Duke and Shirley Rudd have rented booth #33 at Old Timer's Antique Mall for 25 years.  Last week they retired from a lifetime of buying and selling wonderful treasures. They have been married for 67 years and have been wheeling and dealing in furniture and antiques for over 50 years.

"Shirley always ironed all their linens, she always decorated her booth in a theme," commented Joni Burleson, owner of Old Timer's Antique Mall.  "There will never be another renter in that space.  We are officially retiring booth #33."

I won't be able to decorate like her, but I put some Christmas trees or something in there and sell ornaments.  People will buy those." Burleson said laughing.  "We will miss them very much here.

Shirley started her career hanging wallpaper many years ago.  Her business was called "The Hanging Shop" based out of her home in Poplar Bluff at the time.

"I did a lot of the homes in Poplar Bluff that had 14' ceilings with beams," commented Shirley.  "I finally had to give it up, but I noticed that is it coming back in style."

When they first got started more than 50 years ago they bought from estate sales and tag sales. They mostly purchased furniture, but also bought items to decorate.

"It was so much fun and I will miss that." continued Shirley.

Duke always worked in banking and financing, but he had a love and an eye to purchase and resell the antiques.  It started off as a hobby and then actually started making money.  

"Duke and Shirley are like my grandparents," stated Mikal Long, longtime employee of Old Timer's. "I've known them since I started working here 25 years ago.  They were the first one's I met and I just love them."

Duke and Shirley will be missed.  Their decorated booth was a favorite of many.