The fourth Outman Reunion was called for Saturday September 27, 1986 in St. Louis, Mo. Family members from several states began arriving at the Rodeway Inn, on Linbergh, on Friday and after checking in, assembled in the hospitality room to renew old acquaintances and meet more Outman cousins than you could imagine.

Following an informal afternoon, 41 family members had dinner together at the motel restaurant where fun and fellowship prevailed. The evening was spent becoming acquainted or re-acquainted.

St. Lucas United Church of Christ social hall was opened at 10 A. M. on Saturday morning when relatives started arriving for a get acquainted session. Descendants of Jonah, John, and Jacob Outman signed in and each branch of the family received color coded name tags to identify their lineage. No members of the Stephen Outman family were in attendence.

William Douglas Outman, of Ballwin, Mo., Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the group and introduced the committee in charge: Lee Outman David, her daughter, Andrea David Frimel, St. Louis County, Mo., and Martha Lee Outman Gruenewald, of Aurora, Co. They were given a large round of applause. Ten states, California, Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Florida, Colorado, and Missouri were in attendance.

Martha Lee Outman Gruenewald read the original introduction to the family history as recorded by William Henry Outman, of Ill., (Jacob's line) in 1911 at which time the first reunion was held in Marseilles, Illinois at the home of William and Alzoea Outman. A resume' of the first 3 reunions, the second in De Soto, Mo. and the third in Athens, Michigan, were also read.

Evelyn Alzoea Outman Perkins, daughter of the Illinois William Outman, was introduced as was Howard Norris of Cahokia, Il. Both were present at the first three reunions. Others present at one or more of the other reunions were Lyle Miller, Climax, Michigan and Robert Outman, Spokane, Washington. A riddle was presented by Mrs. Perkins: "What did God say to Adam after he ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden? Answer: 'Out-man'".

At this time a catered lunch was served to 127 and as each person stepped to the buffet table they were video taped and asked to say who they were and where they were from. (Several people have copies of the tape, including the Secretary and Martha Outman Gruenewald.) Tables were decorated with fresh flowers and miniature family trees upon which were pictures of family members at former reunions. The entire afternoon was taped and was available for purchase.

Names drawn for attendance prizes were Juanita Outman Brown, Claire Schemel, Maury Hill, Harriet Attebury and Karen Skinner. Each was presented with an album for them to complete concerning the family genealogy.

Beverly Condray presented the entertainment for the afternoon. She played the piano and guitar and sang several selections. All enjoyed a sing-a-long with slides and hand puppet as aides. A medly of old favorites was used to close the program. The number "I wanna a Hug" seemed to be a favorite.

A group from the Jacob Outman family presented a cheer. Spelling out the name, OUTMAN, with body motions. Those taking part were Loretta Outman Johnson, Kevin Outman, Leland Outman, Virgene Outman Lockas, Dean Lockas, Madeline Golino Peters, Dorene Lockas Gilbert, and Dianne Carmack.

The next reunion is planned for 1989 in Colorado, at the YMCA camp in Estes Park. Information and details will be sent to all.

William Henry Outman, St. Augustine, Florida, grandson of William and Alzoea, penned a poem during the afternoon festivities and read it to close the gathering. After which cake and coffee was served and the 4th reunion came to a close.