Monday, December 29, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 22

More loss of classmates the past few days. Marian Lee (Krisher) Stanley,73, of Lawton passed on Dec. 18. Marian is a '53 grad of LHS and also attended Cameron.
She is survived by husband Col (rtrd) George Stanley, a son David and wife Kim, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son Scott and her parents.
A grave side service will be held Tuesday Dec. 23 at Ft. Sill National Cemetery at 2:00pm.
An online guest book is at <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Also passing, Jimmy Wayne Moore, 69, of Tulsa. He passed Dec. 19. Jimmy grew up in Lawton and attended Lincoln elementary and Central Jr. High but cannot find him in any LHS Lore books. At some point he moved to Tulsa, so possible he didn't graduate from LHS. He is survived by two daughters, Renee Seese and Brandy Parker; a granddaughter, a grandson, two sisters Christine and Betty; two brothers, Roger and Danny.
Services will be Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home in Lawton, 2:00pm, with burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Always sad and sorry to have to report losses.

Have received numerous emails with GOOD news...so will share some here:
'59 classmate Phil Wilder and wife Coralyn wrote to say they are especially happy this Christmas as their oldest son Tim is back safely from Iraq. They live in CO where the lows have been 0 and lots of snow.

This from class '57 Bob Atkins......"Just wanted to say Medicine Park is a very nice place. Last month Jana [Bobs wife], her daughter, Kate her husband, Noel and I spent the weekend there at a cabin. We enjoyed perfect late fall weather. Noel and I climbed down into Boulder Canyon and the next day climbed Mt. Scott, that brought back some old memories! The last time I did that was about 50 years ago with Alfred "Sonny" Brown and Bobby Powers. We had a great time wandering the few art and antique stores. I was able to buy an Indian painting by Tim Tate, Doc Tate's son at one of the stores.
Kate and her husband loved eating at Meers so much we had to eat there twice. The Christmas lights around the creek and over the bridge was a very nice sight. If anyone goes to Medicine Park take a little cat food, for a black and white cat seemed to stay at the east end of the bridge.
Merry Christmas. Bob"

Susan (Hankins) Ellington, class '56, is experiencing a lot of snow out her way in NM. Beautiful photo.

Jim Andrews sent great 'singing reindeer'.

Beautiful eCard from Mitch Braley.

Ron Hagler, class '58, sent a Christmas video.....too funny...dog under mistletoe!!!!!

And the girls of '56 who trekked to the Big Apple sent a shot of their adventures! (see at right).l-r: Kay (Kimball) Scott, Yvonne (Anderson) Coombs, and Myrna Kay (Langley) Daley.

I was delighted to get to talk with Pat (Burris) Dean this morning! Pat is class '56 we go way back to 1957 about time she & Paul married. We were neighbors and had a lot of good times. Great to talk with Pat.

The MOST exotic Christmas I know will be Sue (Chalk) Briggs and hubby Scott. They are in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with their daughter, and will spend Christmas eve and Christmas Day camped out in the dessert. Complete with tents, Christmas tree, and traditional Bedouin feast prepared on site! Then on to the 'World's Ugliest Camel' contest/festival. 6,500+ camels valued at over $1 billion dollars, will compete for the title! Not sure what the 'winner' gets?? I look forward to stories and pictures!!!!!

If you think you can sing... or maybe you can......you can now try your talent with 'the King'!!!! As a promotion for the new "Elvis Presley Christmas Duets" album, SONY has created a web site that will allow you to record "Blue Christmas" as a duet with Presley. If you are pleased with the recording...you can send it out as a Christmas eCard. Involves a phone number and code. You can check out the site at: <http://www.singwiththeking.com/>Its a neat site even you don't want to sing....'know what I mean...and I think ya do!'
btw.....I understand the 'duet' album is sold out and very difficult to find! Elvis 'duets' with Martina McBride for one.

btw....still some inquiries to me and Ed Harp about Aunt Bill's Brown Candy so I have posted recipe at the WolverNet blog: http://www.thewolvernet.blogspot.com/

