The founder of two Cape Girardeau companies has died.

Lon Maxey, who founded Atlas Plastics and General Sign Co., was 90.

During his 53-year involvement with General Sign Co., Maxey saw it grow from making small painted signs to illuminated signage, according to a Southeast Missourian file story. By the late 1980s the company had done work for Harley-Davidson, Dairy Queen, Pizza Inn, Sears and Payless Shoes. Other projects the company did work for included the Edward Jones Dome and Sheraton Hotel in St. Louis.

In the Cape Girardeau area the company's clientele included Cape West 14 Cine and West Park Mall.

Mary Ann Hennecke worked with Maxey at General Sign Co. for about 13 years. She recalled him as a fair person to work with. Maxey owned the company from 1939 to 1992.

"He was always very kind to the people he worked with and loved by so many," said Hennecke, who works in the payroll and invoice department at General Sign Co.

Born Sept. 8, 1918, in New Madrid County, Mo., Maxey married Ruby Rogers on Sept. 7, 1940. She died in 1977. Maxey later married Joyce Lape.

He leaves behind his spouse, two daughters, a sister and 13 grandchildren.

In addition to his work, Maxey was involved in a variety of community organizations. His involvement included vice president of International Sign Association, president of Missouri Sign Association, the National Electric Sign Association, Kiwanis, Junior Chamber of Commerce and Centenary United Methodist Church.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home at 1001 N. Mount Auburn Road. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

4857 Nash Road, Cape Girardeau, MO