It was a simple, random, set-up that brought Ebb and Lucy Munden together, but a lot more has been involved to keep this couple married for nearly 65 years. Ebb and Lucy, residents of The Legacy Willow Bend, met during college when she was a freshman and he was finishing law school. After about three years of dating, they decided to marry and now looking back on their journey together, they realize they have learned a lot about life and love. The Mundens admit their marriage has involved some stormy winds and rough waters at times – Ebb’s deployment in the Korean War and the loss of a child. Their true sense of devotion to one another has carried them through the ups and downs of life, and after nearly 65 years, they still enjoy telling their love story.
“I was actually dating the girl who introduced me to Lucy at the time,” said Ebb. “They ended up in the same sorority, but I ended up with Lucy.”
“I obviously didn’t mind going for older men,” said Lucy, laughing. “I was only a freshman, and he was finishing up with law school, but I just thought he was the sexiest man I had ever seen. Now I can also say he is the sweetest man I have ever known.”
Ebb and Lucy got married, enjoyed their honeymoon in Gulf Shores and lived in New Orleans for many years. That is where they started sailing together and kept their own boat. Ebb practiced law at the beginning of their marriage, but he eventually settled on a different career path. After their marriage was interrupted by his military service during the Korean War, he decided he wanted to become a minister.
“She only thought she was marrying a lawyer,” said Ebb. “I had served in the Navy during WWII and then was called to serve again during the Korean War. When I returned, something inside me confirmed my decision to pursue ministry, so I went to SMU in Dallas and attended seminary school in order to become a full-time minister. Lucy was wonderful to support me through that. Being a minister’s wife is a very big job.”
Lucy did some teaching, helped out at church and assisted Ebb as needed, but mostly she focused on raising their son. They also had a daughter who passed away as an infant. That was another difficult experience Ebb and Lucy overcame together.
“As in any marriage or relationship in life, tough times come,” said Ebb. “But I think whether those trying times involve stress from military service or heartbreak from the loss of a child, having a shared faith in God and in each other can get you through. When you have a deep friendship with your spouse and are determined to stay together and help the other one out, you will.”
Ebb believes the main thing people need to understand when preparing for marriage or simply going through life is the concept of true giving. He admits just about everyone has to learn how to become more giving and how to balance one’s needs with the needs of a partner.
“Having common interests and really sharing each other’s lives is what will help bond you together as friends,” said Lucy. “In addition, Ebb and I were both blessed to grow up in loving, healthy families, which is also important because we learn so much from our parents.”
Ebb agreed that they learned from their parents, and they have always tried to teach their son and grandchildren about marriage by setting a good example. He and Lucy have remained close to their son and his family and hope they have demonstrated how to care for each other the way their own parents showed them.
“Doing things together is a wonderful way to simply be close to one another,” said Ebb. “Whether you’re sharing something fun like sailing, sharing the workload when help is needed, sharing the joy of raising a child or sharing in each other’s trials – make sure you share your life with your spouse.”
“We can learn so much from precious couples like Ebb and Lucy here at The Legacy Willow Bend,” said Marilyn Israel, executive director of The Legacy Willow Bend. “Seeing their dedication to one another as they age together is inspiring and uplifting. We enjoy hearing the stories of the people who live here and make this community so interesting, and we look forward to celebrating their life accomplishments like the Mundens’ upcoming 65th wedding anniversary in September.”
ABOUT THE LEGACY WILLOW BEND
The Legacy Willow Bend, Plano’s first and only life care retirement community, is situated on a 28-acre site at Spring Creek Parkway between Preston Road and Ohio Drive. The Legacy Willow Bend offers resort-style services and amenities for active, independent seniors, as well as all levels of health care services on-site. The community features 103 independent living apartment homes, 12 custom independent living villas, 40 assisted living apartment homes, 18 memory support suites, and 60 private skilled healthcare suites.
The Legacy Willow Bend is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit retirement community owned by parent company, The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc. The Legacy Willow Bend, the only Jewish-sponsored life care retirement community in Texas, is open to people of all faiths. For information, call (972) 468-6208, or visit www.thelegacyWB.org.