Herbert and Marilyn Francis DeLagle, who had been married for 71 years, said their final goodbyes within 12 hours of one other on the same sad day.
Their love tale began in a modest Waynesboro café, when Herbert, 22, and Frances, 16, met for the first time. Herbert began to frequent the place where Frances worked as their relationship grew stronger.
Herbert summoned his bravery and invited Frances to a nearby movie theater, sparking a romance that would last a lifetime. A year later, he knelt before her with a sincere proposal, which was received with a resounding «Of course!» from Frances.
Despite Herbert’s constant tardiness, their wedding day was filled with pleasure and laughter, marking the start of a shared life’s journey. Herbert died in the early hours of a Friday morning, at the age of 94.
Marilyn rejoined him twelve hours later, presumably succumbing to the terrible anguish of losing her lifetime companion.
The DeLagle legacy goes on through six children, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
The couple’s enduring love story continues to weave its threads through the rich tapestry of their expansive and loving family.