The Meade County Messenger, p B1, October 27, 2011 
By Vickey Carwile Messenger Staff

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Profile on Longevity Howard and Elizabeth King Howard, 85, and Elizabeth King, 83, Brandenburg,have been married for 65 years...but they have known each other most of their lives. Their parents all knew each other and so did the children. "I can't remember when I didn't know him, Elizabeth said. Howard was born Sept. 16, 1926, on a farm in Webster. He was the second son of eight children born to Aloysius and Nona King. Howard attended lst-8th- grade at Sandy Hill School, which was a one-room schoolhouse. He attended Meade County High School for one semester, but graduated from Irvington High School.

After graduation, Howard moved to Michigan and worked with his uncle on a wholesale milk route. He later worked at V.G. Anderson Manufacturing Company making storm windows and doors. He eventually returned to Kentucky and attended a six-month course at Bryant Stratton Business College. Howard was also employed as a food distributor (ration pool) at Fort Knox, farmed with his father and father-in-law and was a Kentucky state trooper from 1949-1951. After resigning as a state trooper, Howard was hired in the safety department at the Olin Corporation in Brandenburg. He retired from the plant in 1991 as a shipping supervisor.

Elizabeth was born Feb. 7, 1928, in Irvington in Breckinridge County. She was the daughter of Randall and Annabelle Stith. She also had seven siblings. She attended all of her school years in Irvington.

Elizabeth was a senior in high school when she and Howard began dating. "I had another boyfriend,' Elizabeth said. "But Howard beat him out" Howard laughed and said, "He wasn't too much competition" The couple dated for one and a half years before they were married. The ceremony took place Sept. 12, 1946, at Holy Guardian Angel Church in Irvington.

The newlyweds lived with, Elizabeth's parents and then moved to a house located on Howard's parents' farm. About a year later, the Kings moved to a rented house in Irvington. In 1951, they built a one and a half-story house. Ten years later, they bought a 160-acre farm and built their current home in 1967.

The Kings' first child, Jill, was born Sept. 12, 1947 - exactly one year after they were married. They have 12 children - six boys and six girls. Jill is the executive vice president for Qinetiq North America. She is responsible for the company's Department of Homeland Security and Federal Civilian business; Pat is a veterinarian and a lawyer; Terry is retired from West Corp in Hancock County; Jan works for Fort Knox; Jennifer is retired from the Hardin County school system; Kevin owns part of and manages nine Papa John's Pizza businesses; Denis is a veterinarian in Frankfort and co-owner of Papa John's Pizza restaurants along with his brother, Kevin; Jackie is a pharmacist at Fort Knox; Jonathan is an attorney in Central City; Karen (Kyle's twin) is vice president at a bank in Evansville; Kyle is an MD at Brandenburg Family Clinic; and Lisa is a pharmacist at Brandenburg Pharrnacy.

Elizabeth enjoys decorating her home and growing flowers. She also enjoys having family around and entertaining. Howard's interests include his family, cattle and a certain amount of farming.

The Kings are members of St. John Catholic Church in Brandenburg. Howard was chairman of the St. John Cemetery Committee for over 20 years. He decided someone younger should take over the position. He was also director of the Meade and Breckinridge county Planter's Cooperative Insurance for approximately 20 years. During the last two of those years, he served as president of the company. He also coached Little League baseball in Brandenburg in the late 1950s; was the first driver's education teacher at Meade County High School in the late 1 1950s; and a member/past Grand Knight of St. Teresa's Knights of Columbus Council.

The couple has 42 grandchildren and 29 greatgrandchildren. "Our biggest holiday is Thanksgiving, Elizabeth explained. "Everyone comes over and we have a big meal. On Christmas Day, everyone has Christmas with their families in their own homes. Thanksgiving is our family time."

Of their relationship, Elizabeth said with a smile, "We just put up with each other" Then she added, "Actually, we've been very fortunate. We've gotten along very well. You have to be ready to forgive each other anytime you need to. Overlook flaws your partner might have"

"We've had a lot of excitement in our days`' Howard said.

"Well, that's for sure, Elizabeth replied. "You don't raise 12 kids and not have a lot of excitement!"

Elizabeth and Howard King with their 12 children on the day of their daughter, Lisa's wedding.