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

Originally sent November 25

Very sorry to report the passing of Lena J. (White) Sapp - Burks, 94, formerly of Lawton. Lena passed on November 23 in Prague, OK. Originally from Walters, Lena was mom of LHS classmates Donnie Sapp; Kenneth Sapp; and Patricia Sapp Mewborn.
Graveside services will be at Highland Cemetery in Lawton, 1:00pm on Friday November 26.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And sadly, we have lost more classmates:

Stephen Keith Parris '64, classmates say we knew him in high school as Keith Gaskins. Keith passed October 1 from complications of liver cancer. Per his request, no funeral services were held. Keith had been a physician in Ontario, Oregon, for most of his adult life. From the Times-Record:
Dr. Stephen Keith Parris, formerly of Grandfield, Okla., died at his home in Ontario, Ore., on Oct. 1, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Mollie M. Parris; son, Elliott N. Parris, all of Ontario; his mother, Marjorie E. Parris Gaskins and sister, Karen Parris Vandiver, both of Wichita Falls.

Pat sent this item.........."Geraldyn Smith, class of '49 passed. She was sister to Barbara Smith, '55.She was retired and living in Prescott, AZ. She was a long-time friend."
Pat (Gray) Jones, '50; Norman, OK

Also, received news of the passing of Mary Jane (Steele) Byrn, 75, who passed November 17 in Virginia where she has lived the past 32 years. She is class '53. Services were November 20 in VA. I have contact info for her son - James Byrn - should anyone need it.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.claytorrollins.com

And a lady I personally knew, Kathleen Speer Peace, 101. Kathleen was living in Houston when she passed. She graduated LHS in about 1927 and was captain of the LHS women's basketball team that year winning the National Championship in Wichita, KS. Kay also won her first - of three - All-American basketball awards that year. In early '30's she moved to Dallas and while working there, was on her companys basketball, track, and softball teams - the Golden Cyclones. With friend and team-mate Babe Didrikson Zaharias, they led the team to the AAU All-American basketball championship in 1931. If Babes name sounds familiar...she was BIG golf star in years following.
I knew Kay from some local art classes and she wrote poetry. Very quiet, genteel lady. Would never have suspected her being a power house in sports! She never married. Services for Kay were November 15 here in Lawton.
Interesting obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Our sympathies are certainly with those who have lost loved ones.

I reported the passing of Bea (Watters) George in last news and mis-spoke by saying she lived in Texas. Actually she lived here in Lawton. She was also cousin of Cherie (Weightman) Willis.

From the eMail bag:

Happy Birthday - Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52; and George Gill, '63 - both on 24th!!!

Some one has asked who..??? is keeping records for class of 1966? Anyone??

On the Whittier reunion....
..."just a note to tell you the Whittier reunion [November 7] went very well. We had 12 people with lots of pictures of those years. I had brought some news clippings and full sheets of newsprint from the Tatler. Lots of pictures were taken, and I told them if I didn't see some of those pic's in your newsletter or on FB very soon, I was gonna "name names", so you should be getting them soon!!! Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.
Bob Lacy, '62 (honorary)

No pictures yet!!!!

From Washington School alum - Robert (Dr. Bob) Crumpton. Was great to see Bob last fall for 50th reunion class '59 even though he had to move before graduation:
"I loved seeing the old pictures of Doe Doe Park. It brought back some fond childhood memories. I hope you are doing well. I am so glad that I made the effort to come and see my old grade school friends. If you see them tell them I said hello. Bob."

