Saturday, February 28, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Feb. 26

The all-LHS classes-invited Reunion set for April 18 at the Old Plantation in Medicine Park is shaping into an event!
I'm receiving cross mails from many planning to be here! So...hey, its for any & all classes but better let one of these gals know so enough space can be reserved:
Need to know NO LATER than April 4 if YOU plan to attend.
Contact:
Geneva (Harris) McIntosh, '62 - home (817)284-4162 - Ft. Worth.
Wynn Ann (Moore) Wright - home (580)355-2760 or cell (580) 695-9636. ...
****The Plantation (old hotel) at Medicine Park, Saturday April 18, 3:00pm!Lunch/dinner/food& drink, will be 'dutch treat' - off the regular menu, with 6-7 entrees priced at $9.95....****

Remembering a classmate:
"I am so sad that Stuart Tonemah passed without my getting to see him over these years. Quite a fascinating man and a talented educator as well as being a top high school football player. I remember we did call him "golden toes" Tonemah.
Carolyn Swinney" [class '58]

I appreciate Dean Henderson, class '57, who generously sent me thumb drive with pictures taken at their 50th back in 2007. As soon as time permits.....next few days I hope....I will upload and link on the blog!

'59 classmate Ed Adams was in town last week. He and his mom Gladys joined Bill & I for a Burgess burger! Great burger and fun visit talking about upcoming 50th this fall.
Also spied Janey and Jo Lynn munching a burger! Best burgers in town (my opinion).

Speaking of which......Class of '59 will meet TONIGHT Feb. 26, to coordinate searches for classmates. 7:00pm, Milo-Gordon Honda, ground floor lobby. ALL '59-ers needed and welcome!

If any are 'members' of the Military Brats Registry News, might be a good place to 'look' for those classmates who were of military families? <http://www.militarybrat.com>

Regards.....Georgia

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Feb. 16

Wanted to let all know of the passing of Alma (Cross) Rollins, 96, of Lawton. Mrs Rollins passed on Feb. 13. She is mom of '59 classmate Sharon (Rollins) Hulen; also two sons - David and Pete.
A private family service is planned under direction of Whinnery-Huddleston Funeral Home in Lawton.Friends may call on Monday and Tuesday, 9:00am ~ 8:00pm at the funeral home.
An on line guest book is at: <www.whineryhuddleston.com>

Also passing, Douglas Wayne Hillis, 59, of Lawton. Mr. Hillis passed on Feb. 11. He is a 1967 grad of LHS, attended Cameron & OSU. He is survived by his father, Kelly Hillis, a son Lucas Wade Hillis and a sister Jan Lewis.
He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia (Salisbury) Hillis.There are no services planned at this time.
An online guest book is at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

Update: there is now an on line guest book for Stuart Tonemah at: <http://www.whineryhuddleston.com/>

'59 classmates, Kay (Pavillard) and Jerry Otis are proud grandparents of grandbabies 11,12,13! Kay's daughter Michele gave birth (couple months early) to triplets on Feb. 11. Her first babies! Believe it's two boys and a girl!
WoW! I know some people gonna be busy!

Bonnie Hix says there is still NO date set for Washington School 100th Birthday celebration, but should be soon!
Remember, any who attended Washington School are encouraged to send her any newsclips, photos, stories, about YOUR school days at Washington.
Bonnie Hix blh42@att.net

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

Sunday, February 15, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Feb. 13

I am sad to report the loss of another '59 classmate, Stuart Alton Tonemah, of Yukon. Stuart has been ill for several years and lived about 3 years with his daughter Ginny in Nashville, moving back to Yukon area last summer with hopes of receiving a kidney transplant. Unfortunately he was not able to do so.
He has another daughter Kerri & 4 granddaughters.There will be a prayer service on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Huddleston Funeral Home, 6:00pm. Services will be Monday Feb. 16, at 10:30am, First United Methodist church in Lawton; burial will be at Mt. Scott Kiowa church in Lawton. The family ask in lieu of any flowers that you may make a contribution to the Norman First American building fund. Stuart had served as chairman of the committee to raise funding.On line guest book at: http://www.whineryhuddleston.com/

Wanted to let classmates know about the passing of Margaret Wanda Simpson, 89, of Lawton.She is the mom of Milton E. Simpson, class '55. Also, sons: Fred, David, Andy, Steve, and 13 grandchildren.Graveside services will be at 10:30am Monday, Feb. 16 at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Becker Funeral Home on Sunday, Feb. 15, 5:00pm ~ 6:00pm. There is extended obit and guest book at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>
So very sorry for these losses.

Our '59 classmate Mary Lee (House) Coleman had open heart surgery this week to repair a valve and hubby Bob reports she "came through with flying colors and prognoses is very good."