I know I'm tired of this global warming. High was 29 today! Hoping warmer for Christmas Day!
I want to wish each of you a wonderful Christmas filled with family and friends and hope Santa is extra good to you! Regards........ Georgia

Monday, December 22, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 17

Sorry for loss of another classmate. Jerry Leon Peddy, 69, of Moore, OK. Jerry passed Dec. 15. Jerry was LHS class '57. He graduated from Cameron and OSU, was in the Navy, later joined Western Electric living in Saudi Arabia at one time. He is survived by wife Karen Sue, a daughter Karen, a half-sister Joyce Slekar.
A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Thurs. Dec. 18), 1:00pm, Southern Ridge church of Christ in Moore.
Church is located at 2237 SW 134th St., OKC (Moore).
Funeral services are under direction of John M. Ireland Funeral Home of Moore, 120 S. Broadway.

Also, wanted to let all know of the passing of Imogene 'Jean' Hoskins, 86, of Lawton. She passed on Dec. 14. Imogene is a 1940 grad of LHS and is mother of our '59 classmate Larry Hoskins (wife Nancy) and another son Rick, class '61-62?, (wife Cathi), and several grand children.
Services will be this Thursday Dec. 18 at University church of Christ, 10:00am. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
An on line guest book is at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

So enjoyed & appreciate the emails I've received last couple days ...I hope they won't mind if I share.....
Hi Georgia, Also I'm proud to announce that my 40-year old son and his wife (35) had their first baby on November 7, a little girl named "Leyla Catherine Davis", and because this is their first their whole world has been pleasantly turned upside down. My other two grands are 10 and 12, so we have a brand new baby angel for Christmas. Please share, and I wish you and Bill and your family a very blessed Christmas and happy new year. Claudia [(Looney) Davis, class '59]

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR BILL AND GEORGIA from Ralph and Jackie Purvis in San Antonio. Also extend the same greetings to all Wolverines and Lawtonians as we have so much to be thankful this season as always. We are all blessed to have a great family. Just got out the hospital with a severe case of pneumonia, for a week, that came on overnight, called a new term "Community Pneumonia" and went away as fast. They were ready to give me final taps, but this ole trooper, said not so fast and bounced back. The Dr's continue to shake their heads. So I want all to take a moment and give thanks for each of our blessings and what a great family we have in each other. A big thanks to you for all your efforts in keeping all of us informed. Was great hearing about Knif and I wonder where his brother is these days. Bill I remember the holidays when we used to slay the black crappie over the well at the dam! Was so cold the lines froze in the eyelets, ice on the walk and the coffee hot at the dam cafe at Hennesseys. Damn, good ole days and memories. Have a great holiday season and GO SOONERS GO, damn I am proud of our boys!
Love Ralph and Jackie "2008" [Ralph is class '52]"

.....you are the chestnuts by my fire. thanks again for the stirring notes."
Dick [Densley, class '59]

Want to take this opportunity to say "thanks" for the newsletter. I know it takes a lot of work. Have been traveling a lot. Greece this summer. NYC for thanksgiving. Sat five seats away from Hilliary and her semibeautiful daughter. Got back from Cancun last night. Hope all is well with you and Bill and that all of my young old classmates have a blessed and happy Christmas!
Dan [Glascock, class '59]

Also greetings from Randy Parker, Jovita (Reinwand) Weeks, Ed Adams, all class '59; Mike Lehew, class '68, and Ronny Jones, class '55.

Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman in sunny....'er snowy, CA.......she lives at Lake Arrowhead....says...."Thanks for the news. I just watched the huge plow go by and berm us in. At least I can drive to the Village and get the mail...maybe. I think we are at that age where we don't thrill when it snows several feet deep anymore."

Weather has warmed slightly in the home town...... Be glad when this series of arctic blasts' is over. HO! HO! HO! to all.......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 15

So sorry to have to report the loss of yet another classmate. George York, 75, of Lawton passed last Saturday. George is class of '51 and he had been ill for some time. He is brother to Ralph York who is class '58.
Services will be this Thursday Dec. 18 at Whinery-Huddleston Funeral Home, 11:00am. Burial will be in Ft. Sill National Cemetery at 1:00pm. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday and Wednesday, 3:00 - 8:00pm.Whinery-Huddleston is located at 6210 Cache Road.

