GRAVETTE — The annual Payne Family Reunion kicked off on Friday, August 7, 2009, at the home of Sue Rice with a hamburger fry. Lanny Garrett was the grillmaster. Our thanks to Arvest Bank for the loan of the big grill to feed 50 plus people.
On Saturday, the 8th, about 60 "TheGrassisGreenerinGravette" clad people were on our float or walking. That night we enjoyed pizza and a swim at the Gravette Pool and the Civic Center.
Sunday was our big day of food, cards, games and visiting at the Civic Center. There were five generations represented in over 70 people who attended one function or the other. Our numbers were down a little but spirits are still high and strong.
Attending from Oklahoma were Uncle Delbert O'Neal and May Baker of Grove, Tim and Ellen O'Neal of Oklahoma City, Delbert and Arleeta O'Neal of Sand Springs, Rick and Janet Payne, Wendy Frost and sons Luke and Stefan and CandyWilliams and children John Wayne, Matthew and Rebecka ofVinita.
Paula Nicholson of Harrisonville and Paul Tate of Kansas City were in attendance from Missouri and Hal, Patti and Patrick Cummins came from Coppell, Texas.
Family members from Arkansas included Brian and Cheryl Bowen and sons Hogan and Hayden of Springdale,Vinnie Audo, Christine Nicholson, Kenya Payne, Brett Pittman and daughter Addison and Mandy Beth Payne of Fayetteville.
Attending from Bentonville were Don, Nancy and Doug Payne, John Payne, Debbie Buckner, Randy and Tina Boling and children Allie and Christopher and Mike and Bobbie Mosley, son Steve and granddaughter Kara.
Donnie Lee and Marilyn Payne and daughter Emily attended from Bella Vista. Gayle Turner and grandchildren Audrey, Jacob and Cadance, Delbert Payne and Jo Jackson came from Rogers and Layla Eason from Decatur.
Attending from Gravette were Bill and Clara Payne, Sue Rice, Lanny and Snooky Garrett, Jeff and Lana Turner, Cody and Lacey Johnson and daughter Katelyn, Chuck and Lisa Garrett, Blake Garrett and fiance Ashley and Debbie Saunders. Leif and Amy Garrett were home for the weekend from Fort Smith.
The picture represents the oldest and youngest present at the reunion, first generation Delbert O'Neal with great-great-great-niece Katelyn Johnson, fifth generation.
News, Pages 2 on 08/26/2009