This is THE best comment on 'Elvis' and the infamous LHS picture to date! I hope he won't mind me sharing....I love it..........
Hello Georgia, I got your address from Sid Ahlschlager ( my brother in law ). I looked over a lot of the news items that were archived. Very interesting. Several postings about the Elvis picture. Basically, what you have there is a picture of a guy that dropped dead on the toilet from a drug overdose surrounded by several candidates for a 12 step rehab program. Now, who wouldn't want a picture of that.
Bobby Spradlin - '55

Some of the '59 girls had occasion to visit not long ago. Yes, we were eating, again! Pix at right. l-r: Marilyn Smith, Babs Yarmuk, moi, and Janey Scott.
Not pictured are Suzanne Jones Crawford and Johnna Parks.

Roses are red, Violets are blue; LOTS of chocolate is GOOD for you! Don't forget your sweetie tomorrow......

Wishing you all a Happy Valentines Day.............Georgia

Friday, February 13, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Feb. 11

Since 'we' have started trying to locate LHS grads of 1959....the 'news' contact list has exploded! For some of you, this will be your first news. Hope you enjoy and want to let you know, older 'news' and some photos are archived at:<http://www.thewolvernet.blogspot.com/>

This IS a story! From Marilyn Morris, class '56:
I don't remember what year she graduated from LHS, although I was class of 56; she must have been about 4 years earlier than me.....but wanted to let everyone know Jo Nell (Dlugosch) Dickson was badly injured in a car wreck a few weeks ago. She and her husband, Ronnie Dickson, were driving home on US 287 after a wedding and a horse suddenly came out of nowhere, was clipped by the car in front of them, and the horse crashed through their windshield. JoNell was thrown into the back of the car, the decapitated horse on top of her, and the car caught fire. Ronnie, who had recently had heart surgery and was warned not to undertake any strenuous activity, nonetheless pulled her from the wreckage. Passers-by also stopped and helped. He was bruised, but otherwise okay.

JoNell was airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas where she underwent surgery to repair multiple broken bones and establish an airway, since her throat was crushed, leaving her unable to speak or eat. Later in the week, she underwent facial reconstruction as every bone in her face was broken. Her family says now she has no lines or wrinkles!

A few weeks later, she was transferred to the hospital in Henrietta, TX and will be in their rehab unit for quite some time. She has some trouble with her vision and hearing, but they expect that will pass. Her eldest child, Ronna Jo Dickson Stultz, passed away from leukemia about two years ago. She has two remaining daughters, one in Denton and one in CA. Her spirits are good and she is grateful they both survived. Just thought some of her former classmates would like to know, and if they wanted to send a card or if they are in the area, drop by and visit. Marilyn Morris, (her former sister-in-law)

btw.....Jo Nell is a '53 grad and she had a brother Carrol, class '54. Carroll is deceased.

Appreciate Barbara Stapleton for sending this item.....
LHS grad Richard Lassetter will be performing in Lawton this Thursday, Feb. 12, when the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma perform at McMahan Auditorium.
Richard, class of '54, was the drum major for the LHS band and will be with the orchestra Thursday evening. The group is over 250 men who are Ministers of Music for Baptist churches all over Oklahoma. They are preparing for a trip to perform in Armenia and Israel.
The program is free is you would like to attend.

It was nice to see '59 classmate Janice (Vaughn) Salisbury at the '59 reunion planning session. I did not realize that after some 30+ years in Las Vegas, Janice had moved back to Lawton about a year ago to help her mom who is ill. Sadly, not long after returning 'home', Janice lost her husband very unexpectedly. Very belated sympathies to Janice, so sorry for her loss, but she is doing well and we appreciate her help with the reunion planning.

Had a pleasant surprise this afternoon....a call from '59 classmate Charles Andrews. We went all through Washington School, Central, part of HS then Charles had to move with his folks before graduation. However, he is hoping to be here for the 50th next October!
Charles lives in Texas but makes it up this way regularly to see his dad who lives at the VA Center - Jo G. Andrews. Charles told me his dad & his mom also attended Washington School.

Don't forget Washington School 100th coming up soon. They want to know what you remember/thought about your school days there!
Details on 'reception' as soon as I get them.

And, speaking of..... '59 grads.......please send your current snail mail address to Carlana (Fitch) Murray at and copy to me! Several have moved since 1999 (which is last contact we have for most).
Note: this is different email for Carlana than previously used.

The NEXT planning meeting for 1959 will be Thursday Feb. 26, Milo Gordon Honda, 7:00. THIS meeting will focus primarily with location of grads...who is found, who is lost. If you had pages assigned to you to locate, please try to have that data to Carlana by the 26th.

Have had inquiries from several of you...terrible storms through Oklahoma last night. Not a good way to be on National news. Major damage in N. OKC area as well as Lone Grove (east) which seems to have taken brunt of the storm. Several dead. In Lawton area, we were lucky, heavy hail for 2-3 minutes in some areas including my abode, but it was small, strong winds, but very minor if any damage around here. Worst part of storm skirted our area. Thanks for checking on us!