"Georgia, Hola, from Baja, Mexico:
I look forward, to your newsletter, and love to relive some of the great memories I have of Lawton. Class of 1951. Your article and video, on Doe Doe Park, really sparked my memories of the times we had at the Park. Most, I can't discuss. (:-)
Harold "Mac" McNiff, Bobby Mansell and I were life guards there for many summers. We worked from 10 AM till 10PM every day. We made the big money of $1.00 per hour. Bobby was the head guard and Mac and I were his assistants. Bobby was an excellent diver.
It was standard procedure, for us, to bring dates and climb over the fence, at night, to go for a swim. We also went, for a swim, every valentines day as a ritual. It was usually not too cold but the water was of course freezing. I think it was a guy thing.
Interesting note, of all the people we pulled out of the water, when they were in trouble, most got mad at us and almost none ever said thank you. I guess they were embarrassed.
Needless to say we did enjoy the attention the gals gave us when we were guards. Nuff sed.
When I was not working a the pool I was strapping on skates a the rink. Doe Doe Park was a big part of my life when I lived in Lawton. I, too, am sorry it had to be closed."
Eddy Jones, '51

Note: When this was taking place, I was about 6th, maybe 7th grade. My dad didn't allow 'us' to go to Doe Doe....but mom did. Not a lot but every once in a while. I remember Eddy and Bob quite well...both really cuties!!!! I don't really remember 'Mac' but met him years later at a reunion or two. Sadly 'Mac' passed away not all that long ago. Bob Mansell is still in Lawton & I just visited with him & wife Deloris (Pannell) few days ago.

..."Thank you so much for the video of Doe Doe Park! I spent the better part of my childhood there. I became quite the accomplished skater and also swam in that pool sooo many times. It may have been what started my love of swimming. Later on in life I got my Life guarding and WSI. I was 32 and it was great. I used to think a lot about those happy times at Doe Doe Park. I also wanted to comment on the Vaska theatre discussion. My Dad was in the service at Ft. Sill, but he also moonlighted at the Vaska. I thing I saw every musical created, over and over again. God bless you all in Lawton. I love you guys and gals."
Laurie Ann (Abshire) Patterson, '56

"Thanks for sending the videos of Lawton, Doe Doe Park, etc. There was an article in my tribal newspaper ( I'm a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Okla), that might be of interest to our classmates. Each year AARP recognizes 50 members of Oklahoma tribes as AARP honored elders. One of those honored was Barthell (Buddy) Little Chief. He would have been in the class of 1960. He represented the Comanche Nation and was honored for his art work. I last saw Buddy at the first Michael Martin Murphy Westfest at Copper Mountain, CO. in the late 70's or early 80's. It was a Cowboy and Indian art and music festival and Buddy and a friend had a booth selling Buddy's artwork. He said he was living and working in Cement, OK but had a studio in Taos, NM at one time. I have two of his paintings that my dad bought from him early in his career."
Phil Wilder, '59

"I really enjoyed watching some of these on the mountains and Rose Bianco. I've known her all those years and always go in to have lunch or dinner."
Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman

Appreciate classmate John Mercadante for sending Boston Globe story to me and David Dom who sent link as did Murdoch Matthew along with this interesting note.....

"I once mentioned Meers to Olga Litowinsky, a book editor friend of ours in New York City. Olga was from New Jersey; her family was from the Ukraine. I think I was mentioning the fried okra at Meers and she said matter-of-factly that she'd been there. She had been giving a talk at Cameron College (as it was in my day) and the reception committee had taken her to Meers. Small world."
Murdoch

Sam Hamra, '55, was in Lawton for the class '55 reunion back on October 9. He sent this picture (above) along with note:

"Was so much fun and a wonderful gathering of friends. In this photo Alvin (Skeeter) Winham and I are standing (admiringly) with the three fastest humans in Oklahoma in 1955---Ronny Jones, Jimmy Butemeyer, and Dee Givens, three of the championship 440 yard relay team, still looking sleek."
Sam

Sam is right! The trio, along with classmate Norval Locke (sadly deceased), set all kinds of records and won numerous awards in their day.

On a personal note.... life always takes unexpected turns at unexpected times. My Mom fell on 13th & was in hospital for 3 days (fortunately nothing broken) but doc said she cannot stay at home alone anymore. My dad has been gone 19 years this Thanksgiving. So, frantic set in, but, we managed in very quick order (much help from sister-in-law and brother-in-law) to get a place, items from home, etc. & took her kicking and screaming to her new 'assisted living apt' which is very nice. Actually she handled it better than expected. Been trying to do this for several years, so was taken care of in way that took some heat from us kids! I know many of you have had the same situation with your parents and/or spouses so you know what I have been doing.

