THAD BULLOCK, DEAD AT 82

Thaddeus J. Bullock, retired businessman, farmer, entertainer, politician and owner of the Hotel Marquette in downtown Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, May 8, 1999, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Bullock, a former piano store operator, was a fixture in in Cape Girardeau and a perennial candidate for Congress. He ran for the ninth time in 1998. He ran for the first time in 1968, and in every 8th District primary election since 1984.

In 1992, he won the Democratic primary in a field of six candidates, but lost to then-congressman Bill Emerson in the general election.

On the campaign trail, Bullock said he was different from other candidates because he was an entertainer, not only as a long-time member of the Toastmasters, but also as a lively piano and organ player. He often hauled an organ on a trailer during his campaign appearances.

Bullock also performed at various local restaurants, lounges and senior citizen centers.

He was a World War II veteran and had attended Southeast Missouri State University and Washington University in St. Louis.

He owned a piano store in Cape Girardeau 40 years, and purchased the Marquette Hotel in 1969.

He moved his piano store to the hotel lobby and operated the hotel about two years before it closed in 1971. A portion of the hotel remained open until the early 1990s, where Bullock operated his piano and music store until 1991. He also owned a farm in Dunklin County.

At the time of his death, Bullock had a contract to sell the hotel.

Located at Fountain and Broadway, the Marquette Hotel, was once considered one of the finest in the Midwest.

Since it closed because of safety concerns, a number of developers have announced various plans to restore the hotel.

Services for Thaddius J. Bullock are under the direction of Ford & Sons Funeral Home, and will be annouced later.