Monday, April 28, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent April 28

Funeral services for Juanita Hedgcoxe Aust, 88, of Lawton will be Tuesday April 29 at First United Methodist church in Lawton, 2:00pm, with private burial at Sunset Memorial Garden. Mrs. Aust passed away April 23.
Mrs. Aust was born, grew-up, and attended school in Marlow. She married James Aust in 1942 & worked with her husband in the finance business in Lawton. Survivors include only daughter Donna Littlefield. Grandson Austin Wayne Littlefield & wife Anissa of Dallas. Mrs. Aust is also aunt to LHS '56 classmate Bill Cole.
Services are under direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home and an on line guest book is available at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

Correction: Sorry, got my Sherrys mixed up. The correct Sherry coordinating the class 1978 is Sherry Van Ness at <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LawtonHigh78/ > NOT Sherry Conwell as first stated!

Mitch Braley emailed that he was off to a horse auction this past week-end. Hoping to pick up a new hay-burning ride! He's hankering to get back-in-the-saddle-again and ride with the Lawton Rangers every time they saddle up! That's a tall order Bronco Brady! Gee Haw!

According to Sunday newspaper, '59 classmate Judge Sam Joyner, US magistrate for the Northern District of Oklahoma, will be the speaker for the Lawton-Fort Sill annual Law Day luncheon this week. Sam has been a US magistrate in Tulsa since 1995. In these parts he is affectionately called the - I'll clean it up - "chicken poo-poo" judge. They say its because he has had some jurisdiction in a poultry waste lawsuit in Oklahoma?? Yeah, right! hahaha!!!!! Sic 'em, your honor!

Beautiful weather...... headed out to work in the yard!!!! Georgia
......LHS News......
Reunions
Originally sent April 26

These are reunion dates that I am currently aware of......and I gotta say...some of these are gettin' on down the road form 'us'! Whew!

LHS class 1988 - 20 year reunion. Date to be announced. Contact Christy Spivey at: chanclerc@yahoo.com

LHS class 1978 - 30 year reunion, Friday July 11. For info contact Sherry VanNess at:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LawtonHigh78/ >

LHS classes of '52-'53-'54 will meet for their 5 year reunion on Friday July 25 - a BBQ - and Saturday July 26 for a dinner banquet. Separate class '52 function will be held. Details for all soon.

LHS 1958 - 50 year reunion Friday & Saturday August 15-16. There will be a hamburgers/hotdogs type event at the Medicine Park Music Hall (old skating rink) on Friday night. Saturday night will be a dinner banquet at the Best Western Hotel/Motel in Lawton. I was told a 'block' of rooms at a special rate has been set aside at the Best Western - 1125 E. Gore, (580) 353-0200.
If you are class '58, look for details soon (if not already) in your snail mail box! For info contact Ken Easton at: kennetheeaston@yahoo.com or Loretta Hartline at: lhartline@sbcglobal.net

LHS class of '68 will have its 40th reunion on Saturday August 30 at the Best Western Hotel, 1125 East Gore. Its going to be a "reception and mixer" with entertainment by the rock band BRUTS, made up of class members and friends!! Co$t for the evening is $35.00 per person or $65.00 per couple, kicks off at 6:30pm.For info contact Eddie Hamra at (580) 353-5800 or email: emw2@swbell.net

LHS class '73 - 35 year reunion, Friday September 12. Contact Connie Martinez at: imconnie73@aol.com

LHS classes '49-'50-'51-'52 will meet for their annual reunion on Friday & Saturday September 12-13. Friday night will be a tailgate party for the LHS vs McArthur football game!Meet on the west side of Cameron Stadium, 38 & Gore, 6:00pm. Bring your own 'dinner' and NON-alcoholic drinks. Red and white will sit on south side of stadium for game.
On Saturday night, Sept. 13, all will meet again for a dinner at 'The Event', 1001 SW A in Lawton. Social hour at 5:00pm, dinner at 6:00pm. Classmates will be bringing hors d'oeuvres, dinner will feature roast beef. Cost $15. per person and paid reservations are due no later than August 30. There will be a $5. late charge after Aug. 30. Classmates should have already received this info in mail.
Mail reservations/money to Jo (Van Stone) Riley at 224 Northwood, Lawton, OK 73507. For info call: (580) 357-7157 or email jomama632@sbcglobal.net There will also be a separate class '52 function in September in conjunction with this reunion. Details soon.

LHS class '98 - 10 year reunion, October 10. Contact Lindsay Fitz at: lindsay.fitz@nbcuni.com

Some of this info is also posted on the official LHS School web site. I sent some dates [to LHS] that were not listed so a complete list of currently set reunions should be posted soon. But, keep in mind, there could be changes to dates and events? Will do my best to keep all posted.