Also passing, Lee (Darvin) Fox, 58, of Lawton. Lee passed on Dec. 11 and services were in Lawton on Monday Dec. 15. Lee is a LHS grad but not sure year she graduated. She is survived by a daughter Janice Baker and a brother Ernest Darvin, several grand children.
So very sorry for these losses.

Had a lovely Christmas card and great 'newsletter' from '58 classmate Carolyn Swinney. Carolyn moved back to Nashville this past summer after several years in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area. She issued a cordial invitation to any who may be traveling her way.

Bill & I had opportunity to be in Medicine Park this past week-end for a Christmas party at the Music Hall (old skating rink) which was most festive. But what I want to pass along is how beautiful the park looked. It was a rare evening in Oklahoma, no wind, not too cold, and along the river walk (we walked) especially from in front of the Plantation (old hotel) toward the Music Hall the Christmas lights are just beautiful.
Many of the houses are also decorated and its a lovely, quaint, experience. There has been a lot of hard, dedicated work put into the Park the past few years. I highly recommend a drive out some warmer evening if you have opportunity before first of year. I think lights will be up through New Years.
If you want to have dinner while there, the food at the Plantation is good, as is Riverside Cafe. I don't know hours at Riverside Cafe but the Plantation is open 11:00am - 9:00pm, 7 days a week.

Earl Barton sent me this.......love it!
"We'll be friends until we are old and senile. Then we'll be NEW friends."

After being almost 80 Sunday, front blew in at dark and it is bitter cold, overnight 18. About 16 as I write this on Monday night. Gonna be a cold Tuesday morning! Currently dry, but possible sleet coming in tonight. Stay warm, snuggle up with someone you (heart).........Georgia
......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 11

So sorry to report the passing of Linda Sue (Rogers) Taylor, 64, of Wichita Falls, TX. Linda passed Dec. 7.
She is a '62 grad LHS. Linda was a licensed hairdresser and worked with special needs students Rider High School. She is survived by companion Dan Gordon, a sister Shelia (Rogers) Poole and a brother Billy Rogers.
Services will be Friday Dec. 12 at the First Christian church in Wichita Falls, 3:00pm Burial will be at Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may call from 1:30pm - 2:45pm at the church on Friday prior to services.
On line obit and guest book at <www.lunnscolonial.com>

Received this update from '59 classmate Patsy (Sheppard) just few days ago about hubby Larry Holcomb:
"Larry isn't doing well......we thought that he would be a candidate for the Whipple Procedure that is done by a very well known doctor at OU Med Center. However, due to some complications and much confusion between all the different teams of drs........they have now decided against the Whipple Procedure and will only do chemo. That is not the answer we were hoping for......pancreatic cancer is so aggressive and unless caught in the early stages by sheer accident because there is no testing for it. Chemo doesn't do a lot, just slows down the growth some.
He is beginning to have some very intense pain......I am in the process of calling our original dr. that referred us to OU Med Center and see if I can get him to get us in with an oncologist earlier than the OU oncologist. Please feel free to share the info on Larry with all of our LHS classmates. We can never have enough prayers in our lives now. Pat"

In addition, I know that Pat is recovering from recent knee replacement surgery and has been on a walker. So, please join me in keeping both in your prayers.

We should have gone to Wayne Kniffin's ("Kniff's") for Thanksgiving! He emailed they had 35# of turkey (2 birds). And trimmins galore They had about 30+ people so they wouldn't have noticed a few more! haha!
Wayne - class '52 - & wife Judy live in Michigan.

Ed Harp's December LHS class '54 newsletter is chock full of great news about classmates. Appreciate his work!
To receive, notify Ed at: edharp@swbell.net

I know some are planning to head to warmer climate for the holidays. Meanwhile, been very cold here in the 'home-town', little warmer today as we wait for further winter expected on Monday.
Fixing to warm up the car and run those 'Santa' errands.......Georgia

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Aunt Bill's Brown Candy ~ An Oklahoma Original!

