John Thompson and Elizabeth Thompson of Salisbury celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary Nov. 9, 2016. A family dinner was held to honor the couple at their home, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2016.

The Thompsons were united in marriage Nov. 9, 1951 at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Tex. John is retired from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol after 33 years of service. He was a telecommunicator. Elizabeth is a housewife.

The couple have eight children, Michael Thompson, Pat Thompson, Terry and wife Lynn Thompson, Mark and wife Melonie Thompson, Jeff and wife Kelly Thompson, Tim and wife Fe Thompson, Kacey Thompson and Kris and husband Lee O’Connor. They also have 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.