(Ret.) SGM and Mrs. William Glenn Gilmour of Killeen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 19, 2009. They were married June 19, 1959, at the beautiful “Ave Maria” Cathedral in Deggingen, Germany above the hilltop. Maria is the daughter of the late Adolf and Josefa Junginger, of Salach, Germany. William is the son of the late John B. and Clara McNamara Gilmour, of Rockford, Ill.  

Their children and spouses are Tina and Shawn Isdale of Harker Heights; Sylvia and Kirby Elenburg of RunAway Bay; and Maria Christina Gilmour of Friendswood. They have five grandchildren, four granddaughters and one grandson: Sagen, age 21; Sterling, age 19; Sommer, age 18; Skylar, age 16; and Spane, age 14.

The couple met in the summer of 1958 at a military sponsored base dance in Goppingen, Germany, where then E-5 Bill Gilmour was stationed. They jitterbugged their way into each others’ hearts and were married in a grand traditional ceremony, with friends and family in attendance, many arriving for the special day from America.

They also took home the dance trophy for 1st place the night they met and many dances to follow.

The Gilmours have resided on and off in Killeen since 1962(over 47 years), moving numerous times as a result of military assignments. As an NCO in the Army, Bill joined the 3rd Corp AG Personnel Office and fought in Vietnam.

Over the course of years, the couple was stationed back and forth from Texas to Germany in multiple duty appointments, remaining connected to family and relatives there.

While stationed at Fort Hood, Bill and Maria laid down roots and established their family, firmly planting their three daughters in the KISD system. All were graduates of Killeen and Ellison High Schools, with post secondary degrees earned at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

After retirement from both the military in 1980 and Civil Service in 1984, the couple remained active in the community and began welcoming their grandchildren. Their support, guidance and active role in the grandkids’ upbringing remains steadfast to this present day.

They both remain committed parishioners of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Their retirement and family trips include travel across the United States and frequent visits to their grandchildren’s college campuses. Golf and gardening occupy their leisure time.

In celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, their children will host a reunion/commemoration Caribbean cruise this month. Special guests will be their daughters and spouses, as well as their five grandchildren.

To complete their golden anniversary occasion, Bill and Maria Gilmour will tour New Orleans and take in the sights of the Big Easy following their cruise excursion.

Here’s wishing them another 50 years!