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What’s the secret to a long-lasting marriage?
Barbara Castle, 93, doesn’t have to think about the answer.
“God,” Castle said, definitively. “We’re both Christians.”
Her husband of 74 years, Eugene “Don” Castle, 96, was a pastor for 35 years. With Barbara’s assistance, he pastored at five Nazarene churches: John Day, Oregon; Payette, Idaho; and Carson, Hoquiam and Port Angeles, Washington, from 1958 until 1992.
Both from Lewis County, Don was born in Salkum and Barbara was born in Centralia, about six blocks from where the couple lives now. They met when Barbara was in the eighth grade.
On July 2, 1948, Barbara graduated from high school. The following day, she married Don after he’d finished a tour in Japan with the U.S. Army.
This July, the duo will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary, and all are invited to join them.
Partygoers are welcome to “drop-in” any time from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on July 2 at the Centralia Church of the Nazarene, 1119 W. First St., Centralia, Barbara said. To RSVP or learn more, email Castles75th@gmail.com.
An announcement from their 70th wedding anniversary invitation reads: “Seventy years ago, two young people in love were wed, full of hopes in their hearts and dreams in their heads. Their love has grown and matured across the years, with God’s provision and grace, to bless many with their friendship and love.”
Their children are Connie (Robert) Dunn, of Port Lincoln, Australia, and Neil (Margi) Castle, of Port Angeles. They have four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, ranging from ages 1 to 25.
