, family members and dignitaries cut the ribbon at Cape Girardeau's new federal courthouse.

The project is now officially complete nearly 15 years after the first federal appropriation of $3.8 million for design and land acquisition. The Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. Federal Courthouse, built at a final cost of more than $62 million, was opened for business in June. Monday's ceremony brought together family members — U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., grandson of the building's namesake gave the keynote speech — as well as federal, state and local officials who worked on the project.

"We had challenges, but the challenges were overcome," said Bradley Scott, regional administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, which oversaw the construction.

The building is a fitting tribute to Limbaugh, said his son, retired U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Sr. His expressed hope is that his father's devotion to the law will inspire the attorneys who practice there. "He lived it, he breathed it," Limbaugh Sr. said. "He loved it and it was his virtual life."

As he spoke of his grandfather, Stephen Limbaugh Jr. recalled his work ethic, which kept him at his desk six days a week almost to the end of his life in 1996 at age 104, and his example of respect for others and clients, regardless of their ability to pay.

"He taught a course in civility like he taught a course in work ethic," Limbaugh said.

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