Fairborn — Roger and Diane Williams, high school sweethearts from Fairborn Baker High School, are celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Roger graduated in 1972) and Diane (Sizemore) in 1974. They were married Sept. 28, 1974 and have spent their entire life together in Fairborn, building a legacy of love and family.

Throughout their five decades together, Roger dedicated his career to Clark’s Carpet Connections, where he worked for 40 years and retired as president. Diane made her mark in healthcare administration, positively impacting the communities of Xenia, Springfield, and Dayton, before retiring from Five Rivers Health Center in 2021.

The couple raised two children, Betsy (Matt) Shober and Nick (Jess) Williams, who continued the family tradition by graduating from Fairborn High School (classes of 1996 and 2007.) Diane and Roger take immense pride in being “Nana and Pap” to their five grandchildren — Ethan and Aidan Shober, and Jayde, Zaelia, and Zyla Williams — who all continue to live close by. The couple enjoys spending time with their “g-kids,” creating fun, laughter, and lasting memories.

In retirement, Roger and Diane have embraced new adventures, taking road trips to explore new places and spending long weekends at their lake house in Indiana with family, friends, and their sweet pup, Penny. They continue to learn new hobbies and occasionally visit local casinos, finding joy in trying their luck together.

To commemorate their 50 years of marriage, Roger and Diane are setting sail to paradise on a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. This is Roger’s gift to Diane, helping her check off Hawaii as her final state to visit in her lifelong goal — 50 states visited. This trip not only celebrates their enduring love but also their passion for travel and new experiences.