Veteran family members honored at family reunion

Photos submitted. Veteran attendants are shown above, who were recently honored at the Thomas/Powers Reunion. In the front row from left to right is: Archie Hill, Clyde Hill, Mike Noe, and Chuck Noe. In the back row from left to right is: Robert Thomas, Jim Thomas, Randy Thomas and Kenneth King.

Over 100 people attended the Thomas/Powers Fall Reunion this year which was held on the Thomas Farm. Relatives came from several states to visit and reminisce with each other. This year’s theme was “Showing Appreciation for Veterans in Our Family”, and a special Veterans table was set up, displaying pictures and articles from WWI to the present day. It was interesting to compare the uniforms, etc., that the service people wore throughout the years.

The oldest Veterans present were brothers, Archie Hill and Clyde Hill who served in the Army in WWII. Archie and Clyde were also the oldest Powers descendants attending the reunion.

The oldest Thomas relative attending was Henrietta McFarland.

There were nine first cousins from Whitley County who were in WWII, including Archie and Clyde Hill. All nine returned home with only one of the nine being injured. A celebration was held for them all on their return at the Thomas Farm where the family reunions are held each year.

Archie Hill and Clyde Hill look over the Veterans Table at the Thomas/Powers reunion which was held at the Thomas Farm. Over 100 people attended the reunion and showed their appreciation to the veterans in their families who have been and are currently serving our country.

Other veterans present at the reunion this year were Robert Thomas, Jim Thomas, Randy Thomas, Kenneth King, Mike Noe, Kenny Noe, Chuck Noe, Ken Martin. There were many more family members who have served our country but were not present at the reunion this year. There are two relatives currently serving our country: Ben Wells, who is serving in the United States Navy; and Eligah Thomas, who is serving in the United States Air Force.
Joshua Keaton, held his nephew, Corbin Keaton (named after the city of Corbin), and rang the dinner bell, letting everyone know that it was time to eat. Children enjoyed the Bounce House and various other games while others reminisced of old times. Tickets were sold for homemade and donated items as fund raisers to help with expenses for next year.

The reunion committee consisted of Debbie Keaton, Rita Puckett, Wilma Noe, Nell Jones and photographer, Gary Thomas. All are hard workers and put a lot of effort into making the 2017 Thomas/Powers Reunion a success.