Garner Kelley 65-Year Pin

On January 25, 2023, brothers David Schoolcraft, PGP; John Schoolcraft, PDDGP; and John Bailey, DDGP visited veteran brother Garner Kelley at his home in Weirton, WV and presented him with a 65-year service award pin.

Brother Garner was initiated in 1956  when he was 22 years old and has remained a member of the Odd Fellows ever since.  Garner came to Wheeling #9 in 2016 when Cove Valley #380 consolidated with us.  During the visit, brother Garner related a number of stories to his three visitors, including memories of many initiations he participated in, a motorcycle accident that both he and his wife were very lucky to survive, and the various jobs and mechanical sights from his younger years.  He also related several stories of his times travelling between his original home in down-state West Virginia and his current home in the Northern Panhandle.

The visitors report having greatly enjoyed their visit and hoping to be able to present a 70-year pin in 2026.