Lawrence (Larry) and Thelma Lou Mueller of Fairview Heights celebrated their 50th anniversary on Nov. 25, 2012 with a surprise Hawaiian luau celebration with family and friends. The couple will spend their actual anniversary in Hawaii.

Larry and the former Thelma Beaird were married on Feb. 16, 1963 at St. Patricks Church in East St. Louis, IL by Fr. Gerald C. Miriani.

Larry is a Barber/hair stylist at Larry’s Hairy Business and is active with Christ United Church, Fairview Heights Rotary, advisory board Salvation Army and Wed. AM bible study.

Thelma is retired from AT&T and is active with Christ United Methodist Church.

They have 5 children: Loucinda (Cindy) (Steve) Rhinehart, of Collinsville, IL, Tim (Abby) of Kansas City, MO., Brian (Suzanne) Wright City, MO., Emily (John) Caponi of San Francisco, CA., Nathan (Amy) of Troy, MO.

They have 13 grandchildren: Megan (Justin) Farkas, Jana Rhinehart, Caleb (serving the US Marines) & Everett Rhinehart, Hunter & Carson Mueller, Chelsea (Mark) Swingler, Jackelyn & Gabriel Mueller, Elih & Saverio Caponi and Madeline & Lucia Mueller.

They have 2 great-grandchildren: Elliana Rhinehart and Emmett Farkas.