......LHS News......

Originally sent Sept. 22

I am so sorry to report the passing of Floyd A. Wood, 100, of Lawton. Mr. Wood passed on Monday Sept. 21 after a brief illness. Floyd is the father of '59 classmate Gwen (Wood) Phelps (Jerry) and another daughter Helen (Wood) Craig (C.L.) of Shawnee. Services will be Thursday, September 24 at First Baptist church of Lawton, 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Extended obit and guest book at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>

I know our thoughts and prayers are with Gwen and Helen and their families during this difficult time.

Visited with Tommy Dillon, class '63, a few days ago. 'T' (as I call him), has had some problems the past 3-4 years and some of them serious health problems. His birthday is coming up on October 12 and I know he would appreciate a note of birthday wishes or encouragement if you wanted to drop a line. He doesn't have email but you can write him at: Tom Dillon, 2402 Jo Lyn Haven, Arlington, TX 76014.

I am resending information on the reunion this coming week-end. I apologize that I dropped a letter out of Jo's email address. Here is corrected (email) info.....and I appreciate Murdoch for pointing it out!!!

This Saturday:September 26 - LHS Classes or '49, '50, '51, '52, Annual Reunion Dinner, 'The Event', 1001 SW A in Lawton. Social hour beginning at 6:00pm, dinner at 7:00pm. Hors d'oeuvre catered by classmates; BBQ brisket dinner. Cost $18.00 per person. Paid reservations must be received by September 12. Late fee of $5.00 per person after that date. Mail your remittance asap to:Jo Riley, 224 NW Northwood Avenue, Lawton, OK 73507For info: jomama632@sbcglobal.net (580)357-7157; or tomehobs@gmail.com (559)718-6735. *Western attire optional; casual definitely!

btw...ran into Tommye and Ray Hobbs yesterday. They came in early for the ('52) reunion. They were lunching with Jo & Linden Riley!

Due to my class reunion, have been going through some very old Tatlers, scrapbooks, and various other resources, looking for pictures and memorabilia. What fun! In a Tatler dated February 18, 1959.....great picture I want to share of three beautiful classmate Queens! See above.

And, we are counting down to the class 1959 - 50th reunion on October 2-3. Looking forward to a great week-end with classmates and friends!

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

From the class of 1960, Spanish Queen Sandra Metzner with attendants l: Ann Mary Green; r: Sandra Allen. They were set to reign over the Fiesta set for March 6-7 of 1959. OLE!~

......LHS News......
Originally sent Sept. 18

I was gone all last week so couple of these losses are reported post services.

So sorry to report the passing of Dr. Daniel A. Woesner, 83. of Lawton. Dan passed Wednesday Sept. 16. Dan was one of our local veterinarians - 1944 LHS grad and DVM from OSU in 1953. Dan was a personal acquaintance over the years! Quite a character and not afraid to speak his mind on a variety of subjects. And, yes, he was knowledgeable on many subjects. He was quite a rock collector and into that 'hobby' for many years. I have a wonderful 'back bar' and couple other antiques I bought from Dan many years ago.
Dan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pat (Burdette), and a daughter Jan Siler. Services will be Friday Sept. 18, at First Baptist church, 2:00pm. Dan was involved in a lot of organizations.
Extended obit and guest book at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Also passing, Robbie Enda (Pass) Cranfill, 97, of Amarillo, TX. Mrs. Cranfill passed Sept. 10. She was wife of Cecil Cranfill (deceased); mother of three sons Hank, Robert, and Corky who is deceased. Mrs. Cranfill taught school for 40 years including 20 years at Will Rogers in Lawton.
Services were Monday Sept. 14. in Lawton.

And, Beb (Whisenhunt) Chambers, 56, of Lawton. Beb passed Sept. 9 and services were Sept. 12. Beb is a 1971 grad of LHS. She is survived by husband Randy Chambers and a daughter Mandy.
An extended obit and guestbook online at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

From the eMail bag:

My DH and I had our 50th [anniversary] March. 28th I met Ross through Marcia (Rainwater) Momorella at Wayne's Drive-in on Second St. Also, want to say what a wonderful time we had at the Medicine Park (all classes) reunion this year. I missed our 50th class reunion, as we were in the middle of moving, but this was great. I couldn't get over how much Lawton has changed. DH and I have 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Wanda (Lowery) Moody class of '56.

Thanks, Georgia, for the updates. Mr. Paramore gave me my first-ever job, at JC Penney's in Lawton in 1958, as "Christmas Help." A very nice man. I think Allison Woodward worked there at the same time. In those days they still had the "tube and wire" system that sent the cash in a metal tube, over a long taut wire, to a clerk up on the mezzanine. You had to pull that lever hard to get it all the way to the mezzanine from the Menswear Department. Thanks again for the obituary notice. Jack [Rhodes, class '59]

Joey (Johnston) Wilkerson, class '53, has moved to Ok City to be near her daughter. I know Joey would love to hear from classmates.
And, btw.....her birthday is Oct. 1. So if you would like to send Joey a card or get in touch: Joey Wilkerson, 2730 N. Mustang Rd., Yukon, OK 73009. (405) 354-3037.

