MINOT – Kenneth and Marjorie VanGordon of Minot recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Joshua and Bethany Marking, daughter and son-in-law, were party hosts and the gathering was held at Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Mechanic Falls.

The couple was surprised by a limo ride to the church, with chauffeur Sonny Morgan.

Royal purple and bright yellow were the chosen colors of the couple, with flowers and candle centerpieces. The couple entered through a heart-shaped archway and rose petals were tossed. The cake was made by Elizabeth Reed and consisted of three tiers with fresh purple flowers. Toastmaster was Bethany Marking.

A slide show titled “Through the Years” was presented, and a special violin serenade was performed by Greg Boardman, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” as guests sang along.

Mr. VanGordon and the former Marjorie Fairfield were married on April 5, 1947, in Portland, Ore. Their children are Vern Harrington, Jeri Kennedy, Doug VanGordon, Melanie Holla, Bethany Marking, Gary VanGordon, Lowell Newell and Diane Newell. They also have 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. VanGordon is retired from Clackamas County School District in Oregon and worked many years as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. During World War II, she worked at a shipyard as an office clerk.

Mr. VanGordon is retired from the state of Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, and served in the U.S. Army Military Police during World War II in the Pacific area. He was a member of the Lions Club, president of the Toastmasters, chairman of Education Department, Chamber of Commerce in Bremerton, Wash., and also taught driver training.

Their son, Lowell Newell, and wife, Helen, and daughter, Diane Newell, and granddaughter, Laura Mansfield, flew in from Colorado. Daughter, Jeri Kennedy, and husband, John, flew in from Texas, and daughter, Melanie Holla, and husband, Charles, flew in from Oregon to honor their parents.