I want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We do have so much for which to be thankful........Georgia

Photo above: L-R: Sam Hamra; Jim Butemeyer; Ron Jones; Alvin Winham; Dee Givens.

......LHS News......
Originally sent November 11

Appreciate Mitch Braley for sending this great link. I do not know who put it together. If you're 'home-sick' it may help or if you aren't, you may be after watching this. Scenes of Doe Doe Park; Waynes; Biancos; and other great area landmarks and Oklahoma venues.

Well, we had some news with no losses to report, but sadly, we have lost several classmates recently.

Bea Lynn (Watters) Harrison George, 64, passed on November 5. I believe she was living in Texas but services will be in Lawton, 11:00am on Friday November 12, Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran church. Burial at Ft. Sill National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, November 11 at Becker Funeral Home, 6:00-8:00pm.
Extended obit and guestbook at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/
Bea went to Central but I don't think she graduated from LHS. She left early to get married, but would have been class 1964.

Patricia K. (Jones) Alderson, 67, of Lawton, passed on October 31. She was LHS class 1961. Services were November 6 in Lawton. An extended obit and guest book at:
http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Also, Charlotte Garvene (Ray) Ivey, 83, of Lawton passed on October 31. She was LHS class 1944. Services were November 3 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Ruby Mae (Walker) Sparlin, 91, of Lawton passed on October 21. Ruby was LHS class...maybe '37 - '39? Not sure. Services were October 26 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Truly one of our Golden Wolverines, W.W. 'Bill' Greb, 101, of Lawton passed on November 5. Services were November 9 in Lawton. Bill attended Emerson Grade school and gradated LHS in 1931. Bill worked and was involved in many areas. Interesting obit and guest book at:
http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Always hate to hear of our classmates passing.

From the eMail bag:

Our daughter Leslie lives just outside Boston and called to tell us what a surprise she had when she opened the travel section of the Boston Globe last week and viola!~ a story on Meers and the infamous Meers Burger! She is saving it for us as we plan to journey up her way to celebrate Thanksgiving in the land of the Pilgrims!

For all the '50's music buffs (aren't we all)..... the Johnny Rogers show is this Friday November 12, at Medicine Park Music Hall. The doors open 7PM, show starts at 8PM. Tickets are $20. Call Brandon at (580)529-6262 or go to "Events" on web site .

I have not seen him but understand this guy does a super Buddy Holly impersonation, as well as Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Everly Bros, and several others.
Appreciate Larry Joe Thompson for passing this info along.

In a strange twist of events, I had dinner at Biancos same night as Bruce and we talked briefly but I did not know who he was and vice versa until he sent this email.....

"I am Bruce Knowles LHS class of 62, I am in Lawton for a few days to attend the Whittier get together and travel until early Dec. Then back to Alaska, We have been to Bianco's for pizza and salad dress with bread. I am trying to hit all the old places, but most are no more. When I find an Old it makes it that much better, like the Plantation and the Meers burger.It is enjoyable to be in OK again. On to On to Norman for a week to visit with Whittier class mates. Bruce"

Remembering '59 classmate Karen Dennison who passed October 24..........
MANY YEARS AGO WHEN KAREN WAS LIVING IN D.C., I WAS THERE AND WE WENT TO DINNER IN GEORGETOWN AT A RESTAURANT NAMED RIVE GAUCHE (not sure of the spelling) AFTER WE WERE SEATED KAREN MENTIONED THAT IT WAS A FAVORITE OF HENRY KISSINGERS. SHE HAD NO MORE THAN SAID THAT AND KISSINGER SHOWED UP. WE GIGGLED SO MUCH IT WAS EMBARRASSING. JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE.
DAN GLASCOCK, '59

I have had no feed-back as yet on the Whittier School get together this past Sunday! Hope it went well and maybe some one will send some info.

