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

Originally sent July 21

Someone is looking for Bobby Odum, class '52. Last seen years ago in CA.

I also received info on Camille (Lay), '54, if person asking would email me.

Once again Herb Jacobs - 'Where Are They Now' - has a great story on the Coombs family. Father, mother, 11 brothers, 4 sisters, who formed a barn-storming baseball team during the 1929-31 seasons. They traveled Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana. All are deceased. One of those brothers - Ernest - was father to '56 LHS classmate Harvey Coombs. Harvey was All State at LHS in '56 and played minor league ball for 3 years. One of the original posters that advertised the family ball team is headed to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Great read, page 4-C, Lawton Constitution, Sunday July 10. (photo above).

Susan (Hankins) Ellington has several of the updated Memory books from the recent '56 and '54 reunion that are available. Cost is only $23.41 each, which includes the postage to get it to you!!! Supply is limited so let Susan know if you want a book(s) ...first come, first served! pssssstttttt....I have one & they are great! Color too!
Susan: susanke@comcast.net
Also Larry Gee has some great photos from the reunion. You can contact Larry and he can give you a link to view pictures & tell you how to order:

Had a brief visit with Bob and Deloris (Pannell) Mansell this week at a local restaurant. They were doing 'OK'....Bob has had his share of health problems the past 3-4 years, but they are hanging in there!

Also ran into Allen Johnson, '55. Allen was doing good & we visited a few minutes about mutual friends/classmates.

Sending picture of Joe Lansdens' great looking Yak airplane. Joe is gearing up for the annual really BIG air show in Oshkosh, WI end of this month.

Appreciate Nancy Long, '65, for the great picture taken on a recent visit to Monument Valley, UT.

Wishing a VERY Happy Anniversary to '59 classmate Weldon Davis and his delightful bride...Marilyn ~ July 25. Congrats guys!

Reminders:

Class 1947 - 64th reunion set for August 26-27, Lawton Country Club. For local [Lawton] info/details contact Jeneanne Lawson at (580) 510-0516 or Jack Bost at (618) 397-1217; or (618) 530-0096.

Class 1961 - 50 year reunion is September 2-3-4. For info contact Sue (Otis) Wigington at (580) 536-2344 or email mssue.wig@sbcglobal.net. Info also posted at classmates.com


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Mike Murray, hubby of '59 classmate Carlana (Fitch), had extensive back surgery this week. I understand it went well and he is re-cooping.

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A Memorial service for Sue Scott, 76, of Lawton, will be 12:00 noon on Friday July 22, Centenary Methodist church. Sue passed on July 18 in an OKC hospital after an extended illness. Sue was wife of '51 LHS classmate Robert H. 'Bob' Scott (also deceased). She is survived by a son Robert, Jr.; a grandson Daniel; brother-in-law and wife, Bill and Janey Scott; a daughter Cathy Scott is also deceased.

Also passing, Carol Holsey, 66, of Lawton. Carol passed at home on July 20 after a sudden illness. She was LHS class of 1963, but graduated early with class 1962.
She is survived by sister Kay (Holsey) Strickland, '59 and brother-in-law Jerry, '57; a brother John; several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be 10:00am, Monday July 25 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

And, Leroy Fields, 69, of Duncan. Leroy passed on July 6. He was LHS class 1959. He is survived by wife Margie; daughter Deborah Livingston; son Darrell; brothers Paul and Vernon.
Graveside services were July 11, handled by Carter-Smart Funeral of Duncan.

Our prayers and sympathies are with those who have lost loved ones.

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Oklahoma & neighboring states have been in National news with our extremely HOT temps!!! FOX says more temp records broken today (Thursday). We're livin it here in the home town folks and I can tell you....it's HOT!!!!! No relief forecast anytime soon.

Bruce Knowles, '62, had the audacity to write and let me know that temps in his home state of Alaska have been in 60's - 70's! He says when it gets in high 70's, they "suffer" from the heat! I can tell you....he doesn't know suffer! He should be in the lower 48! hahahhahha Glad someone is cool.!!!