Happy reunions to all........Georgia

Friday, April 25, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent April 23

Update: Grave side services for Vivian Joyce (Pursley) Dendy, 68, Norman, will be at 10:00am Sunday, April 27, at Faxon Cemetery in Faxon, OK (just a little SW of Lawton). She died Wednesday April 16, 2008 in Norman.
She was born December 31, 1939 to Joyce J. and Wilma Pursley in Lawton, Okla. She remained there until attending Howard Payne College, Brownwood, Texas. Married Donald Dendy in 1958, later divorced. Became a resident of Norman, Okla. in 1970 where she lived the rest of her life. She was a bookkeeper for Kunkel's Lumber and W & W Sand for a number of years. She was very well known for her piano playing and singing.
Survivors include two daughters, Di Anna White, Norman, and Jennifer Worley, Oklahoma City. A brother Roger, her mom Wilma Pursley. Also left to cherish her memory are four grandchildren, Nevada Dendy, Cheyenne Dendy, Moriah Dendy, and J.R. White. And various other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Jay Dendy and her father J.J. Pursley. (a slight re-write from Norman Transcript obit that Frank Hankins sent)
You may sign guest book at:<http://www.legacy.com/normantranscript/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=108195377>

Also passing, Mark Russell English, 52, Jenks, OK. Mark attended Washington grade school, Central, & graduated LHS class '74. Mark passed April 11 and services will be this Saturday, April 26, at Centenary United Methodist church in Lawton, 1:00pm. Mark is survived by wife Janet and daughter Lauren. His parents Darrold & Lucille English are both deceased as is a brother Larry English. (Larry was also LHS grad & passed not all that long ago).

And, I received a call that Juanita Aust of Lawton, passed away this morning (Wed). She has been in ill health for some time. Juanita is mom to classmate Donna (Aust) Littlefield. Donna is LHS class '62 or maybe '61?
No details on services as yet.

Also want to pass along, Mike Wilkerson, class '53 I believe, is currently in SouthWestern Hospital in Lawton. Bless Mike...he just has some problems but may be going 'home' Thursday? He would love to hear from any who would care to drop a card or a note. Home for Mike is Ten Oaks Retirement Center, 3610 SE Huntington Circle, Lawton, OK 73501; (580) 353-1190 - main number.

Always hate this sad/bad news BUT......unfortunately it's a part of life.

OK......on to good news 'dept'.......I was asked to pass this info along for LHS class 1978 and have also made a link on the Wolvernetblog site:
"Welcome! If you are a member of the Lawton High School class of 1978, then please join us. Let us know where you are and what you're doing these days. We hope to keep up-to-date information about reunions and any other things going on with class members. <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LawtonHigh78/ >
Thanks so much..I just wanted to start a place where we could keep in touch.....Sherry"

Had a great lunch and visit today with '59 classmates Johnna Parks, Janey Scott, and Kay Strickland. We motored out to the Plantation (old hotel) at Medicine Park to check things out. They have done a great job of re-doing the old hotel and the food was quite good. Its a 'fun' and enjoyable place to relax & soak in the ambiance! Water was gushing profusely over the 'falls' just across the road from the hotel. Guess Lawtonka is full. Check it out when you have opportunity.
btw...today was Kay's bday!!!!!!

Johnna & Wayne Parks are in process of packing up in Houston and will be moving home mid-summer after an absence of some 15 years! Can't wait to have them home!

Received this from LHS '57-er Mitch Braley:
"I am retiring for the third and last time, however I will be very busy at the farm in Northeast Texas....... and also in Oklahoma. Yes! I love both states!God bless you all. (Call me if you want to talk about football teams). MB

Some asked that I report on classmates travels, trips, etc. While some don't like their 'plans' known......I will be happy to pass along any travel-logs you wish to share!!!!

Speaking of travels.....received this recently from class '56 Tom Wells who should be back in Kansas by now:
To all, Spring has sprung in Kansas (sort of) and now it's time to click our heels three time to go home. What a great three months we've had this year in San Antonio. We've enjoyed having many long time friends and family who live in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, several locations in Texas visit us. We've also added a few more new friends from San Antonio to our list this year. I hate to admit this, but I almost got golfed out a couple times this year. 36 holes of golf a day for five and six days started to wear on me a little bit, but I loved every minute of it. Judy enjoyed our visitors, shopping, good weather and singing in the Ft Sam Houston choir. Now we are cleaning and packing and will be departing today to Brenham (home of Blue Bell Ice cream), Richmond, Ft Worth and then on to the Land of Oz. If we'd known KU would have made the Final Four we'd have made other arrangements. That is what we get for not having faith in our Jayhawks. God bless everyone. God has smiled on Judy and I and we ARE grateful. Ain't life grand? Tom and Judy

