Beech Tree News Network

Carlton and Lennie Drake have reached a milestone few have accomplished.  On July 20 they will celebrate 70 years of marriage.  They are celebrating this event with family dinners.  Carlton is the son of the late Charlie and Jessie Mae Belcher Drake and was raised in the South Hill Community with 3 brothers.  Lennie is the daughter of the late Buell and Louva Martin Rone and had 12 siblings.  They were married in Hartford, Kentucky, July 20, 1942.  After marriage they went to Baltimore and were employed at Glen L. Martin Air Craft Factory.  Both had been to school in Bowling Green to learn the skills.  On October 23, 1943, Carlton began serving our country in the US Navy.  His duties were mostly in the Pacific Area.  Out of the Navy in 1945, he was employed at Archie Phelps Motor Company in Morgantown and in Evansville. In 1952 he was employed by WRECC and retired about 1977.  Lennie advanced in the postal service and became Post Mistress till her retirement.  Both have been active in civic and community affairs.  Lennie, an accomplished musician, has served as organist of First Baptist Church for many years.  Presently she has formed a group of retired ladies that sing at nursing homes, churches, and community gatherings.  They are known as “Lennie’s Girls”.  Congratulations to  Drakes' on this special event.