A couple in Harrison, Ohio, celebrated a major milestone in their marriage on Friday: Johnny and Ann Calihan have been married for 77 years and have a great love story.Growing up in Arkansas, Johnny and Ann hadn’t known about each other for years. At 16 years old and with a document from his dad, who served in World War I, Johnny joined his brothers to serve in different branches of the Army during World War II. Johnny was deployed with one of the first few Construction Battalions that were tasked with building camps, bases, bridges, airfields, and much more during the war across Europe.It wasn’t until Johnny was completing his deployment and on his way home that he heard about his now-wife, Ann. While coming home, Johnny had written to his family that he wanted to look for his match. In reply, he learned that his family had already picked out “that little redheaded girl” for him.Ann was that redheaded girl. She said it wasn’t love at first sight, but she still gave him a chance. “I first saw him and thought, nah, but then, you know, the longer we met, we first went on a date to a ball game,” Ann Calihan said.From that first date to a basketball game at Ann’s high school, Johnny and Ann’s love for each other quickly grew. A year later, in 1946, the couple got married, moved to Kentucky to care for Johnny’s family, and eventually ended up in Harrison, Ohio.Living in Harrison, Johnny was a teacher and basketball coach for several years, earning multiple coaching awards throughout the years. Johnny and Ann have also been leaders in their local Nazarene Church.Now, 77 years later, Johnny, who is 97, and Ann, who is 94, are celebrating this major milestone with friends and family.When asked how they’ve made their marriage this long, Ann had this advice:”You learned to know it’s enough. You shut up. You give and take,” Ann said.Ann says they’re blessed to have family and friends by their side. They have five children, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren who take care of them and visit often.
HARRISON, Ohio —
A couple in Harrison, Ohio, celebrated a major milestone in their marriage on Friday: Johnny and Ann Calihan have been married for 77 years and have a great love story.
Growing up in Arkansas, Johnny and Ann hadn’t known about each other for years. At 16 years old and with a document from his dad, who served in World War I, Johnny joined his brothers to serve in different branches of the Army during World War II. Johnny was deployed with one of the first few Construction Battalions that were tasked with building camps, bases, bridges, airfields, and much more during the war across Europe.
It wasn’t until Johnny was completing his deployment and on his way home that he heard about his now-wife, Ann. While coming home, Johnny had written to his family that he wanted to look for his match. In reply, he learned that his family had already picked out “that little redheaded girl” for him.
Ann was that redheaded girl. She said it wasn’t love at first sight, but she still gave him a chance.
“I first saw him and thought, nah, but then, you know, the longer we met, we first went on a date to a ball game,” Ann Calihan said.
From that first date to a basketball game at Ann’s high school, Johnny and Ann’s love for each other quickly grew. A year later, in 1946, the couple got married, moved to Kentucky to care for Johnny’s family, and eventually ended up in Harrison, Ohio.
Living in Harrison, Johnny was a teacher and basketball coach for several years, earning multiple coaching awards throughout the years. Johnny and Ann have also been leaders in their local Nazarene Church.
Now, 77 years later, Johnny, who is 97, and Ann, who is 94, are celebrating this major milestone with friends and family.
When asked how they’ve made their marriage this long, Ann had this advice:
“You learned to know it’s enough. You shut up. You give and take,” Ann said.
Ann says they’re blessed to have family and friends by their side. They have five children, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren who take care of them and visit often.
