Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kenneth Badger, Mercer, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at a surprise luncheon, lovingly hosted by their children, on Aug. 10 at Coolspring Township Municipal Building, Mercer. As many as 150 friends and family members attended the event. Guests came from Columbus, Reynoldsburg and Whitehall, Ohio; Parker, Grove City, Mercer, Volant, Clintonville, Harrisville and Slippery Rock.
The former Bernice Grace Riddle and Robert Badger were married July 17, 1948, in the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church’s parsonage by the Rev. R. Blaine Detrick, Church Pastor.
The Badgers lived on Blom Road, Grove City, for 45 years, prior to moving to Mercer in 1998.
Retired since 1991, Ken was employed for 43 years as a hand tool-grinder/tipper for Cooper Energies Services (formerly Cooper-Bessemer), Grove City. Ken was well-known for his proficiency in tool grinding with diamond wheels.
A homemaker, Bernie was employed through the years as a personal caregiver for the elderly; as a driver for Interstate Auto Auction (now ADESA), Jackson Center; and as an embroidery machine operator for Palmer-Smith Linens, Grove City.
The couple have enjoyed traveling, camping, boating, and fishing since their retirement.
Their children are: Juanita Badger, Mercer; Julie Slater, and Michael Badger and his wife, Ruby, all Jackson Center. A daughter, Glenda Jeanne (1999) and a son, Joey (1956), are deceased.
Nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild complete the family circle.
Another memorable event that occurred during the anniversary party was the opportunity to have a five-generation picture taken which included: great-great-grandparents, Ken and Bernie Badger; great-aunt, Juanita Badger; grandmother, Denise Horn; great-granddaughter, Carina Erlenwein; and great-great-grandson, Richard Stephen Baisden, III.
