Reception honors Blaylocks on 50th

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The Rev. and Mrs. Donald Blaylock of Perryville celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and his 50 years in the ministry at a reception May 2, 2004.

The event was held at Sedgewickville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Sedgewickville, Mo. Hosts were their children and spouses, Wesley and Paula Blaylock of Pevely, Mo., Sue and Charlie Dawson of Sedgewickville, and Paula Beldon of Albuquerque, N.M.

Blaylock and Mary Alice Statler were married June 5, 1954, at Sedgewickville Methodist Church by the Rev. Glen Mangum.

He was licensed to preach in March 1954, and served United Methodist churches in Doniphan, Bolivar, Lamar, Ellington, Marble Hill, Maplewood, Herculaneum, Hannibal, Union and St. Louis.

After retiring he served churches in the Festus, Mo., area and is currently conducting services twice a month at Patton and Whitewater Presbyterian churches. The Blaylocks are active workers and leaders in the Missouri East Walk to Emmaus movement and other church events.

The couple has eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.