All my best.....Georgia

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent April 18

I am so sorry to hear (via Frank Hankins) that '57 classmate Vivian Joyce (Pursley) Dendy passed away this last Wednesday (16th) in Norman. She is to be cremated.I just spoke with her long time friend Rose Bianco here in Lawton and Rose said plans are that a memorial service will be held at Faxon cemetery, 10:00am on Sunday April 27th. Should be in Lawton paper soon. (could be changes?) Vivian has been in failing health for several years and had became a recluse. She is survived by her mom who is also in failing health, two daughters - a son passed away several years ago; a brother Roger and a sister. So very sorry to hear of her passing.

Also passing, Marion Eugene 'Gene' Wickwire, 64, of Big Piney, WY. Believe Gene was class '62. Services were in WY this past Monday. Gene is survived by wife Karen and two brothers Charles and David Wickwire.

I also learned after the fact that Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman - class '56 - lost her father recently. He lived in Kansas and Frankie attended services there. Frankie lives in Lake Arrowhead, CA and our sympathies are with Frankie and her family.

Dean Henderson, class '57, sent this out to many in his class and asked me to pass along to my 'list' in hopes of getting it to others. He sent it to '57 classmate Frank Hankins talking about their 50th reunion. Class of '57-ers, if you would care to respond, you can reach Dean at:
< deanhenderson@sbcglobal.net> ..........
"I've been thinking about how much I enjoyed the reunion you headed up last year. You really did a great job. I'd like to see us do something every two years or so. At our age, five years is really long range planning. I've had other classmates say they'd like to get together on that same basis." Dean

I had opportunity to visit with Ken Easton on Monday.....Ken said plans for class '58 - 50 year reunion on are on schedule & going great - August 15-16. He said they had some super classmates working on the event, said they were having good luck finding some 'lost' classmates and letters with info on the two day reunion are in the mail right away. Ken did say there would be hamburgers/hotdogs type event at the Medicine Park Music Hall (old skating rink) on Friday night. If you are class '58, look for info soon in your snail mail box.
For other info contact Ken at: or Loretta Hartline at: lhartline@sbcglobal.net

Speaking of Medicine Park...and we have on occasion....'they' have published a Medicine Park Centennial Cookbook - 1908 ~ 2008. It is a spiral bound, 91 page cook-book with history and great old pictures of the Park and many wonderful sounding recipes from 'residents' of the Park. It is a neat book - I have one.
If you have interest, the easiest place to purchase on is at the Museum of the Great Plains here in town. I drove out to the park to purchase a while back, but the places that had them are only open Saturday or some just on Sunday. Runs about $18. with tax.

Remember.......past LHS News is archived on the WolverNet blog:
< http://www.thewolvernet.blogspot.com/>PLUS...photos and links to other sites!

Regards to all.........Georgia

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent April 9

So sorry to read of the passing of Dorothy Faye Green Davis, 90, of Lawton. Mrs. Davis is mom to our '59 classmate Weldon Davis of OKC. Mrs. Davis passed away on April 6 and services will be 2:00pm this Friday, April 11, at Central Baptist church here in Lawton. In addition to son Weldon she has a daughter Cleta.

Also passing, Larry Joe McCormack, 60, of Lawton. Larry is a 1964 grad of LHS. He passed on April 7 and services will also be this Friday April 11 at 11:00am, Letitia Baptist church (east of Lawton). Larry was in the army, Vietnam - received many medals; He was an NHRA race car driver and also won many awards. He is survived by a brother, Bobby James McCormack, three daughters, a step daughter and two step-sons.Our sympathies go to the families of these who have lost loved ones.

Don Cunningham and Kay (Purvis) Cunningham, think both LHS '56 grads, just celebrated their golden 50th anniversary (March 22, 1958). They live up between Elgin and Rush Springs, both retired, have three sons and four grandkids! Kay is sister to Gene Purvis - class '60 and Ralph Purvis, class'52.

btw...Ralph lives down San Antonio way with wife Jackie and has been fighting cancer some time - successfully. He just told me he is back on chemo since 28 February, so hope you will join me in keeping him in your prayers.

