SIKESTON, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Russ Garner of Sikeston celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Oct. 18, 2003, at Shady Acres Church of Christ.

Garner and Beulah Dawson were married Oct. 17, 1943, at Benton, Mo. They have lived in Sikeston since 1952.

He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was self-employed at Benton, worked for Brown-Root Pipeline Construction in Oran, Mo., and was employed by Associated Natural Gas from 1950 to 1986. He was a member of Sikeston Volunteer Fire Department 33 years.

Mrs. Garner worked at Curtis Wright Aircraft Corp. in St. Louis and at Montgomery Ward in Louisville, Ky. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and taught Sunday School and Bible classes.

Their children and spouses are: Delores "Dee" Hairston, Sheila and Jim Wheetley of Claremore, Okla., Judy and Eddie Anderson of White House, Tenn., and Chris and Julie Garner of Sikeston.

The Garners have nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.