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

......LHS News......
Classes '49 ~ '52 reunion
Originally sent November 9

Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs, '52, sent this great re-cap of the '49-'52 classes which reuned (together) week-end of Sept. 24-25. Since it is fairly lengthy, I am just sending it alone. I know some have already received it. Plus, want to thank Jo Riley for getting me a disc with the pictures from this reunion. About 135 pictures & I hope to have them linked to the blog before Thanksgiving. gjw

Hello Classmates,

The 2010 Reunion was another success. About 110 attended the dinner; we had a few no shows and some walk-ins so it evened out. Don Bridges had a great emcee speech prepared, but sadly the PA system at 'The Event' did not work…..again! Much of the good stuff was left out because no one could hear. Eula Johnson Arnaud, '51, swept the Wolverwards receiving certificates for Traveled the Farthest (Oregon), Most Grandchildren, and Newest Newly Wed. Other awards were: Most Children - the Riley; Most Spouses - Shirley Dyer Wolf; Least Changed - Barbara McNair Hughes; Most Changed - Joe Skrdle; Longest Married to One Spouse - the Meltons; Traveled Almost as Far (Massachusetts) - Elmer Webb.

As usual the food was great, but a little late being served , the grass wasn't mowed, the kitchen and restrooms weren't cleaned. The non-functioning PA system was the last straw. Therefore, we are looking for another place to hold the 2011 dinner. The banquet facility in the “real Lawton High” will not be ready until after October (if then), and we have no date as to when the new hotel will open. Willie Martinez has agreed to help Jo at the Lawton end, so he and Jo will be scouring the town to see what facility are available.

The Tailgate Party and football game were fun. Bill Davenport brought some wonderful BBQ’d ribs and Howard Hudson’s hot chicken wings and drumsticks were the best I have ever tasted. However, there weren't enough attending to warrant another tailgate party. We will reserve Friday night for individual class events or private parties.

Class of ’52 has been doing this for years. There are different restaurants in town that will reserve a room or area for small groups and people can order from the menu with separate tickets. Once the ‘52’ers even met at a church social hall for a finger food potluck.

The Bridges have hosted several Friday night social hours for the Class of ’49. What we need are volunteers to plan these separate events. Not much is involved other than finding a place and letting us know so we can include the information in our mailings. Please someone volunteer for the Class of ’49, ’50, or ’51. We are counting on Marcille and Pat to continue with the Class of ’52.

The Saturday morning tour of LHS was a bigger success than we expected. It was very interesting to see what has been done to our old school. Some of us were interviewed to “star” forever on the kiosk that Peggy Long is putting together. We kept no record of who or how many were at the school, but we had a nice crowd. The morning gave us another chance to visit and allowed those who couldn't attend the evening functions to mingle. We would like to have another morning event next year, maybe just coffee and sweet rolls (catered by Atlanta Bread). Any suggestions as to where we could meet? I don't think the City of Lawton would want to have us back every year, but who knows?

Jo and I figured out how to copy the rosters to her computer, so now she, too, can update the rosters and do the labels and name tags. However, another back-up computer person is needed in case either or both of us become unable, disabled, or incapacitated. It would be good to have someone in Lawton area so that a committee could help with the printing and mailing. All that is needed are minimal computer skills and a computer with Microsoft Excel and Word and, of course, your time and effort. The rosters would not have to be re-typed. Let one of us know if you are willing to help. Thanks much!

And speaking of rosters, who “accidently” picked up the Class of ’52 roster at the reunion dinner. If you have it, check to see if there any changes written in that need to be made and let me know.

Save the date---September 24, 2011. We are (tentatively) sticking with the 4th weekend in September which coincides with the International Festival. This gives out-of-towners another reason to come to Lawton. Wouldn't it be nice if OU scheduled an away, afternoon game to accommodate us? Already looking forward to seeing you next September.
Take care,
Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs, '52

GO WOLVERINES!