The 'King' of Holiday Candies!

Aunt Bill's Brown Candy: Cooking Light columnist Molly Wizenberg shares her holiday baking ritual: the old-timey Aunt Bill's Brown Candy, a cross between praline and fudge from her homestate of Oklahoma. This soft, nutty, and somewhat crumbly southern delight is the ideal holiday treat. Makes 30 pieces.

Ingredients:

3 cups sugar, divided
1 cup half and half
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound pecans, toasted, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)

Preparation:

Butter 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan. Combine 2 cups sugar and half and half in heavy large saucepan. Stir occasionally over low heat until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Bring remaining 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to boil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; continue boiling without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, brushing sides of pan with wet brush and swirling pan, about 8 minutes.
Immediately pour caramel syrup into half and half mixture in large saucepan (mixture will bubble). Stir constantly over medium-low heat until caramel dissolves. Attach candy thermometer to side of pan. Increase heat to medium.

Continue cooking and stirring until mixture registers 244°F, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda (mixture will foam slightly). Add butter and stir to melt. Let stand without stirring until mixture cools to 160°F, about 20 minutes.

Mix in vanilla.Using large wooden spoon, stir constantly until candy begins to thicken and loses its gloss, 4 to 5 minutes. (usually takes two people to beat). Mix in nuts (candy will be very stiff). Scrape candy into prepared pan. Using wet fingertips, press candy firmly into pan. Cool completely, then cut into 30 squares.

December '08 issue Bon Appetit magazine

Thursday, December 11, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 7

Talked with Doyce Grayson few days ago - my bud and one of my favorite people - he is re-cooping nicely after heart surgery, feeling good, and when I caught him he was sitting on the canal at the Gaylord Texan!
He and wife Diane met and were having dinner with '56 classmates Myrna Kay Langly, Kay Kimble, and Yvonne Anderson Coombs who were over nighting in DFW area before heading to NYCity to shop and see the sights!
They have a Donald Trump condo and plan to take the 'big apple' by storm!
Doyce says he asked them to toast a drink to him at Tavern on the Green!
So happy Doyce is doing well and he emailed me....
" I want to thank everyone that has had me in their prayers and thoughts these last couple of weeks while I have been experiencing these difficulties. I have been blessed with some of the best friends in the world and I'm not even prejudice. Again thanks, Doyce Grayson - Class of '56 and Honorary Member of the Class of '57."
Doyce is a sweetie! btw...Doyce told me he bought a new electric car!!!! After Christmas, hope we can plug that sucker in and take a spin!!!! Maybe can use electric rollers at same time? Or maybe just the ride will curl my hair!!

Had a visit with '59 classmate Wade Harrison at our local Greek Restaurant. Wade was doing great with his new knee and introduced me to his lovely daughter Laura who is here visiting!

Had a sweet note from Carolyn Sweeney - class '58 - she said her sister LaVelle (Sweeney) Boyd, who recently passed, was LHS class '49. Knew she was a grad but didn't know year.

A photo exhibit opening at the Museum of the Great Plains this week-end features a trio of local gal photogs including a LHS grad. 'Santa Fe Through the Lens of Friends' will exhibit photographs done by Fran Whener, Diane Mullins, and Janice (Parker) Drewry who is class '55. The exhibit will hang through Feb. 1.

I can't imagine (ha,ha) but several emailed that they were not familiar with Aunt Bill's Brown candy. If you would like the recipe (from Bon Appetit), I have it posted at another blog site I do: http://thruthegrapevine-grapevine.blogspot.com/

How 'bout them SOONERS!!!!!!! Go BIG RED!

OK, gonna go put on my Santa hat! 2-3 beautiful days here before next 'winter blast'.

Regards to all.......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent Nov. 29

I am so sorry to once again have to report the loss of classmates and LHS alumn. But....I know people do want to know...

