Heartfelt friends

Tom Wagster and fellow heart transplant recipient Ceanne McGowan of Springfield, MO. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp) [Click to enlarge]

Rector's Tom Wagster celebrated the 25th anniversary of his 1984 heart transplant Saturday, appropriately wearing a t-shirt which read, "The beat goes on." Joining in the big celebration was longtime friend Ceann McGowan of Springfield, Mo., who will mark 25 years with a new heart in November. Wagster said the two met in St. Louis when he returned to the hospital where the transplant took place for post-operative testing. They have remained in contact ever since and no doubt share a special bond. Wagster's family erected a huge tent for the outdoor event, and hundreds of friends and relatives went by to extend congratulations and share in delicious burgers and other foods. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp)

Tom Wagster looks through a photo album with friend Kay Murray during a celebration Saturday which marked the 25th anniversary of his life-saving heart transplant in 1984 in St. Louis. Wagster, the longest surviving heart-transplant recipient in Arkansas, was all smiles during the event, and many expressed the hope he will break all records (now at 28 years) with continued good health. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp) [Click to enlarge]

Heart-shaped balloons floated inside a huge tent which housed a big celebration Saturday marking the 25th anniversary of a heart transplant for Rector's Tom Wagster. Family members prepared special tributes to their dad and "Poppy," and an impressive scrapbook created by daughter Donna documented in both photos and text the road of Wagster's life and the many memories he did not miss thanks to the life-saving transplant. Wagster, a pharmacist, and his wife, Fran, have long been popular members of this community, and hundreds and friends and relatives were happy to share in the wonderful occasion. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp) [Click to enlarge]