After 62 years of marriage, Melvin and Evelyn Buford continue to face life together

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Sixty-two years ago, Melvin and Evelyn Buford began a life together.

Today, they are still by each other’s side.

The Bufords were married June 20, 1964, shortly after Evelyn graduated from high school. Melvin had graduated three years earlier, but the two had already grown close through school, dating and going to church together.

“We were going out together, going to church together,” Melvin said. “So I figured, this is the one I need.”

Evelyn remembers Melvin showing his commitment even before they were married.

“He took care of me when I was in school,” she said. “He would pick me up and take me to school.”

Over the next six decades, the couple built a life around work, family, faith and each other.

Both spent more than three decades working at Cutler-Hammer in Bowling Green. Melvin worked there for 31 years, while Evelyn worked there for 32 years. They eventually retired around the same time.

The couple also share the same birthday — April 10. Melvin was born in 1942, while Evelyn was born four years later in 1946.

Their family has continued to grow over the years. The Bufords have three children, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, including professional basketball player Terry Taylor.

Evelyn also has a history of her own to look back on. She was among the early Girl Scouts and recently shared a photograph from that part of her life.

But 62 years together have not been without challenges.

Both Melvin and Evelyn are currently battling cancer.

Evelyn has bone cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Melvin has prostate cancer and has completed 28 rounds of radiation.

For Evelyn, one of the things she appreciates most is that Melvin has remained by her side throughout her treatment.

“He stayed right there with me,” Evelyn said. “I’ve been on chemo and everything, and he was right there with me. He never left me.”

The couple says their marriage has had good days and bad days, but they have always found a way forward together.

“We’ve had good days and bad days, but we always, you know, make up,” Evelyn said. “We stay together.”

They even have a simple rule for disagreements: Don’t go to bed angry.

After 62 years of marriage, the Bufords say faith has also remained an important part of their relationship.

When asked what they would tell the young couple they were on their wedding day in 1964, Evelyn offered simple advice.

“Trust in the Lord and be faithful,” she said. “Keep your family together and pray together.”

More than six decades after saying “I do,” Melvin and Evelyn are still following that advice — facing life’s challenges, celebrating its blessings and taking it all on together.