NEWELLS HAVE UNIQUE FATHER'S DAY TRADITION

Visiting their parents' graves are (front row, from left), Leslie, Lyman, (back row) Johnny Wayne, Adam, Gene, Carl, Charles and Randy newell.

The children of Johnny and Dessie Newell have a unique way of commemorating Father's Day.

For the past three years, the eight surviving sons and five daughters of the deceased couple have written on horseback to the Old Salem Cemetery in western Cape County, to pay respects to their parents' graves.

The siblings meet at the home of Johnny W. Newell near Oak Ridge, for a barbecue first. The brothers then ride on horseback to the cemetery, beginning about 10 a.m., on a day near Father's Day. The ride is at least six miles.

Later in the day the whole family goes on a hayride. Those with horses follow along behind the wagon.

The Newell brothers consist of Gene of Jackson, Adam of Bell City, Randy and Johnny Wayne of Oak Ridge, Lyman of St. Louis and Carl, Leslie and Charles of Jackson.

One brother, Terry, is deceased. He is buried next to his parents.

Sisters are Alice Kester of Oak Ridge, Karen Eakers of Cape Girardeau, Aline Poe of Burfordville and Pauline Kimbrel and Patsy Pulliam of Jackson.