......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 29

Sorry, more losses of classmates and community: Mildred (Waddle) Shepard, 93, passed Dec. 20 in Lawton. Mildred is a 1933 grad of LHS. She worked at the law firm of Godlove, Tyree, and Harper until 1941. She later worked at the YMCA. She is survived by son Paul and his wife Judy.
A memorial service was held Dec. 27 at St. Andrews Episcopal church.
An on line guest book is at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

And another loss, Vicki (Clay) McFarland, 54, of Lawton. Vicki passed Dec. 23. She is a '73 grad of LHS. Services were on Monday Dec. 29.
An on line guest book is at: <www.whineryhuddleston.com>

Also passing, Faye (Moore) Good Godwin, 85, of Lawton. She passed Dec. 26. I believe she is mom to '58 grad Libby Lou (Good) Brazell and a son Ben Good.Services will be Tuesday, Dec. 30 at First Assembly of God, 10:00am. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.
An on line guest book is at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Also passing a long time Lawtonian. Mollie (Alverson) Mitchell, 88, of Lawton. Mollie is widow of Dr. Joe Mitchell. Although originally from Texas she moved here with doctor Joe in 1945. I know many of you remember them both. Mollie passed on Dec. 27 after a lengthy illness. A grave side service will be Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Highland Cemetery, 2:00pm. Service under direction of Becker Funeral Home.
<http://www.beckerfuneral.com/sitemaker/sites/becker0/obit.cgi?user=mollie-mitchell>

On a brighter note, I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. I received so many eCards and snail mail cards and I enjoyed each and every one! Great to hear from all of you.

And, some great photos. One from Susan (Hankins) Ellington, taken from center of her driveway in New Mexico looking toward cul-de-sac and neighbors. The whole area does 'farolitos'....gorgeous! Actually, I had a few farolitos (luminaries) out myself! Love 'em!

Also a great photo from Patsy Ann (Sherratt) Theobald, class '59. Ann lives in St. George, UT and while snow is a 'rare' event, over 10" in two days made this picturesque snowscape.

Speaking of 'pictures'....I recently mentioned a 3-woman photography show at the Museum of the Great Plains. One of the photographers featured is Fran Wehner. Fran has a wonderful 'collage' type print she has done which includes old Lawton landmarks. It's titled 'Lawton Centennial Memories'. If you have interest you can see a copy of the print at her web site: <http://www.photosbyfran.com/gallery.aspx>
The photography exhibit continues at the Museum through mid-February.

Another great article by Edward Charles Ellenbrook in last Saturday Lawton paper (Dec. 27). His 'Wichita Mountains Field Notes' talk about the difficult task of moving the 105 year old Saddle Mountain Baptist church (Indian mission) to its current location in Eagle Park (Cache). The land for and the church (mission) was accomplished with great help from one Isabel Crawford, a 28 year old Canadian and an American Baptist Missionary who came to 'Indian Territory' in 1893 to work with the Kiowas. (Oklahoma didn't become a state until 1907). Crawford arrived just after graduating from Baptist Missionary Training School in Chicago.
Great article complete w/pictures, covers whole page. If you get opportunity, I think you would enjoy it.

Ran into '59 classmate Randall Moncrief who is visiting Lawton for the holidays. Randall currently lives in KY and says he plans to be here next year for the reunion.

Class '59: reunion planning committee will meet Monday Jan. 26, 7:00pm, Milo Gordon Hondo. ANY and ALL '59 grads encouraged to attend! Spread the word!

I want to wish you all a wonderful New Year ~ 2009! May God bless us all and these great United States. Georgia