More than 58 years ago, Martin Holman walked into a drug store in Cortez — an act that would change his life forever.
Holman, who was 25 years old at the time, walked into Wilson’s Drug Store for a drink at the soda fountain.
Willa Dean Holman, who was 16 years old at the time, was working there. She watched Martin walk out after he was finished and told her friends something that the couple still joke about today.
“I had never seen him before, and I said ‘That’s the man I am going to marry,’” Willa Dean said.
It turns out Willa Dean was right, and the two were married about a year later. They’ve been married 58 years.
Martin, now 83, and Willa Dean, now 74, have seen many changes over the years.
They watched Wilson’s Drug Store turn into many things – today, it’s a restaurant – and they raised two daughters and have three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
“I liked to hang out at the soda fountain. It beat hanging out at the bars,” Martin said.
Martin continued to work in the oil fields, and Willa Dean worked as a secretary and librarian at Downey School for more than 30 years.
On Valentine’s Day this year, the couple will likely celebrate quietly at the assisted-living home where they live, but they say the secret to a long relationship is simple.
“Compromise and respect each other,” Willa Dean said.
Martin agreed, “Yes dear,” he said.
Martin said he also would never fight with his wife.
The two said in 58 years of marriage, they never had a fight.
Willa Dean said it never hurt that Martin would buy her jewelry.
“When he used to get around, he would give me turquoise jewelry,” Willa Dean said.
Martin has been in a wheelchair for a little over two years.
Martin had other advice for those newly married.
“Try not to expect more of each other than you ought to,” he said. “I think people try to change each other.”
Willa Dean said having similar hobbies also helps.
“We both like to garden,” Willa Dean said.
When asked what her favorite Valentine’s Day present was, it was an easy one for Willa Dean: turquoise jewelry.
What was the worst present?
“He got me a salad maker once,” Willa Dean said, laughing.
“Really? I don’t remember that,” Martin said.
“Well I do,” Willa Dean said. “Those things are nice, but not so romantic.”
Another piece of advice? Willa Dean said: “Never go to bed angry with each other,” Willa Dean said.
They married when a gallon of milk cost 97 cents, a gallon of gas cost 23 cents, and a new car cost $2,100. On the top of the song charts was “Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis and “Heartbreak Hotel,” also by Elvis.
When asked if they had a favorite song, the couple stopped and thought for a long time.
“I don’t think we had a favorite song. But we both like county western,” Willa Dean said.