L-R: Gene McIntire, Legs Bechner

Dorman “Legs” Keith Beckner, Class of 1942, on the 1940 Monongah High Marion County champions unbeaten football team, got the best bargain yet at Wal-Mart: Free groceries.

It seems the woman in line ahead of him paid his bill, then left without Legs finding out who was his benefactor.

Apparently it was her way of thanking Legs, wearing his Air Force veteran cap, for his service to our country.

And it wasn’t even his birthday, which is Oct. 21.

If Gene McIntire, in the Korea Conflict like Legs, had been there, it might have been a doubleheader freebie. Gene and Legs attend Monongah Baptist Church and have been friends for many years, so they often are together.

The Keith Beckner children are Rhea Lee Beckner Hillberry of Littleton, Colorado, a Fairmont West High and Fairmont State graduate who retired from the Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, and Roger Keith Beckner.

Keith got the nickname of “Legs” when he played football as a receiver for Monongah High.

Keith attended the 2014, 2013 and 2007 Monongah High Alumni Reunions in Fairmont.

And now he knows there’s an angel looking out for him, even when he’s not in the wild blue yonder.