The Westerman family of Bellflower celebrated its 50th year reunion on July 1 with 66 people in attendance. The day’s activities included lots of picture taking, a cornhole tournament, wiffle ball games, riding 4 wheelers, fishing, great conversation and laughter. Delicious fried catfish, chicken wings, chicken drumsticks and lots of sides were enjoyed by all. Everyone wore a “Proud to be a Westerman” shirt and enjoyed all the activities of the day. It was a wonderful time and the weather was perfect for a summer family picnic.

This annual celebration started in 1974 when our sister, Bonnie, and her family came home from Germany after being stationed there for several years. It has continued every year since and is the highlight of our summer, when we can all be together and celebrate family. Herbert and Amanda Westerman hosted for many years at the family homeplace until their passing, and we are thankful to be able to continue gathering at Don and Rachel’s farm, just across the creek. This year, we lost our only brother, Richard, just a week prior. He was looking forward to the celebration and was dearly missed.

In attendance this year were Eileen and Dean Baxter from Columbia with 18 family members; Faye and Don Cope of Columbia with seven family members and three guests; Pat and Gary Rustige of New Haven with 11 family members; Peggy and Chuck Hawkins of Franklin, Tenn., with nine family members; Reba Murray of Bellflower with seven family members and one guest; and the hosts, Rachel and Don Vincent of Truxton. Also attending were four members of the (Bonnie) Parrish family and four members of the (Paula) Wollberg family.

A big thank you to Amber Boggs, granddaughter of Eileen and Dean Baxter and Heather DeWire and daughter of Peggy and Chuck Hawkins, for all the work and time she put into making our day fun-filled and memorable. A huge thank you to the Vincents for all their hard work and opening their home to us.