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Happy 105th Birthday, Mr. Vickers, and Thank You for Your Service!
People in Places feature by Liz Burnett
Photos courtesy of Barbara Vickers
This Veterans Day (Wednesday November 11), Newtown Square resident H. Eugene (“Gene”) Vickers will celebrate his 105th birthday. He is Marple Newtown’s oldest Veteran, so this is an event our entire community can celebrate!
Mr. Vickers was born on November 11, 1915 (Armistice Day then; Veterans Day now), at his family’s farmhouse in Oakmont, PA. The youngest of seven children, his family moved to Havertown when he was quite young. After graduating from Haverford High School, he attended Wheaton College in Illinois. He also attended Philadelphia School of the Bible (now Cairn University), where he was employed for almost 45 years after World War II.
Mr. Vickers and his family at the Navy’s ceremonies to honor him at the Navy War Memorial and Museum November 11, 2019
Last November 11, to celebrate Mr. Vickers’ 104th birthday, the Navy held ceremonies at the U.S. Navy War Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC. They presented him with a plaque honoring his service in World War II. And Newtown Township celebrated Mr. Vickers by passing a Resolution honoring him for his long life, his 65 years of residency in Newtown Township, and his many years of service to his country, his family and his community.
Mr. Vickers greatly misses his dear wife Betty of 66 years since her passing almost 13 years ago. He is blessed with a large extended family that includes 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one more on the way. He says his secret to such a long and happy life is his faith in God and his purpose in life to live for Him, following the wisdom in Proverbs 3:5,6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.
Mr. Vickers, Marple Newtown’s oldest Veteran, will celebrate his 105th birthday on Wednesday November 11th. Let’s All Send Mr. Vickers a Happy 105th Birthday Card and Thank Him for His Service!
In this most unusual year filled with stress and uncertainty, Mr. Vickers’ lifelong “glass half full, not half empty” optimistic attitude has helped him help others stay cheerful. You can do the same for Mr. Vickers by sending this dear Friend & Neighbor a birthday card and your congratulations message.
Mr. Vickers enjoying the birthday cards he received last year
