United in Love and Membership

GST Warren Mart (left) joined 50-year members Florence and Everett Loy and District 9 DBR Roger Poole (right) at Local 660 Veterans Award Banquet to celebrate the Loy’s century of combined membership (photo credit:Gary Otten).
 

Local 660 in East Alton, IL had the privilege recently to honor their 50-year members at the local’s bi-annual Veterans Award Banquet. While receiving a 50-year award is remarkable in its own right, what made this event even more special is the fact that two of the members are married to each other.

Everett and Florence Loy met while both were working in the Empty Shell Department at Olin Corporation. Everett initiated into Lodge 660 in 1955; Florence in 1956. They were married in June of 1965 during a plant shutdown.

“The Loy’s are a wonderful example of what solidarity is all about,” said General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, who attended the celebration. “Their commitment to the IAM and to each other is a lesson for us all.”

Over the years, Everett served as Trustee, Recording Secretary, Conductor and Vice President for the Lodge.  Both he and Florence are now retired, but still very active. Besides participating in the lodge’s Retirees Club, Everett also currently serves as a Delegate for Lodge 660 to the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, CLC; Alton-Wood River Union Label Council; and the 12th Congressional COPE. He also serves as Alton Township Democratic Precinct Chairman.