To follow the several branches of my adult family life, let's take it in stages.
The First 20 Years of Marriage
I met Audrey Knoepke at Bucknell in the spring of my senior year. She was a sophomore and a blind date, and we continued to date. After I graduated in June 1952, she returned to Bucknell for just the first semester of her junior year. We became engaged in February and we married in May 1953 in Larchmont, New York, where she had lived with her parents.
We had two children. Laurie was born in Chicago, when I was serving in the Army. Steve was born in Annapolis, after I had taken the job with Westinghouse Baltimore.
We separated in March 1973 and divorced in July. She immediately remarried. I lived alone for several months until the next stage.
Second Marriage, for 36 Years
I had known Ann Turner since 1971, when I transfered from Engineering to Technical Publicatins, where she worked. After my divorce, we began to date. It was then that I met her two daughters, Kim and Sue Turner. Before long, Ann and I decided to get married, which we did at the Annapolis Court House on January 18, 1974. Laurie, Steve, Kim, and Sue were all there.
Life After Ann
Fortunately, Ann and I shared 36 great years of marriage together. Unfortunately, Ann died on May 15, 2010, of an apparent seizure.
But life goes on.
Our Kids
Laurie's first marriage, to Ron Hullet, produced one son, Darren Hullett, who is now living in San Antonio. Her second marriage, to Steve Asbell, produced one son, Zane Asbell. Laurie, Steve Asbell, and Zane are living in Littleton, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. She is in accountng.
Steve Coleman, after a marriage to Cathy, has remarried, this time to Inna, and they are living in Westminster, Maryland. He is a computer whiz.
Kim several years ago began in business for herself, working two sales businesses out of our house in Catonsville. Jewelry or handbags, anyone?
Sue was married to Paul for several years, then married Vernon Gnacyk. She teaches special ed to kids in grades 1 through 3. She and Vernon live in Lansdowne, Maryland.
A Tribute to Ann
Finally, not long after Ann's passing I came upon a poem by an unknown author that embraces my feelings toward my wonderful wife. It's called "If Tears Could Build a Stairway". I invite you to share it with me.
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Last Updated 3/30/11