Howard and Lois Stracener were united in marriage 50 years ago on June 21 at the First Baptist Church in Cushing.
Howard is the oldest of four children of the late Silas and Georgia Stracener. He attended Drumright schools, graduating with the class of 1934.
The former Lois Bennett grew up in Cushing and graduated with the class of 1935 with honors.
The couple first met after a high school football game between Drumright and Cushing, started dating and were married about six months later.
They established their first home in Drumright and had their first child here before moving to Richmond, California, during World War II, where they both were employed for the Kaiser Shipyards. After the war, he worked for the Standard Oil Co. until his retirement after 30 years of service.
A celebration of their wedding anniversary brought approximately 150 friends and relatives together at the First Baptist Church in Richmond, Ca., on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in June.
Their son, William Howard Stracener, his wife Mary, their daughter Carol and husband Ron presented a sentimental program along with a buffet dinner complete with a three tiered, seven piece cake and a punch fountain. And many thoughtful things in honor of their parents.
A trio of three granddaughters entertained with special songs, "Wedding Prayer," "Wedding Song," "Through the Years" and "One Hand, One Heart."
The honorees received a letter of congratulations from President and Mrs. Reagan.
Their family helping to celebrate the golden anniversary were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stracener, of Rockville, Md.; Mr. and Mrs. Ron Butler of Sacramento, Ca.; six grandchildren and one great-grandson as well as the Stracener family.
Mrs. Erma J. Hoover, Drumright, sister of Howard, was there to join the occasion. Also there was Mrs. Vera Bennett, of Jackson, Mich., Lois' sister-in-law and wife of the late Reece Bennett. Both Erma and Vera were at the wedding 50 years ago.
Howard and Lois are enjoying their retirment with good friends in a travel club and a fishing "gang."
To the couple's surprise, their car was decorated to say, "Just Married, 50 Years Ago."
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