On November 3, 2023, John Deas (Charleston ’80) was talking to Eminent Supreme Herald Joe Richey (Penn State-State College ’09) on the phone about his desire to get married on the beach in Pensacola, FL.
John and Jan were heading down to Pensacola to attend the Songwriters Festival. They were surprised to learn what a lay minister would charge to perform the 15-minute ceremony on the beach. The least expensive choice was over $300.
Joe asked John if he knew Brother Ken Jernigan (West Florida ’69), which he did not know then. Joe explained that he would call Ken and that John should expect a call from Ken shortly.
A few minutes later, the phone was already ringing. Ken shared that he has minitistered many weddings in the past but had not ever married an SAE brother. He told John that he would gladly perform the service, just to let him know when. It was decided between John, Jan, and Ken that Friday, November 10 would be the best day for their wedding. Ken mentioned that he would have Brother Sam Waite (West Florida ’80) join John as his best man. Ken’s wife Carole would be Jan’s maid of honor.
In the state of Florida, you must get a license from the county in which you are being married. The couple drove two hours each way to find a courthouse where they could obtain a license. They secured their license and were officially ready to get married.
Ken, Sam, and their wives showed up, and Ken performed the beautiful wedding ceremony on Friday, November 10, 2023. He and Sam were dressed in Khaki slacks and white shirts; the men looked suave.
John’s wedding attire was casual: shorts and an SAE shirt.
Once the ceremony concluded, the group grabbed a bite to eat and hung out for the rest of the evening.
“This is another fine example of brothers helping brothers. It is something Jan and I will cherish forever,” John Deas said.
