Couple celebrates 70th wedding anniversary at Kennywood

For families, Kennywood usually means making memories, but one family started making memories at the amusement park in 1927, and continues that tradition today.

Gene Williams is a retired Air Force colonel, a retired preacher and a 94-year-old kid. He has been coming to Kennywood since the 1920s.

Williams makes it to the park just about every year, despite living in Texas. He doesn't come alone, though. He still brings his 90-year-old bride, Martha, with him.

"Every year," she told Weather Watch 4 meteorologist Ray Petelin. "He was in the military for 21 years, and we would come home on leave, and the whole family -- mother, brothers and sisters and their children -- we all came," said Martha Williams.

In addition to the rides, Kennywood is also a place known for budding summer romances. Gene and Martha's love story is likely one of the longest the amusement park has seen, as this year, they are celebrating 70 years of marriage. They could think of no better place to be.

Gene Williams conveniently can?t remember if Martha was the first girl he ever brought to Kennywood, but he said she is his favorite.

One thing the couple can?t agree on is which ride is the best. Gene Williams likes the Racer, while his wife thinks the Thunderbolt is the best. He even thinks the Racer is the most romantic, but not because of the roller coaster.

"Nothing about it was romantic. Just being together is," he said.

Even at 94 and 90, respectively, Gene and Martha hope to be back.

"If we're able to come, we'll be here," Martha Williams said.

The couple has two children, five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren. With a family that big, this Kennywood love story will make lots of memories.

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Source: http://www.wtae.com/news/local/allegheny/couple-celebrates-70th-wedding-anniversary-at-kennywood/-/10927008/21150722/-/12x5kbuz/-/index.html?absolute=true

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