It is unlikely that any of the 56 members of the class of ’64 who walked out of the Union High School gym carrying a diploma the night of May 29, 1964, gave any thought as to where they would be in fifty years.

 

 

Fifty years later, on September 20, 2014, 32 classmates and their guests had a reunion celebrating those high school years and sharing the memories retained from them. The day was warm, sunny and bright, and the Lewisburg Elks Club was ready with snacks and soft drinks while oldies from the 60’s played. Karen (Campbell) Bailey led the formal program, as she graciously has for all past reunions with humor and style. Eight members of the class who are deceased were remembered in a candle lighting. Memories of specific teachers and events were shared. Those remembered and missed are:  Alice Bostic, Betty Boggs, Dorothy Lephew, Gene Dixon, Joe Houchins, Leroy Patterson, Dennis Sizemore, and Dale Wilson.

As dinner was served many good conversations and much catching up took place. In fact, the photographer had some difficulty getting this class to be quiet and still for a group shot… who would have thought that old habits would have endured, so well, for so long?  (Click on pictures for a larger view)

Those attending (and guests) were:  Front row: Jeff Schmitt and Linda… Apex, NC; Tom Van Stavern and Toni… Livermore, CA; Larry Hill and Patsy… Dublin, VA

Second row: Ada Mae Adams and Freda Hylton… Gap Mills, WV; Mildred McDaniel Johnson… Sanford, NC; Wanda Dunbar Ford… Union, WV; Donna Frazier Hardman and Cheryl Wilson… Spencer, WV; Jeanette Sparks Williams… Pickaway, WV; Carol Guerin Knaggs and Jerry Cook… Keyser, WV; Karen Campbell Bailey and Bill… Peterstown, WV; Becky Hinkle Johnson and Lowell, Lewisburg, WV; Jerry Fullen and Suzie… Union, WV; Bob Wilson… Union, WV; Larry Nichols and Shirley… Alderson, WV; Russell Newsome and sister, Justine … Frankfort, WV

Back row: Jesse Grubb and Karen… New Franklin, Ohio; Bill Bailey and Karen… Peterstown, WV; Jeff Perkins and Donna… Caldwell, WV; Smokey Dunbar and Jenny… Union, WV; Russel Kirby…Staunton, VA; Rusty Long and Sue… Hampton, VA… Sam Scott and Penny… Alamogordo, NM; Tom Lemons… Lewisburg, WV; Dennis Pence and Susie… Covington, VA; Wayne Broyles and son, Matt… Waynesboro, VA; Steve Hill and Betty… Weston, WV; Robert Gooch… Battle Creek, Michigan; Buck Ferguson and Shelba… Fincastle, VA; Dickie Dixon and Linda… Union, WV.

Also attending, not pictured were Sonny and Elizabeth Smithson Miller… Roanoke, VA and Linda Lemons Walker and Clay… Gainesville, FL.

 

Following dinner, gifts were awarded in special recognition of those who had traveled the farthest, have the most grandchildren, and are examples of other outstanding attributes. Karen Bailey and Jerry Fullen were thanked for putting together another festive and fun gathering. Balloons were released as the sun set, again remembering those no longer with us. One classmate who always looked forward to and worked toward this class’s reunions with great enthusiasm was Ada Mae Adams. Sadly, Ada Mae passed away on May 6, 2015.

Pictured below are class members attending.

 

Submitted by:  Linda Lemons Walker

Photos by Jhanna Lively of Lively Photos