DECATUR - Some big name stars from the past came alive at the Salvation Army on Friday.

Dean Martin stumbled his way up to the microphone with his traditional drink and cigarette in hand.

Jeff Mueller, who played Martin, the well-known singer and actor of the 1950s and '60s, hosted Friday's celebrity luncheon at the Salvation Army.

Seniors filled the gymnasium in the lower level of the Salvation Army to hear the tribute to Becky Barringer, a senior coordinator who is leaving to pursue full-time ministry.

The look-alike celebrities roasted Barringer, who was dressed as Carol Burnett.

"I passed away in 1991, so I don't get around much any more," said George Gobel, a comedian, who along with his side-kick wife "Spooky Old Alice," had a hit television show in the 1950s.

Gobel, played by Bob Long, continued to make everyone laugh with his jokes.

"Not that Carol Burnett doesn't have a good singing voice, but when she signed up to sing 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' at Wrigley Field, they sent her to Busch Stadium."

The mob of seniors chortled over those imitating celebrities such as Lucille Ball, Lilly Tomlin, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. Phyllis Diller, who was really Jackie Francisco with a white curly haired wig and bright yellow outfit, had them roaring with laughter.

Bob Hubbel,l dressed as the comedian and film star Red Buttons, got into the act by singing a sentimental song "Send in the Clowns."

Terry Greenwell played actress Vicki Lawrence's famous character from the 1980s sitcom "Mama's Family." She and Barringer did a skit together from the show.

But it was the finale that got everyone emotional.

Barringer came back before her senior audience, dressed in the old cleaning lady outfit with a mop and bucket. And she sang Burnett's traditional song heard at the end of every show:

"I'm so glad we had this time together. Just to have a laugh or sing a song. It seems we just got started and before you know it, it's time to say so long ¦"

Afterward, everyone gave her a standing ovation as a final goodbye.

"There were days that if it weren't for you guys that I wouldn't have gotten out of bed ¦ and to see your smiling faces every day," she told the seniors, who have been part of her programs through the years.

sheilas@herald-review.com|421-7963

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Open House Farewell Reception for Becky Barringer

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29

WHERE: Salvation Army, 229 W. Main St.