Regards to all.......Georgia

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

Originally sent July 6

Have posted some of the pictures from the recent June 10 reunion on the blog. Pictures 3-4-5 (on the Wichita tour) are courtesy of Glen Thomason. Others are pictures from my camera. Still have numerous great pictures from Glen & several from Susan (Hankins)....working on those to add to blog. (Right here on this blog) - Scroll down page (right side) till see header for reunion photos....link is 'Classes 1956, 1954, others, June 2011'. For some reason is a way down the page! Hope they will open for you. Should be able to run a 'slide-show'.

btw...couldn't resist....picture is my 3 month old....'great-niece' - Brinkley Elizabeth Caudill, celebrating her first 4th! Mom is LHS grad Megan (Gill) Caudill, 2001, proud dad is Brian; granddad is my bro Mike Gill, '71. The tradition continues!

From the eMail bag:

Does anyone have a list of contact for '51 grads?

Someone is looking for Rhoda Gallaher.

Also, someone looking for '59 classmate Ruth Elizabeth "Becky" Brubaker - described as an 'army brat'.!!! She is not on our 'found' list. Anyone know?

And, looking for Camille (Lay) Benson, class '54. Anyone?
If you have info on any of these grads, would appreciate it.

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Susan (Hankins) Ellington got to go home Sunday. Fire missed her home but damage in the area is considerable.

Ronnie Hagler, '58, sent an email to say that he & Pat O'Dell, '56, covered the 2000 fire in that area for CBS.

Had a great visit and lunch recently with Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52. Dee continues treatment for cancer but was looking wonderful and so happy she felt like getting out.


REMINDER:
Class 1947 - 64th reunion set for August 26-27, Lawton Country Club. For local [Lawton] info/details contact Jeneanne Lawson at (580) 510-0516 or Jack Bost at (618) 397-1217; or (618) 530-0096.

Class 1961 - 50 year reunion is September 2-3-4. For info contact Sue (Otis) Wigington at (580) 536-2344 or email mssue.wig@sbcglobal.net. Info also posted at classmates.com
Was told, any that wish to join in...dinner 6:45, Bianco's, Thursday September 1. Might check with Sue.

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Always hate to report losses....

'59 classmate Roy Mack "Skeeter" Martin, 70, of Lawton, passed on July 5. I have no particulars but know he had been ill for a while. Services will be 10:00am, Friday July 8, at Whinery-Huddleston Chapel.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.whineryhuddleston.com

Luther 'Butch' Hargrove, 67, of Lawton, passed on July 1. Butch is husband of our '59 classmate Judy (House). Originally from Cement, Butch moved to Lawton area years ago. He is survived by Judy; two sons; several grandchildren; brothers and sisters.
There will be a Memorial service at 3:00pm on Thursday July 14, at Becker Funeral Home Chapel.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And, Zenith Prestage, 83, of Bella Vista, AR passed on July 3, in Faxon, OK after an extended illness. Zenith was LHS grad but not sure of year. A Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Extended obit and guest book at:

I am sorry I didn't get this notice sent sooner. We lost Thomas Russell Chapman, 68, of Lawton, on June 26. Tom attended Whitter, Central & Tomlinson Jr High, and was LHS class 1961. He is survived by wife Linda (Kemp); a son; a daughter; grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Robert Chapman. Services were June 30.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Note: Tom died as a result of a fluky and tragic accident. He was riding in the annual bike race here & while stories differ a little, he did fall from his bike & hit his head. He was wearing a helmet but sadly injuries were fatal.

Remains HOT (107 today), so mostly in under the a/c. HOW did we survive without it!!!!! Regards to all....Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent July 2

I am getting quite a few returns on the LHS News. I am going to 'delete' those names that come back to me! Will hold them in file, so IF you notice (after this news) that you are no longer receiving the news, let me know & I can add you back in. Please keep me posted on any email changes IF you want to continue receiving the news. Also, let me know what year you graduated as I keep some by year. Thanks. Can also check previous news HERE at the blog:

Also, getting many emails infected with a 'worm' (I believe). I know others are too. Invades the address book & sends links to all.....some are not links you would want to visit. Been getting quite a few from several sources including some classmates. Don't think (?) serious, just an aggravation! & seems to be slowing down. Just wanted to let you know!

Lots of news....From the eMail bag:

Received correction on email for Sarah (Olsen) Vaughn . Should be:

sarah.vaughn@cox.net

As we continue to set heat records & the winds remain hot and dry.....Bob Looney had great delight - I know - in writing that temps in Seattle area haven't broken 80...yet! May have changed by now???

