We first met at BD our freshman year. We were always friends but never dated. We were only two of three people graduating from BD in 1959 to attend Indiana State Teachers College (also Jo Ann Wolf). Shortly after starting school we crossed paths on a sidewalk on the Campus Quadrangle. Being friends, we would often double-date, but not with each other. I would get a fraternity brother to go with Karen and she would fix me up with one of her sorority sisters. We did this several times until one day in April, 1960, I asked her to walk with me to a shoe store in downtown Terre Haute. After that walk, I felt a special connection with her so we started dating. The rest is history (63 years of marriage / 5 children / 1 great grandchild.). Karen stayed home with our kids while I worked to feed 7 mouths, shoe 14 feet, and clothe 7 backs. We both had our physicals in December and our doctors gave each of us excellent reports. At age 84, we remain in love and committed to each other. Being a fisherman, I know what a keeper is. I retired last year at age 83 after teaching school for 2 1/2 years, working in the computer field for 12 years, and 49 years as an insurance agent. After we became “empty nesters”, Karen served as an executive officer with Christian Women’s Club.

- Randy McPike