Eldon Robert and Donna Jean (Goodling) Blackburn of Niles celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3.

The couple were married on Aug. 3, 1944, at Merced Air Force Base in Merced, Calif., where Eldon was stationed at the time while serving during World War II.

He is now a retired specification engineer, after serving Clark Equipment Company for 35 years.

She was a homemaker and is retired after working 13 years at Simplicity Pattern Company.

Their children include daughters, Kathy (Jeff Burrows) Malone of Niles, Gail Harmon of St. Joseph and Barbara Speers of Niles and a son, Gary (Sandy) Blackburn. They also have five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with another one on the way.

The Blackburns are loved, respected and an inspiration to their many close friends and family members.