FAIRHOPE — American Legion Post 199 honored two of its long-time members.

“Because of the efforts of Ted and Louise Dyer, we can enjoy this post. In honor of your service, we dedicate this ramp and deck to you,” said American Legion District 33 Cmdr. Leon McGhee at a ceremony held at the post home on South Mobile Street Friday afternoon.

The couple has been active in the American Legion since the end of World War II.

Before Post 199 was organized, he was a member of Post 99 in Foley and served as post commander.

When Post 199 organized in the mid-1960s, the Dyers refocused their efforts at the new Fairhope organization.

“Louise has been a mainstay of the auxiliary and has done most of the cooking for years,” said Post Cmdr. Bud Cummings. “She has probably made more baked beans than anyone in the U.S.,” he said with a smile.

Ted, Cummings said, has served in almost all of the chairs, a post commander a couple of times and executive board member. But the organization is honoring them not only for their leadership but their hard work.

“Anything we needed, they would get it done,” Cummings said. “Ted used to drive his tractor from Volanta Avenue to mow the post yard.”

The couple’s roots in Fairhope are deep. Ted is a 1935 graduate of the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education, Louise a 1937 Fairhope High School graduate.

Dyer said that after high school, he tried to enlist but they wouldn’t take him.

“In 1941, they called me up. I was working at Gaston Motor Co.; I sold bus tickets and auto parts,” he said.

The Dyers married Aug. 3, 1942.

“She begged me, and I said yes,” Ted said with a wry grin.

He served four years in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. He said after the war, he joined the Naval Reserve as a Seabee and served 20 years, and attained the rank of chief.

A retired businessman, Ted said he worked with Gulf Fuel Oil Supply and then Gulf Coast Molasses Co.

He is the son of Julian and Elsie Dyer.

Ted celebrated his 90th birthday in June. He lost a foot to diabetes about 18 months ago. Weakness in his other leg necessitated the use of a wheelchair.

“I can’t chase the girls anymore,” he quipped.