Received an email on Friday from Eric Choney to let me know his brother Erroll Choney, 69, passed on Thursday evening, Nov. 27.
(obit is in Saturday Lawton paper). Choney had been battling cancer for a while and I saw him not all that long ago. I am sorry I did not realize he had gotten bad again. I always called him just 'Choney', he was a great guy! He is class of '57.
He is survived by two sons, Mark & Chris and two daughters, Elizabeth and Ranay. Two sisters, '59 classmate Karen Culloty and Goldie Phillips; two brothers Eric and Cloyce.
Services will be this Monday, Dec. 1, at Cameron Baptist church, 10:00am. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.There will be a prayer service at 7:00pm Sunday Nov. 30 (tomorrow) at Comanche Nation Funeral Home, 2701 SW J in Lawton.

Donald Dean Wickens, 78, of Lawton also passed on Thursday. Donald attended Lincoln Elementary and graduated LHS. Do not know exact year. He is survived by wife Lois, daughter & son-in-law Judy & Billy Beville; a son Donald Dean Wickens, Jr.
Services will be Monday Dec. 1 at Becker Funeral Home Chapel, 1:00pm. Burial will be in Marlow.
Friends may call from 4:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday at the funeral home.
An online guest book is at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Also passing Marjorie E. 'Madge' (Messenger) Wade, 92, of Lawton. Madge grew up in Lawton and graduated LHS, not sure of year. She married 'Charley' Wade in 1939, he passed in 1995. She is survived by 10 sons and spouses, 3 daughters and spouses, 29 grandchildren, 10 great grand children.
Services will be this Monday Dec. 1 at Holy Family Catholic church in Lawton, 10:00am.
A wake service will be held at 7:00pm Sunday Nov. 30 (tomorrow) at the church.
An online guest book is at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

I know our sympathies are with those who have lost loved family members and we have lost classmates and friends.

Jerry (Sasser) asked me to pass along that her husband - Ron Childs - will be having surgery on Dec. 18 for removal of prostate and lymph nodes. Recent tests indicate some cancer. She asks for your prayers on his behalf and those who will be treating him.

Class of '59......for those who are working on locating classmates....please send any info you have/find to Carlana (Fitch) Murray....and her email is <carlanaf@kempcenter.org>
We will be meeting again in late January - date tba.

Action is currently taking place with hopes that a 93 mile section of highway - which includes parts of Oklahoma 115, 58, 49, and 19 - will be approved and included for the National Scenic Byways Program. These highways go out through the Wichita Mtns., Medicine Park, and surrounding area. Sites along the 'way' would include historic cobblestone buildings in the Meers and Saddle Mountain area, historical artifacts of Quanah Parker, various museums dedicated to Native American and military history as well as the refuge itself. See pix below taken on 115 north of Meers. Note windmills at top. Beautiful area, hope it happens!

Recovering from 'ate-too-much' Thursday and black Friday!

Regards to all.........Georgia
......LHS News......
Originally sent Nov. 27

Really don't like to hear that my good friend Doyce Grayson - class '56 - had a severe heart attack a few days ago. Good news is, with meds and those pesky 'life-style changes', hes gonna re-coop. Drove himself to hospital, some stints. Left hospital for home on Tuesday. Guess now he will just be making reunions '4 years, either way' instead of his customary five! Huh, Doyce! Hope so!!!!
Always enjoy seeing and visiting with Doyce!
Numerous from here and all over are keeping his phone line hot!
Doyce, wishing you all the best and a good recovery!

I know '59 classmate Wade Harrison had knee surgery recently also. Think he is doing well.

I tell you....all us with 'new' parts!!!! 'Parts is parts'!!!

Also, George York - class '51 - is a resident of the VA Center here in Lawton but has been in Memorial Hospital for several months now. I know he would appreciate hearing from friends and classmates. His brother is our classmate Ralph York.

Its about noon here in the home town and its a gorgeous Thanksgiving day. Bill is getting ready to grill 10 racks of lamb that have been marinading a couple of days in olive oil, lemon juice, fresh Rosemary. Then over the mountains and through the woods to brother George's house where there will also be turkey and 'roast beast'!
Actually, he lives in Sneed Acres but the other sounds so much more Thanks-give-iney!
The Good Lord has been most generous to us and I wish the same and more to each of you!
Happy Thanksgiving........Georgia