CAPE GIRARDEAU LAW FIRMS ANNOUNCE MERGER

Cape Girardeau law firms Limbaugh, Russell and Syler, P.C. and Limbaugh and Payne have announced the merger of their offices effective Nov. 1.

The new firm will be known as Limbaugh, Russell, Syler and Payne, P.C. Its office will be at Limbaugh, Russell and Syler's location on the second floor of the First National Bank building, 2027 Broadway.

Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. began practicing law in Cape Girardeau in 1916. His eldest son, the late Rush H. Limbaugh Jr., joined his father in the law practice in 1941, with the firm being known as Limbaugh and Limbaugh. Another son, Stephen N. Limbaugh, joined the firm in 1951. He is now a U.S. District Court judge in St. Louis.

Limbaugh and Payne was formed in July 1984 by Rush H. Limbaugh Jr., David S. Limbaugh and J. Michael Payne. Rush H. Limbaugh Jr. died Dec. 8, 1990.

Shareholders in the new firm will be Rush H. Limbaugh Sr., Joseph J. Russell, William L. Syler, David S. Limbaugh, J. Michael Payne, Diane C. Howard, R. Michael Howard and John W. Grimm. Associates with the firm will be Nancy L. Browne, Marcia A. Mulcahy and Curtis O. Poore.

The 11-member firm will be the largest law firm in Southeast Missouri, the attorneys say.

Larry H. Ferrell, currently a member of Limbaugh, Russell and Syler, previously announced that he would be leaving the firm to become assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. Ferrell's new position will begin Nov. 1.