......LHS News......
Originally sent October 31

The City of Lawton is offering YOU the opportunity to be a permanent part of [the old] Lawton High's legacy. You can purchase a seat in the recently restored historical LHS Auditorium. For a one time donation you can:
*choose your seat [location]
*personalize an engraved plate that could include your name, date of attendance and graduation
*'own a piece of Lawton's history to honor all those who attended.
Cost is $500.00 per chair. Personalization is MAX of 30 characters. If you have interest, contact Larry Mitchell at (580) 581-3301; or email Lori Kerbo:
lkerbo@cityof.lawton.ok.us

From the eMail bag:

The girls want some corrections on class 1962 - 50 year reunion in 2012. Contact with info on 1962 grads is:
Kaye (Thompson) Jenkins McCarley at: kayetmc@copper.net or Geneva (Harris) McIntosh at: WGM1943@aol.com

"I, too, was in the Easter Pageant, and enjoyed it a lot. I'm not sure how I got into it, but someone mentioned Rainbow Girls, and that must have been it. I was an angel. I have also tried to find a copy of the movie,with no luck.
Previously, people mentioned the Smith sisters...my mom was great friends with them..played bridge and so forth...anyway, a few years ago they came into Baltimore on a cruise ship. Mom was living with me here in the DC area at the time and I drove her up to Baltimore to see them. We had lunch and had a good time. Miss Bernice was my Jr English teacher, and a great favorite of mine, so it was special for me too."
Elaine Paine, class of '58

John Long, '63, and his sister, Nancy Long, '65, toured Scotland and Ireland not long ago. John's daughter, Jennifer toured with them. They commented..."It was so exhilarating to wade in the Irish sea and tour the Edinburgh castle along with Loch Ness and other areas. The Irish and Scottish people wonderful people and the countries are so clean. I have copied [comments] to John in the event he has anything to add."
Nancy Long

John did add this...."... the Irish pubs were fantastic and the Guinness was natures best."
John S. Long

"I smiled when I saw Ronnie Poole’s note about working at all the theaters in Lawton. One memory I have is that for some stupid reason, he and I got into a fist fight at Austin’s Drive where we both worked. His arms were longer than mine and he got in the first punch, and I gave up! So much for bravery very huh!! It was good to hear that Ronnie went on to be a pilot in the Air Force. Hopefully I will get a chance to visit with him at the 56 reunion next year,"
Reece Russell, 56

HOOLIGANS! hahahhahahha

I had a great visit with Doyce Grayson a few days ago at lunch...where else....Burgess Grill. We covered a lot of 'things'. Doyce is already working toward the 55th reunion of his class of 1956 next June - 2011. Also, had brief visit with Tom Bullock lunching there!

Ralph Purvis sent a cute picture of himself and granddaughter (above). Ralph has really had some ups and downs with cancer but is hanging in there!

Melvin Sexton, '59, sent a great picture of Lawton...the way it used to be - 1940's, that he & wife Betty purchased at the State Fair this year. (below). It's on corner of 5th & D, looking east, north is to left in picture.
He added this remembrance...."As a side note Reverend Wallock married my birth mother and dad. My natural mother died when I was 9 months old. My dad married again and Reverend Wallock performed that ceremony also. I was told that my dad helped to carry a piano up the hill for the first Easter Pageant service".
Melvin

This note and fun picture (above) from Trellys (Wilson) Erwin....along with remembrances....
"I have wondered many times what happened to Rosalie Thomsen. In the early 40's her family lived next door to mine on 17th Street, I believe her dad was in the Army . . . she was best friends with my sister, Sherry. Sherry was the first polio case of the 1949 (Sept) season and passed away in September of 1950. The picture below was taken in 1943 or 1944 at my birthday party.
First row: William "Fritzy" Thomsen, (Rosalie's brother), Betty (Cole) Selvey, Trellys (Wilson) Erwin, don't remember his name. . .
Top Row: Rosalie (Thomsen) Mitton, Sherry Wilson, unknown girl, Johnny Inglis, and Roberta DeWolf. Would like to know who the two are that I don't remember, perhaps Rosalie will remember."
Trellys Wilson Erwin, ('58)

From my Haunted House to yours - Happy Halloween - Georgia