A picture of the 1955 LHS track team that was sent with this original news is posted at the right. Pix courtesy of Mitch Braley, '57. Here is info Mitch provided:

Left - right: Jay Field, class of 55, Wayne Rawlinson, class of 55, Charles Watson, class of 55?, Jim Maddox, class of 56?, Jimmy Stanton, class of 56, Jon Gilbert, class of 55, Reese Russell, class of 56, Mitch Braley, class of 57, next unknown, runner from Duncan; Jerry York, class of 57; next two runners are from Ardmore, and LHS coach John Bay - sadly John is deceased.

From the 'home - town'.........Georgia


......LHS News......
Originally sent Feb. 8

So very sorry to once again report the loss of a LHS classmate. Our class of '59, Dale Blair Calley, 67, of Lawton passed on Feb. 5.Blair served in the US Navy, did duty in Vietnam, and received many military awards. He is survived by wife Irene Ann (Duvall), daughter Donna, son Scott, two grandsons.
Services will be 2:00pm, Monday Feb. 9, in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Gardens - west of Lawton.
There is extended obit and guest book at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>I know our sympathies are with the Calley family.

Also passing, Manville Robert Redman, 83, of Lawton. Manville passed on Feb. 7. Although not from Lawton, many of you knew Manville as he was married to '56 LHS grad Deanna Porter. Deanna passed a few years back. Services will be Tuesday, Feb. 10, Centenary Methodist church in Lawton, 2:00pm.An extended obit and guest book is at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>
So sorry for both these losses.

Had opportunity to talk with Lena Sapp - mother of Donnie. She said Donnie had been quite 'ill', had several stints put in back around Christmas. Some better, but still taking meds, etc. I know we all hope he's much better soon. Lena was doing very well for almost 93. She still lives alone at home.

OK.......Party Time.......Geneva and Wynn Ann are contacts for a LHS (all) years get together! Everyone welcome.Going to meet at The Plantation (old hotel) at Medicine Park, Saturday April 18, 3:00pm!Lunch/dinner will be 'dutch treat' - off the regular menu, with 6-7 entrees priced at $9.95. Geneva and Wynn Ann need to know NO LATER than April 4 if YOU plan to attend. Space has to be reserved. So, mark your calendar & let one of these gals know!
Geneva (Harris) McIntosh, '62 - or home (817)284-4162. Ft. Worth.
Wynn Ann (Moore) Wright - home (580)355-2760 or cell (580) 695-9636.

Tuesday night, Feb. 10, class 1959, reunion planning session! Need any and all! 7:00pm, Milo Gordon Honda.B there!
Ed Harp has a great February (class '54) newsletter out. If you want to get his monthly news, email Ed at: edharp@swbell.net
I always mention bad weather, but gotta mention the good. Saturday was 78 - broke a record for high in Lawton. Gorgeous and a lucky break for those who participated in the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge into Bath Lake at Medicine Park!!!!! Although, water had to be cold!!!! Bath Lake is area across from the Plantation. They did wait till 2 in the afternoon! (Pix at top.)
All for now......Georgia

Sunday, February 1, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Jan. 31

I am so very sorry to report that Larry Holcomb, 65, Edmond, passed on Friday morning Jan. 30. Larry had been fighting pancreatic cancer for a while. Larry attended Washington School, Central, and graduated LHS in 1961. He married our '59 classmate Patsy Sheppard in 1976.
He worked for NCR Corp for over 30 years and after retirement in 1993 he re-opened Holcomb Cabinets, a company that had been started by his father. Larry was also a lay preacher to several small churches.
He is survived by Patsy, 6 children, 15 grandchildren.A memorial service will be held in Lawton on Monday Feb. 2 at Sunset Memorial Gardens - Chapel of Peace Mausoleum, 2:00pm. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Additional obit and guest book at <www.beckerfuneral.com>
I hope you will join me in keeping this family in your prayers at this difficult time.

From Edward Hesler......"dear georgia, i loved the sleet picture, i remember those ice storms well. After one of those my father and i played a round of golf at the country club ...........we painted the balls with red paint in order to see them...........in those days they only had white golf balls.........best regards to you and bill....

Now folks, keep in mind, all I can do is trust the memory of the source on these 'news items'.....

And....the KING lives on......
From Dr. Sam Hamra....."I was there in OKC for Elvis in Oct 55, but Ronny Jones was there in Lawton at the Southern club in June of 55 with Elvis and has the photo to prove it!"

