In re Petition of Van Huss

Prewitt, Chiee Justice

(dissenting).

I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion and file this as a dissenting opinion in this case.

*174The petitioner, Walter Leon Van Hnss, filed Ms petition in the Circuit Court of Roane County for the adoption of David Keith, his minor stepson.

The petition averred that David Keith was born on May 4, 1957; that petitioner and Peggy Ruth Van Huss, formerly Peggy Ruth Young, mother of David Keith, were married on May 31, 1958, in Roane County; that they had maintained their residence in Roane County continuously since their marriage; that the natural father had…