Couple married 70 years shares their story
WARSAW – If anyone knows about true love this Valentine’s Day, it would definitely have to be Eugene and Rosalie Akins of Tiverton Township in Warsaw. This happily-married couple has been together for 70 years, just recently celebrating their anniversary on Jan. 26.
Eugene and Rosalie Akins
Rosalie and Eugene’s eyes met at a Halloween party in Tiverton and from then on, the two have embarked on an incredible life together, traveling the United States and raising three children, a daughter and two sons. It was love at first sight as the couple dated in November, became engaged in December, and married in January. He was just 19 and she was only 16.
What first attracted Eugene to his bride was her fiery red hair.
“She had red hair,” he said. “And I have always liked redheads.”
After a small wedding at Eugene’s parents’ house, Eugene left his young wife to serve our country in the Air Force. He served for two years in the Pacific and became a sergeant by the time his service was over. When he returned home, the two settled down in Coshocton County and prepared to build their lives. The couple started farming and was separated for a time while Eugene worked at the Flexible Company in New York. He eventually bought out part of the company and renamed it, ‘E and R’ for Eugene and Rosalie. He managed the store for a while and Rosalie visited on weekends.
Eugene’s job often took him to other parts of the United States and occasionally out of the country. While they enjoyed traveling together, their favorite memories were made with their children.
“The best thing that happened in my life was my family,” said Rosalie. “I’m thankful every day for them. I think love is the main thing to show your kids. Take time out of your day to spend time with them. Your time you give your kids is worth something. Have a little more love for your family.”
According to Eugene, the key to a long, happy, successful marriage is respect for one another.
“Show respect for one another,” he said. “You’ve got to work together to keep your lives going. And it doesn’t hurt to buy some roses and jewelry once in a while.”
Although Eugene suffered a stroke in 2004, he and Rosalie like to stay active and do some small traveling occasionally. But their favorite pastime is spending time with family. They have 12 grandchildren, one deceased grandchild, and 12 great-grandchildren.
“The happiest part of your life is your family,” said Rosalie. “At least, it has been mine.”
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
Their courtship sounds a lot like ours—we met on November 29, 1966 & married on January 29, 1967–& I still like him lots!! We have gone through a lot together—a home fire where we lost almost everything we owned & a couple of dogs, a bad wreck, my surprise triple bypass, breast cancer, prostate cancer–but we are both so glad to wake up breathing every morning & able to go to bed at night & say that it has been a pretty darned good day!!
I love this story about Rosie & Gene Akins…they were our neighbors when I was growing up. Our farm connected to theirs. I have very fond memories of them. They are awesome people. Rosie is so sweet.