7 years ago

JW and Leona Stamps

JW and Leona Stamps

By Ann Beddingfield

Four generations of Stamps relatives gathered Saturday evening, Feb. 22, 2014 to celebrate the 90th
birthday of JW Stamps, as well as the near 67 years of JW and Leona Stamps’ marriage. The group of
55 came from Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Illinois, and all over Texas to a celebration dinner hosted by the couple’s children, Gaylon and Pat Stamps, Ann and Gary Beddingfield and Adelia and Clyde Ketchum.

Memorabilia, American flags, and “90” paper airplanes, made by great-grandson, Grayson Davis, served as decorations for the event. Young and old alike enjoyed the “glider” airplane party favors!

The dinner was followed by a time of Gospel singing, led by Gaylon. Set aside also, was a time for folks to honor the birthday, World War II United States Army Veteran and the couple, by reminiscing. Shared were tales of acts of kindness which might seem miniscule to the giver, but epic to the recipient.

Many were able to worship together at the Church of Christ on Sunday morning, the actual day of JW’s birthday. After the worship service, 31 family members regrouped for lunch and “goodbyes”. JW is the original owner and operator of Stamps Spraying Service, a business that is in its third generation of ownership, and has served the Panhandle community and farmers for the past 52 years. JW and Leona continue to take good care of each other in their home at 701 Franklin Street, where they are “blessed to be a blessing.”