Robert and Loveta Faye Lewis of Richland Springs celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Tuesday, March 31, 2009. They were married on March 31, 1949, by Rev. Van O. Martin at the First Baptist Church in Richland Springs.

Their attendants were Venita Joyce Newby (Nolan), sister of the bride; the late Georgia Shropshire (Lewis), matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Vera Lee Bolinger (Ralston), Panzee Mann (Fikes), the late Mary Edith Taylor (Brockman), Lola Faye Bolinger (Mask), Yvonne Holmes, and Nuel Taylor (Nelson).

Flower girls were Sheila McGregor (Carrol) and Mary Jo McGregor. The late LeRoy Newby, brother of the bride and Wilmeth Sanford were candelighters. Forrest McGregor was the ring bearer.

The late Byron E. Lewis served his brother as best man. Groomsmen were Dwight Bolinger, E.F. Lewis, Robert Chapman, George Rogers, Bob Brockman,Olan Locker and Dewey Lee Bruton.

The late Laura Annie Saxon served as pianist. The late Mrs. Van O. Martin was soloist.

Robert and Loveta Faye have lived in Richland Springs their entire married life. They have two children; Darwin Lewis and his wife, Patty of San Saba and Melody Rowell and her husband, Michael of Owasso, Oklahoma. They also have two grandsons, Mark Lewis and his wife, Lisa of Canaan, New Hampshire and Robert Rowell of Owasso, Oklahoma.

The couple both graduated from Richland Springs High School and attended Howard Payne University.

Robert entered the Army in May, 1944 and sailed overseas November 13, 1944. He fought in Central Europe and the Rhineland with the 100th Infantry Division. Robert spent eighteen and one-half months overseas and was honorably discharged in June, 1946. While in Europe he attended Biarritz American University of Biarritz, France. He retired from 3M Company in Brownwood in 1995 after 30 years of service. He keeps busy farming and ranching.

Loveta Faye retired from Richland Springs Independent School District in 1994 after serving 16 years as teacher’s aide. She also served as social correspondent for the area’s local newspapers for a number of years.

Both are members of First Baptist Church in Richland Springs where Robert serves as a deacon.

Local members of the wedding party gathered Tuesday evening at Ma & Pa’s Restaurant in San Saba to celebrate the anniversary.