The LHS class of '68 will have its 40th reunion on Saturday August 30 at the Best Western Hotel, 1125 East Gore.Its going to be a "reception and mixer" with entertainment by the rock band BRUTS, made up of class members and friends!! Co$t for the evening is $35.00 per person or $65.00 per couple, kicks off at 6:30pm.For info contact Eddie Hamra at (580) 353-5800 or email: emw2@swbell.net

Just FYI.......A business entrepreneur from over Altus way has made some heavy investment in the Medicine Park community and has finished re-modeling the Old Plantation (hotel) at MP which is just now open for business. Owner Forrest Ray says the ground floor of the old hotel - which was originally built the year Oklahoma became a state - 1907 - is all original from the ceiling down! The upstairs is still serving as a storage area. An area on the ground floor has been left for a possible gift shop in the future and for local artists to display their work. Restaurant open 11:00am - 9:00pm, seven days a week.
Ray also owns the Riverside Cafe in MP plus a restaurant in Altus and one in Blair. I've eaten at Riverside, pretty good! *Fun* place to go....beautiful this time of year!
(aside: 1907 - year my Papa was born - great year)

I know the class of '58 plans to have their Friday night event at Medicine Park this August!

Guys....Bills ribs were soooooo good! Fed about 175 and several LHS classmates that I saw.....Jerry ('57) & Gwen Phelps, ('59); JoLynn (Ansley) Kramer ('55); & Milt Simpson ('55).

Regards from the 'home town'.......Georgia

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

......LHS News......
Originally sent April 4

I noted last Monday paper the passing of Margaret E. Niemczyk, 89, of Lawton. I believe she is the mother of '58 grad Mike Niemczyk - listed as Gary Michael of San Francisco. Also a son, James A. "Jim" Niemczyk of Lawton. Graveside services for Margaret were this past Wednesday, April 2, at Fort Sill Post Cemetery. So very sorry to hear of her passing & sorry to be late getting this out!!

I had a great email from class '61 grad Roy House (Roy is sister to our '59 classmate Mary Lee (House). Roy said I could 'share'.......
"Let me start out by saying that I have really enjoyed reading your LHS newsletter; it's wonderful reading and hearing about my classmates."Kudos" to you for your dedication of producing great updates . I'm not sure if this would be of interest to fill in your newsletter, but you be the judge. It's a story about a classmate of ours, Bill Drewry. It was about 1955 when the Drewrys lived on the corner of Cherry and Laird that I first met Bill.We lived about two blocks from them on Birch.He was several years older than I and a lot BIGGER. He had an old motorcycle, a Villiers as I recall, and every night he would work on it in his garage. It was a cantankerous piece which may or may not start at any given time.He never seemed to mind my coming over and watching him work on it though.I was so enthralled and mesmerized by anything that had an engine on a frame and propelled itself that I just had to "borrow" it. I might add that it was without his knowing. One morning I slowly and quietly pushed it out of his garage and over to my house.(my parents had gone to work already) It became futile trying to start it with the kick-starter so I pushed to a nearby neighbors driveway that had a very steep slope and I could coast down it and kick it in gear.I finally managed to get it going and commenced to cruz around town. Thankfully there wasn't much traffic back then!! After a couple of hours I thought it best to return it to Bills house, but when I was pushing up his drive-way I looked up and to my horror saw Bill standing there at the door looking at me. I just knew my world was about to come to an end. Anyway I managed to muster up enough courage and pushed it on up to the garage past him.He just stood there,probably trying to decide what to do to me,or maybe he was about to reach Critical Mass,I'm not sure. I honestly cannot remember what he said, but he must have seen how red my face was and figured I probably had pushed it further than I had ridden it,and him knowing how crazy I was about motorcycles that he let me off with-out tearing me a new one. I've never forgotten this story and have told it several times over the years, and I'd like to say to Bill if he ever gets a chance to read this, THANKS........for your understanding man. I know this is rather long, although I cut out a lot of details, so if you want to use it as a filler, do so....thanks, ....Roy House
PS If anyone wants to contact me,please do."
Roy added this bit in another email: "I delivered the newspaper to all of Fields & Dunning edition for years.I knew Joe Scott, Dick Bullock, Lyntha Nicklas, Joanna Cargill, the Ashlock girls, oh I could go on for-ever, Ann Shepard, Judy Gibson, Ginda Kenzie, Mayland Wolverton, etc .They all lived in that area. I've lived in Claremore,Ok now for the past thirty years and own an auto repair business for the last twenty-seven.I come home fairly often,not often enough as my sister says,and I keep in touch with several good friends,Wayne Littlefield, Ed Forsyth, and others.
btw.......You can contact Roy at royascardoc@sbcglobal.net

Chatted with '59 classmate LaMartha Cook at local lunch spot last week and spoke with Sid Ahlschiager - class '57 & wife Jackie (Spradlin) - also '57, at local cafeteria. Sid said "to be sure" I told everyone I saw him and that he only went back [for more] twice! I counted, hes right!
OK Sid....done deal!

