Rep. Ike Skelton engaged to be married

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Missouri Rep. Ike Skelton may be known as a military guru, but he's a romantic at heart.

The 76-year-old Democratic congressman from Lexington is getting married to Patty Martin, a longtime friend from his hometown.

Skelton presented an engagement ring to Martin as a birthday present on Aug. 31 while the two dined at Plaza III, an upscale steakhouse on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza.

Skelton says he's "thrilled" and calls Martin "a real sweetheart."

Skelton's first wife, Susie, died in 2005 after 44 years of marriage. Martin also is a widow.

Asked if the happy couple has set a date, Skelton laughed: "I just got her to take the ring. One thing at a time."

He says the wedding will most likely take place in Lexington.