Bill & Hazel Edmonson
MARRIED: April 17, 1948 – 76 Years
Merryville, Louisiana
Bill is 96, and Hazel is 97 years old. Hazel recalls when she was working in DeRidder when she received a call from a friend. Her friend told her there was someone who wanted to meet her. Later, Hazel decided to meet him at a local drugstore to enjoy a Coke, which began their many years of sharing their lives as a couple.
Bill is a Korean War veteran who served in the Navy. He served his first 18 months on the island of Guam. When he returned to the States, he was assigned to a destroyer called the USS Lofberg. Their oldest daughter was born while he was stationed on this ship, which was in an area at the time known as the Formosa Strait. Life started as a family when he returned home from the service, and a few years later, their youngest daughter was born. Bill’s jobs kept him away from home a lot, but through it all, Hazel was faithful to raise the girls in Church, work, and serve in many capacities. Through all these times, God has been in their lives, along with their commitment to their wedding vows of 76 years. In the years with their family, they continue to be VERY BLESSED by their Lord!
Gardening has been Bill’s hobby for years. He kept his yard neatly groomed and full of seasonal blooms and helped landscape other neighborhood homes and public facilities in the area. He nurtured other less experienced gardeners in their horticultural pursuits by sharing his knowledge and seeds and cuttings from his garden. Despite some health issues he experienced this past year, Bill still provides limited care of his lawn, and he enjoys short strolls around his property.
Hazel still enjoys light cooking and is an avid student of the scriptures. She has served as the treasurer of the Merryville Book Club for many years.
Hazel still drives the couple five miles down Hwy 190 to Calvary Baptist Church of Merryville, La., where they listen intently and gives encouragement to Pastor Jim Miers. The church enjoys their input on matters. Hazel keeps the table in the Fellowship Hall decorated for the four seasons. They are wonderful supporters of the church missions outreach.