Stephen Limbaugh honored with Good Scout Award

Receiving standing ovations before and after his remarks about the values instilled in youngsters by the Boy Scouts, former U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Sr. was presented Thursday night with the Good Scout Award.

About 140 people turned out to honor Limbaugh for his service to scouting at the second annual Dr. James A. Kinder Jr. Good Scout Award Dinner at the Plaza Conference Center by Ray's.

Hosted by the Boy Scouts of America Greater St. Louis Area Council, the evening's theme was "Don't Judge a Hero by the Size of His Cape," a reference to the Boy Scouts' neckerchief.

Limbaugh's long career as a lawyer, along with his U.S. Navy service during World War II and his long association with scouting, were reviewed.

Limbaugh joined the Boy Scouts as a youngster, and in 1941, earned the Eagle Scout rank.

In his remarks, Limbaugh talked about Dr. James A. Kinder, a pediatrician who often treated children for free. Kinder, his sons Frank, James III, Mark and Peter and grandsons Nick, James IV, Hunter and Will all were Eagle Scouts. Frank Kinder was honorary chairman for the dinner and Keith Holloway was the chairman.

Limbaugh, senior counsel at Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis, also praised the audience, most of whom were involved in scouting, for their service to young people.

During an interview after receiving the bronze statue of a scoutmaster wearing a hat with a walking stick in hand, Limbaugh said being with those gathered who work hard in scouting was an honor.

"I have all the greatest respect for these people. They spend their money, their time and their efforts to try to help give good values to these young people ... and it's a wonderful thing," Limbaugh said.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder said after the dinner he was asked to speak for the Kinder family in honoring the judge, who "has meant so much to every member of our family through the years."

Limbaugh was active in the leadership of Kinder's Troop 3 at Centenary United Methodist Church, which no longer exists.

"It just meant a whole lot to us," Kinder said.

There were five Limbaugh boys and four Kinder boys, all born in nine straight years without a sister among them, Kinder said.

"We all grew up like brothers in our generation. When we weren't at their house growing up, they were at our house. We all lived within about four blocks," Kinder said.

John M. Thompson, president of The Bank of Missouri, was master of ceremonies. He said the fundraising goal was $69,000, and $56,185 was raised.

In keeping with the hero theme, a video of three area Boy Scouts, including Colt Wahl, an Eagle Scout from Troop 250 in Perryville, Mo., was shown. Wahl was the Scout speaker for the event.

Wahl said even at a young age, Boy Scouts realize the organization is a "hero factory." Last fall, scouts across the St. Louis area collected more than 2 million items of food for regional food banks.

A video of scouts, including Wahl, was shown. Wahl was cited for getting his father, Danny, medical attention after he fell 20 feet from a hunting stand, shattering both ankles.

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