In response to newspaper article looking for former baseball players.....
"Get word to Herb that Johnny [Bateman]died in December of 96, think that is what I read on the Internet. He and I tortured a lot of people when we played baseball together. The good ole days, loved them."
David Hillis, class '59

Johnna Parks and I had opportunity to journey to CO last week and visited with Bill & Janey Scott who were in Gunnison on extended retreat! We also journeyed to Lake City and enjoyed a delicious lunch with '59 classmate Larry Waller and wife Donna (Bridges) in their lovely home in Lake City where they now live full time. While in Lake City also visited with Camille (Richard) who has just opened a gift shop. Wonderful eclectic shop and great to see Camille (sister of JP). Camille is a 1980 grad of LHS.

Also had a beautiful day in Crested Butte, day out to the Black Canyon (gorgeous), also a very fun old fashioned weenie roast complete with SMORES! The mountains and trees and surround were fabulous, including the chipmunks and 'camp robbers'. We shinnied all over those rockies! Wonderful trip! Had been a while since I had been to Colorado and I had forgotten what a beautiful state it is....and it was cool! Plus, the visit and abundant hospitality of dear friends was priceless. Pix above taken at Wallers.

The class 1959 - 50th reunion is almost here! It's also Lawton High homecoming week-end - LHS Wolverines vs Mustang. We have had great response with over 200 already set to attend! Some are planning to attend the pep rally scheduled for 1:30pm in the LHS gym on Friday and others plan to go from the reception to the game at Cameron Stadium Friday evening. Kick-off is at 7:30pm. LHS (home) on north side. If you need information about the '59 reunion, let me know ASAP as final preparations are underway! Have some from other classes joining us and looking forward to seeing all of you! Gonna be fun! Go Wolverines!

..beer, beer, for 'ol Lawton High...bring on......

Reminder.....coming up fast:

September 26, Saturday. LHS Classes or '49, '50, '51, '52 Annual Reunion Dinner, The Event, 1001 SW A in Lawton. Social hour beginning at 6:00pm, dinner at 7:00pm.Hors d'oeuvre catered by classmates; BBQ brisket dinner. Cost $18.00 per person. Paid reservations must be received by September 12. Late fee of $5.00 per person after that date. Mail your remittance asap to:

Jo Riley, 224 NW Northwood Avenue, Lawton, OK 73507For info: jomama632@sbcgloal.net (580)357-7157; or tomehobs@gmail.com, (559)718-6735.*Western attire optional; casual definitely!

Looking forward to lots of 'visiting' and hopefully some pictures........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent Sept. 7

Sorry to report the passing of Dean Paramore, 94, of Lawton. Mr. Paramore passed on Sept. 3. He is father of daughters Deanna Manning, class '57, and Pam Seals. Services will be Tuesday Sept. 8 at First Baptist church, 1:30pm.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Another great Herb Jacobs column in Sunday Lawton paper (Sept. 6). Jacobs follows up with this item...."A funny thing happened to Dee Givens after his brief bio appeared on these pages a few weeks ago.The article somehow fell into the hands of Jakie Sandefer who was a member of Bud Wilkinson's football team at Oklahoma while Givens was on the track squad.Sandefer, who played in two Orange Bowls for the Sooners before going into the oil and gas business in Texas, called his old friend and arranged a meeting in Norman.While renewing acquaintances, they ran in to Barry Switzer. The former Sooner football coach invited the pair to his home where they rehashed the good 'ol days at length.
Seems Switzer also is a big track fan and was aware of OU's successes prior to his arrival on campus in 1966".

Others mentioned in Herbs column this week.... Golden Glovers....Farron Hottell and Mack Law. Mack was LHS class '50. These two have contacted approx 30 former boxers for a reunion at Cameron on Sept. 26. If you should be on this list or know someone who should, contact Cameron Athletic Director Jim Jackson at (580) 351-2306.

AND Jacobs is conducting his own search for Lawton natives who played major league baseball. Already on the list: Johnny Bateman, LHS; Kelly Stinnett, LHS; Butch Huskey, EHS; Koyie Hill, EHS; If you know others, contact Herb at (580) 353-0620.

More golden anniversaries and some MORE than golden:'59 classmate Beverly (Gaston) and hubby Eddie Shelton, class '57, just celebrated their 50th. Bev says...." Of course he robbed the cradle. We went to Ocean City and spent the week. Had a great time shopping and eating the fresh seafood available here."
They live in Maryland and we look forward to seeing them at 'our' 50th, Oct. 2-3.

