August 13th 1955 - Grand Island Nebraska

RG Bud Phelps & Pat L Kelly were married at the Chapel at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Island Nebraska .  Seventy one people were in attendance for this 1st wedding ceremony in the Chapel.   Pat's family in attendance: her Father Lloyd, her Mother Vera, her Brother Bill and his wife Marge, her Brother Jim and his wife Angie, plus the children of her two brothers along with Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.  Bud's family in attendance: his Father Reg, his Mother Addie, his Sister Jean and her husband Ken, along with some of Bud's Curtis and Grand Island friends.  Jerry Carney, Bud's friend that introduced Pat to him, had served with Bud in the Navy.

The reception was at the Gold Room in the Yancy Hotel - downtown Grand Island - and was attended by 250 to 300 people.  It was a very nice reception but somewhat of a blur 55 years ago tomorrow.  I do remember highlights of the reception line and the brother-in-laws pouring the champaign to the crowd with Lloyd trying to slow them down a bit.  The entire thing was a big deal to this country boy.

I have been blessed with Pat over these 55 years, along with the blessing of three daughters; Bridget, Shauna, and Wendy.  The grandchildren started with Bridget's children; Kelly first and then Cory.  Next Shauna's daughter Kalyn and finally Wendy & Mike's son Andrew.

The 55 years have flown by and how could anyone not say they were blessed when they look at this family!