Remembering Peter Statler

Pete was a friend, colleague and Associate Circuit Judge in the 32nd Judicial Circuit. From 1978 to his passing to the Almighty he was a fine, excellent example of an honest, practical lawyer and Judge. He took on a variety of cases, mostly civil, probate, juvenile, adult abuse protection, family law and criminal type cases. He traveled to Perry, Bollinger and Cape Girardeau Counties. He was the commissioner of the Drug Court. He and I lobbied for a VA Court as well, though we were unsuccessful in that endeavor. Both he and I were veterans. He served as a draftee in Vietnam, and I went on to serve 32 years, initially as enlisted and there after as a Navy Officer, ending my career as a General Court-Martial Judge; meanwhile I practiced law here in Cape.

Pete Statler was also in the Navy. Pete was one of the finest and fair men I have ever known. I will miss him a lot.

CAPT. Kenneth C. McManaman, JAGC, USN (Ret'd), Cape Girardeau