Also celebrating a 50th.....Billy and Anna Jean 'Susie' (Griffin) Yoast. Billy and Susie married on August 28 and were recently honored at a dinner reception given by daughters Linda Yoast and Suzanne McKee. The Yoasts are both LHS class '56 and live in Lawton!

This note from Bill Gentry, class '52 and wife Joyce (Allison), class '53: "We'll be celebrating our 56th Wedding Anniversary on Friday, September 4th. Hope the Sooners do their part to make it a great weekend, as we'll be down at Arlington to watch the game. Our son, Tim, will fly in from Fresno, CA and his son, Joseph, will fly from Ft. Rucker, AL to join us. Thanks for all your updates. GO SOONERS!"
opppssss...guess Bill is disappointed with Saturdays season opener!!! I know my Bill is! Do hope Bradfords shoulder injury is not serious!

Reminder(s) LHS Classes or '49, '50, '51, '52 - Annual Reunion Dinner.Saturday, September 26 at 'The Event', 1001 SW A in Lawton. 6:00pm social hour; 7:00pm dinner.Western attire optional; casual definitely!Deadline is this Saturday, Sept. 12. Cost $18.00 per person. Late fee of $5.00 per person after September 12. Mail with your remittance to: Jo Riley, 224 NW Northwood Avenue, Lawton, OK 73507For info: jomama632@sbcglobal.net, (580)357-7157 OR tomehobs@gmail.com, (559) 718-6735

Class '54 talked about a trip to Arizona (Sedona), near the Grand Canyon. They are gonna do it! If you have interest, here is info: WWW.SEDONA.ARIZONA.COMDATE: OCT, 13, 14, 15th, 2009 HOTEL: BEST WESTERN - RESERVATIONS BY 9/13/09PHONE: 928-282-3072It is reserved under Lawton High School Reunion. If you need more information, please feel free to call or email: Janice (Hanes) Brummett: Janiceposton1623@aol.comH phone 623-566-9094 or Cell: 623-326-9184 Carroll (Hankins) Pokorny: cpokorny1@netscape.netH- phone 703-491-7213 or Cell: 703-216-8813.

Hope no one 'labored' today........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent August 31


So sorry to report the passing of Edna (Phariss) House Free, 91, of Lawton. Mrs. Free passed on August 28.She is the mom of '59 classmate Judy (House) Hargrove and other children, Robert, Martha, Dennis, and Anna Beth. She is aunt of Wayne Parks, '60.She is also survived by her husband Mitch Free and a stepson Mitchell Free; numerous grand and great-grand children.

Services will be Wednesday Sept. 2, Becker Funeral Home Chapel at 1:30pm. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

It's 50 great years for Billie (Suggs) Penn and hubby Bill. The couple married on Sept. 4 and will celebrate on Sept. 6 by renewing their wedding vows at a reception hosted by son Zed and daughter Allison. The Penns live in Lawton. Billie is a '57 grad of LHS.

Also celebrating this important 50th milestone is '59 classmate, Fern (Ewing) Burch and hubby Jerry. They married on August 22 and recently celebrated with daughters Jeri and Joni and son Jamie, plus in-laws and grandchildren.Fern and Jerry live in Cache.
Major congrats to both these couples!

Reservations for the class 1959 - 50th reunion are coming in fast and furious. We also have numerous responses from those of other classes who are attending. We look forward to all the '59 classmates and too happy to have classmates from other years coming to join the party with us.If you need any information, email me. Deadline September 5!

From the eMail bag:
I remember eating at the boarding house a lot, but I remember it being in the middle of the block about 608 or 610. Great Food!!! I also remember eating a lot at Yoakum's at about 508 -510 D Ave. I ate there a lot and occasionally at Burns-Ford at their fountain. Great grill cheese and BLT's. Damn, great memories. Wish I could go back to those days. We never realized what we had and now appreciate so much 60 years later. What good times.....The best hot dogs were at Coney Island on 5th & D about 2 doors down from the Lawton Theater. Earl Barton

I was one of those who ate there [boarding house] on occasions and it was great! Bill and I shared many of good times at noon there and then up to Johnson's, 6th & C, across from Hudson car dealer and Leister's, iced cream cone. Ah, those were the good ole days. Also don't leave out the Dairy Cream store on D Street next JC Penny, as I ate there a lot also. Hot Dogs, they say now, is a cause of cancer, latest wild rumor, were the main order. I extend my prayers to our young friend Dee [Glass, '52] also, as I am facing a new round of treatment with Lazar Radiation to the small tumor on right lung, size of a dime on 9/10/09, and cataracts surgery on or around 9/2/09. The Democrat plan would preclude all of this as I would be too old, but my military medicine takes care me., All please keep our country in your prayers and let your congressman and senators know today what you want them to do! They work for us contrary to what most of them are saying up there, like Waxman, Dodd, that Illinois senate duo. I am deeply worried about my freedoms that I have shed blood for, to protect all of us. God Bless America, Ralph [Purvis, '52], San Antonio

Regards to all......Georgia