Columbus musicians to celebrate 75th wedding anniversary

Columbus Community Choir leaders Merrill and Elaine Luman will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary, Aug. 8.

The Lumans, both 96, grew up in Kansas, met in their youth and married in 1950. The two moved around Texas and bought a weekend home in Columbus around four decades ago. The couple stayed for over 30 years, forming roots in music ministry. Their son Preston Luman said that music is one of the biggest parts of their lives.

“Probably one of the main attractions to each other, music is the main thing that got them together,” Preston said.

Merrill Luman founded Columbus Community Choir and served as its leader for around 25 years. Elaine Luman joined him as the choir accompanist and also served as an organist for various churches in the area. Outside of music, Merrill worked as a Southern Baptist minister of music, and Elaine worked as a school counselor.

“I remember her working really hard. Prior to computers, she was bringing boxes of four-year plans home for high school students and working on [them] at home. She really cares about the students,” Preston said.

The couple also enjoyed travel in their later lives. The Lumans and their two sons, Preston and Sean, took family trips for vacation. In their later years, the couple cruised frequently with Holland America, racking up over 700 days on the water.

“I remember us doing some family driving family vacations in the US back when I was a kid,” Preston said. “Travel was a really big part of their lives and an escape for them to get to be with each other.”

The Lumans also collected various things – most recently, glass, but formerly, Santa Clauses. The couple donated a large collection to The Santa Claus Museum in Columbus, earning a room named after them.

“They contributed all these Santa Clauses from all over the world as part of their travels,” Preston said. “All that they contributed there probably fills a couple of rooms.”

The Lumans will be celebrating with friends, family and their church group at the couple’s assisted living facility in Katy. Preston said that his parents are excited.

“My dad says all the time ‘We just can’t believe we have lived this long,’” Preston