Vern Balliet of Hometown celebrated his 90th birthday on March 17.

Born in Seek, he married the former Gloria Melchoir on Dec. 24, 1942. They were married 67 years before she passed away in March of 2010.After serving with the U.S. Army during World War II, Vern worked for the former Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds, retiring after 43 years of employment.He is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua, where he served as deacon and elder, being named Elder Emeritus in 2007. A former member of the Tamaqua Zoning Board, his main hobby for many years was working on antique cars. He and Gloria loved attending, showing and traveling with the Ontelaunee Region ACAA.Vern is the father of two daughters: Sharon, wife of Terry Hill of Pen Argyl, and Carmen, wife of Richard Vandewater of Tamaqua. He is the grandfather of three, and great-grandfather of one.