Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The LaGrange Lions Club celebrated a near century on Tuesday with a special meeting inviting past members to return for the milestone.

Lion’s Club member Buddy Cashwell helped organize the event, inviting the former members to return.

Former Judge Allen Keeble and longtime Lion served as the primary speaker for the event, regaling the crowd with humorous tales from Lion’s Club history, some of which were even true. Keeble has been a member of the club for 51 years.

Cashwell recognized a few longtime members for their longevity and their significance to the local club. 

Longtime member Bob Walters was recognized for 65 years with the club, having joined in 1959. The club’s oldest living past president, H J Thomas, was also in attendance.

Throughout its 95 years, the Lion’s Club of LaGrange has lived up to its motto, “We serve.” The group has raised thousands and thousands for vision conservation and currently provides two scholarships at LaGrange College in honor of former members, Frank Traylor Sr. and Jr. and Charles Hudson.

Funding for the scholarships comes from the club’s two primary fundraisers, the club’s annual Election Day barbeque and their annual golf tournament.

Since 2006, before records get fuzzy, the LaGrange Lions donated about $450,000 for vision care, leader guide dogs, Troup Cares, Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes, Miracle League and others.