From Ron Jones........."I have 8 X 10 picture of Elvis and Myself, Janice Parker (Drewery), Al Terrel,Alan Johnson, Jay Davis adn Jimmy Power TAKEN AT THE "SOUTHERN CLUB" IN SOUTH LAWTON IN 1955. AT THE TIME ELVIS HAD NOT EVEN MADE A RECORD AND HE, BILL, AND SCOTTY (HIS GROUP) WERE PAID THE GREAT SUM OF $150.00 FOR TWO NIGHTS. WE ALL AGREED NOT TO SAY WE WERE AT THE SOUTHERN CLUB BECAUSE I PARIENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY VERY UPSET. SOUTHERN CLUB WAS NOTHING BUT A BEER JOINT. A FEW MONTHS LATER ELVLIS CAME OUT WITH A RECORD CALLED "HEART BREAK HOTEL" .....THE REST IS HISTORY! IT'S A FUN STORY! RON"

Note: Ronny does, along with several other LHS notables. The infamous photo is posted on the WolverNet blog & also featured in the Elvis link same blog.

From Karen (Bridwell) Richmond.....
Georgia,Oh yes, we went to Wichita Falls to that big auditorium right downtown to see Elvis...Kay Crossland, Judy Bledsoe, Judy Matthews, Janice Griffin, and maybe Trellys Wilson...Mrs. Griffin drove us.... during the performance when Elvis and the band members were "movin it the most", the look on Mrs. Griffin's face during all "this" was something to behold! Of course, I guess you could say that both the performers and the spectators were also "something to behold". Never had so many "little girls" seen "so much".

And this from one of those who went (above).....Kay (Crossland)......
"I do remember when Elvis and his band members came out on stage, we all jumped up from our seats about 10 rolls back, and went to the orchestra pit and set there hanging over the rail. I'm surprised none of us fell in."

Other emails from......Mike Keeran; Claudia (Looney) Davis - having a ball with new granddaughter in TN; David Davis down Texas way, with snow finally melting; Ken Gross, Mike Harris.
Always enjoy emails....you guys keep me in the 'news'.

Finally warmed up here......68 today. Sleet all but gone, sun out, birds chirruping. Now, long lines at the car wash!
It was so cold here the first of the week.......politicians had their hands in their own pockets! Regards to all.....Georgia
......LHS News......
Originally sent Jan. 27

Sorry to report the passing of Henry Darrell Kosechata, 72, of El Reno. Darrell passed on Jan. 21 and services were in Lawton on Jan. 24 with burial at Deyo Mission Cemetery. Darrell was raised around Walters and attended school at the Ft. Sill Indian school and also LHS. He was class '56.
He is survived by wife Katherine, four children, four sisters, and a brother Ted.

I hate to send news like this but so many have asked to know when friends are in trouble.....
Dear Family & Friends,I am so sorry to report that Larry's health is much worse.....I am bringing him home tomorrow [this past week-end] with the help of our children and Hospice. We hope to spend these remaining days together with our children and grandchildren and enjoy what life is left to us as much as possible. Larry is facing this with great faith and courage. I am so comforted that he knows the Lord and lives with great faith. Our children have been such a wonderful help to us during this terrible and stressful time and continue to support both of us with such love and compassion. Please keep us in your prayers that we will have the faith, courage, wisdom and peace to face these next few weeks or months. Patsy Sheppard Holcomb

I am still emailing with my 'friend' in Italy, Giovanni Luca. He is researching & trying to document appearances of Elvis during '54-'55-'56, in this part of county: Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma.
By any chance, did any of you attend Elvis' concert in OKC on October 16, 1955? If so, please share with me any recollection you have of the event & I will send on to Luca. Or, any info on other appearances? Thanks.

It is 23 degrees, been sleeting since wee morning hours. Today, schools closed, even the mall & Ft. Sill shut down! Good day to catch up on 'chores' around the house (inside). haha!!!
I have all kinds of birds out my back door today. Even in the sleet. I put out some maize seed & also a bagel! A little 'Purina Critter Chow' left for them! Actually, cat chow! Cardinals, 'Snow' birds (we call them), Finches, Blue birds, some big black birds, BlueJays, and a Robin so fat he can barely fly! He sits in the cat chow bowl, munching! They are having a great buffet!
Looks like snow, but its sleet.

Washington School attendees (all years), don't forget the 100 birthday coming up this spring. A note (comments)of your experiences at Washington or pictures, newsclips, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Please send any comments/information to Bonnie Hix (wife of '59 classmate Tommy Hix). Bonnie taught at Washington many years & is heading up this celebration. Bonnies email is mailto:blh42@att.net
or call (580) 536-9240.

The class '59 50th reunion planning meeting set for last night - Jan. 26 - was cancelled and we will meet again on Monday Feb. 9, 7:00. Please note this third date change as ran into many conflicts trying to reschedule, so '59'ers....please mark calendar and try to be there. Important decisions to be made!

Big fire going so staying inside in the 'home town'..........Georgia