John Brown and Alma Charbeneau were friends for two years before deciding to go on a date. That date led to another and ultimately marriage. They were wed on the steps of the Dallas Records Building on Jan. 27, 1962. The Rev. W.W. Stogner, an ordained Baptist minister, officiated.

Over the years, the Browns have resided in Garland, Richardson and currently live in the Sachse area.

They were always active in their children’s school fuctions and spent many years involved in the Garland Adult Softball Association. They served as ordained elders at Southminister Presbyterian Church in Garland and currently attend Clearwater Community Church in Richardson.

Since his retirement from the Department of Defense, Mr. Brown has “had the pleasure of perfoming as Santa at Collin Creek Mall and various area churches.” Mrs. Brown,  “is an excellent cook” and has always kept him supplied with delicious cookies during the holiday season, Mr. Brown said.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown celebrated their 50^th anniversary with their children – Deborah (Eric) Dunn, Michael (Gigi) McFarlane, Dana (Steve) Gross and Laurie (David Reavis) – Feb. 4 and 5. They had dinner at Rick’s Chop House and a night at the Grand Hotel in downtown McKinney. Their seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren joined them for Sunday morning brunch at Spoon’s Café.

The Browns said they “hope they next years will be as exciting and enjoyable as the past 50 years have been.”