Bill smoked all day today (Friday), its the annual rib cook for the local GOP ~ BBQ! If you want some real hickory smoked ribs ( I tried them this afternoon - quality control) YUM-E! .....you would be most welcome! 6:00pm Saturday at the Worley Center at the Great Plains Tech School here in Lawton. Only $20.00 per person!btw...did see name of some '59 classmates on the list to attend!

Best regards to all..........Georgia
......LHS News......
Originally sent March 23

So sorry to report yet another loss.....'59 classmate James Lewis "Jim" Strickland, 68, passed away on Thursday March 20. Jim had a very serious heart attack several weeks ago, eventually had bypass surgery, and sadly just never recovered. Jim married Judy Cole in 1963 and he lived in Frederick & operated Frederick Auto Trim & Upholstery for over 40 years. He was a longtime member of the Frederick Quarterback Club and was very active in their activities. Jim is survived by two daughters - Tama and Kimi; brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Kay (Holsey) Strickland; sister Ella and brother-in-law Bill Burch; sister Reba and brother-in-law Larry Noble. Jerry & Kay, Reba, and Ella - all LHS grads.Services will be this Monday, March 24, at the Frederick Bomber Bowl Football Stadium in Frederick at 2:00pm.Friends are invited to call Sunday 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Gray Gish Funeral Home Chapel in Frederick. An online guest book is at: <www.graygishfuneral.com>

Great to hear from classmates & I had numerous responses after the last news....enjoyed email notes from Don Yancy, Mike Wyant, Jovita Weeks, Barbara (Ramey) Wiseman...and sharing some below.

Had this great email from '59 classmate Stephanie (Lester), along with picture and she told me to share:

Georgia! Things are looking real good health wise and wanted to send you a photo of me in The Pilates Studio/New York City. Whoever is coming to NYC and wants a free Pilates session...my cell is 917-402-6314. This offer is only for LHS grads!! Big Hug - Stephanie

'56 grad Mike Keeran sent me his new email address along with these great comments:
"I grew up in Lawton and graduated from LHS in 1956. I was editor of the Tatler and during my two years at Cameron. I was also editor of that paper as well. I was planning to be a sports writer but somewhere along the way that got derailed and I went to medical school graduating from OU Med School in 1963. I practiced Dermatology in Little Rock, AR, from 1070 until 2005. In order to be nearer some of my grandchildren I moved to Atlanta in 2006 where I now live.Since both my parents died in the early '90's I no longer visit Lawton and I miss seeing it. Your letter never fails to bring back memories. Please keep me on your list!Yours, Mike Keeran, LHS Class 1956
PS- In high school I was known as Mr. Peepers, a name I haven't heard in years."

Got a great email from Roy House, class '61. Will share in next news.
.....Happy Easter.......Georgia
......LHS News......
Originally sent March 20

So very sorry to report the passing of Nancy Carol (Lee) Welborn Hodson, 64, of Lawton. Nancy passed away this morning - Thursday March 20.
She was born in Lawton, attended Whitter, Central Jr. High, and graduated LHS in 1961. Nancy married '59 classmate Charles Welborn...sorry can't remember when....but they were married many years and Charles died suddenly in about 1982-83? Nancy remarried Benton Hodson in 1985. I knew Charles and Nancy well as we all attended church together growing up as well as school. Nancy was a sweet gal and it's unfortunate she had serious health problems the past 2-3 years.She is survived by son Michael Welborn, daughters Diana Welborn and Kimberly Hodson, and a step-daughter Nancy. Two brothers David Lee and Danny Lee and Nancy's mom Barbara Lee.Services will be this Saturday, March 22, at the Western Hills church of Christ in Lawton, 2:00pm.

'59 classmate Claudia (Looney) Davis said the old chandelier in the school auditorium reminded her of the Phantom of the Opera! You know...she's right! I don't really remember paying much attention to it when we were in the auditorium, but it is a neat old item. Glad they are 'saving' it.
btw...when you have a minute, take a look at the Wolvernet blog. I have added 4 new pictures including the old chandelier! (on the right side) Pictures have been included in previous 'news' but new to the blog!
< http://www.thewolvernet.blogspot.com/>

And I apologize....I gave Johanna Cargills' name as Riley when in fact it is now...Johanna Brown! Sor-re!

Beautiful day! Bill was lunching with the guys, so I took a 'break' and motored down to Wayne's. I could not believe it....not a place to park. Finally able to get to a speaker and got me a foot-long coney to go! Yummy!!!!

Regards to all.......Georgia

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter and Spring Time.