A local couple is celebrating 70 years of marriage

Sunday, June 17, 2018

News 12 at 11

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- A local couple is celebrating 70 years of marriage. Herbert and Frances Delaigle were 16 and 22 when they first met in a cafe in Waynesboro. Now at ages 93 and 87, the rest is history.

They didn't have much money growing up, but they say it didn't matter because as long as they had each other they'd be okay.

"I love you very much," Frances told Herbert. "I love you," Herbert said.

Hand in hand. That's how you'll always find Herbert and Frances Delaigle.

"I guess, you know, him being in the service,a lot of times he'd be gone a lot and when he's home, I always got his hand." Frances said.

This marriage started 70 years ago.

"Frances worked at a little cafe we had in Waynesboro named White Way Cafe," Herbert said. "I kept seeing her going in and out, in and out and I had my eyes set on her. And then I finally got up the nerve to ask her if she would go out with me sometime."

Frances was only 16-years-old. Their first date was at the movies. A year later, Herbert popped the question.

"I asked her will she have me as her husband and she said, of course," Herbert said.

An easy yes for Frances. But, it was a wedding that almost didn't happen.

"He was always late," Frances said.

Herbert says the preacher almost didn't marry them because they were an hour late to the church. After some convincing, the preacher rushed through the service. It was the cheapest wedding to date.

"$5 is all I paid for her," Herbert said with a laugh.

Frances says her husband kept her laughing all through life. He still cracks jokes at 93-years-old.

"What do I like most about you?" Herbert asked Frances. "I don't know," she laughed.

A funny personality wasn't the only reason she loves him though.

"He was always loving and patient and good hearted," Frances said.

It's a love story that's not over yet.

"I never would have dreamed that we would've got this far and I hope we go a few more years on that," Herbert said.

Their love is one their six kids look up to. Their secret to a long happy marriage is simple.

"Show your love," Herbert said.

"And be there for each other," Frances said.