J.O. Haney Jr. and Patrica Snider Haney, 1950 and 1953 graduates of Big Spring High School, celebrated 60 years of mostly blissful marriage, in Big Spring at the Settles Hotel on Jan. 17, 18 and 19, 2013. Little did J.O. realize when he started to Richland Grade School in the Luther Community north of Big Spring in August of 1941, that his first grade teacher, Mrs. Alden (Zan) Ryan, would have a neat influence on him 72 years later.
Who would have dreamed his very nice first grade teacher would produce such successful grandsons that would be responsible for this grand old hotel being restored in time for him and his blushing bride of 60 years to have such a great time in dear old Big Spring. From J.O. and Patricia, Thank you, gentlemen, for all of your efforts.
The Haneys met at summer camp in Bentonville Arkansas in June of 52, and married in Stephens Arkansas on Jan. 17, 1953. After a high-speed honeymoon in a Studebaker coupe from Arkansas to Big Spring, J.O. brought Patricia out to finish the last semester of high school that he promised her father he would do. Man, did she ever enjoy meeting sand storms and high winds, and having to take one semester of Texas History. Patricia did graduate, and one more flying Studebaker ride to Arkansas to graduate with her class.
Took a lot of traveling over the years to see all their relatives for holidays, but they made it okay, and still love to spend time in Big Spring visiting relatives and friends. And, now they have a nice place in Big Spring to have great meals and fellowship, without imposing on anyone.
The Haneys have lived in the San Antonio area since 1963. They have three children, Jan Haney, Joey Haney and wife Cindy, and Jenna Burns and husband Dan, and six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren so far.