An email from Susan (Hankins) Ellington on Monday (June 27) said that because of the Los Conchas fire south of town and the Lab, they have been evacuated and at that time were at their sons home in Santa Fe. 11 years ago, a fire in that same area, burned 300+ homes. [Friday] Susan says still in Santa Fe but may be able to return home Monday (July 4). Below are a couple of pictures Susan sent, looking from Santa Fe.

Ronnie Jones said yes, 'Love is Many Splendored Thing' did bring back good memories. I will just use initial of the good memory he mentioned.....S.R. (kinda like the Tatler, huh! wink! wink!).

James (Jim) Fullerton wrote to inform that the Old Lawton High project was looking for some display cases to place LHS memorabilia in. Something along the line of what would be in a vintage retail store. They have artifacts to place in the cases. If any of the grads have such cases you are asked to please contact Debra Baroff at the Museum of the Great Plains - (580) 581-3460.

'59 classmate Dan McBee wrote hoping that some might be interested in a 5 year get together for the '59 class and maybe another year or two join in? (2014). 1959 celebrated their 50th in October of 2009. If any have interest and would like to get it together (will need someone to head it up as your truly has retired), I can let you have all the contact info I/we have for class '59. Dan may be up this way in the fall, maybe some 'talks' then!!??!

Glen Thomason sent a big "thank you" to all who took time to vote for the Coast Guard project. He says they will get their grant.

Sunday (June 26) Herb Jacobs - 'Where Are They Now?', also did great article on '58 classmate Johnny Bateman. If you can get it, page 3-C of the Lawton Constitution.

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Good news from Tommye (Boudreau) Hobbs, '52, who emailed..."Ray [Hobbs] has had much encouragement from his doctors and fellow patients. His radiation treatments will be finished on August 24 giving him a month to recuperate before the reunion. We are planning to be there; flights, car, and room are booked. See you in September."

Reunion is September 23-24. Classes '49 ~ '52. And any others who would want to attend.

Had opportunity to visit with Betty (Hennessee) Bohl Watts. '60. Bless her heart, she is the sweetest gal. She has MS and is taking treatment/meds for it and although has some difficult days, she seems to be doing best one can with health problems. Enjoyed our visit.

Shirley (Edmon) Frank, '55, will be having some surgery on July 18th. Her daughter says she will be re-cooping for about 6 weeks. If you would like to send a note of encouragement & well wishes, her address is: 5606 Teagarden Place, Hope Mills, NC 28348. I'm sure she would appreciate it.

I understand from Mike Wyant that his brother Roger continues to improve - although slowly - from a recent stroke. Roger would like to hear from any classmates at
btw....Roger lives in Piedmont, OK where recent tornado caused havoc. Roger managed to get himself & family plus neighbors and assorted dogs and cats into storm cellar. Fortunately, storm missed his house.

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Passing after a lengthy battle with cancer, Kathy B. (Williams) Cagle, 56, of Lawton passed on June 30.
Kathy taught school in Lawton Schools for 30 years before retiring. She was LHS class 1973. She is survived by husband Ashley Cagle; a daughter; 3 step-children; a sister; 2 brothers. Services will be 1:00pm, Tuesday July 5 at First Baptist church.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

We also lost Flo L (Quickle) Hyden, 94, of Lawton. Flo passed on July 1. She was a LHS grad and Salutatorian of her class. She is mom of our '59 classmate, Susie (Hyden) Wilson.
Graveside services will be at 10:00am, Wednesday July 6, Highland Cemetery.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And very sorry to report the passing of Jamie Hanes, 65, of Tulsa, on June 30. Jamie had liver cancer. Believe he was LHS class of 1964? He is survived by wife Sandy who resides at a nursing home in Broken Arrow. Jamie is brother of twins Janette Hanes and Janice (Hanes) Poston and another sister Mary. I have no details on services.

David Wheeler, class of 1968, passed on May 22 in CO where he had been living for some time. His nephew - Bart Hadley - has written that many of Davids family and friends were unable to journey to Colorado for the service so they want to do something locally - in Lawton - a Memorial celebration in honor of David.
The event is set for July 8 at Mike's Sports Grill, 6:30-7:00pm, and it is hoped that many friends and classmates of Davids' will be able to attend along with the family. They also encourage any who might have remembrances or stories about David, to come and share those stories. For additional details contact Bart at: (580) 351-4252.

Extremely hot and dry conditions have resulted in banning [shooting] of fireworks by individuals or groups in Comanche County, although have already heard some in the neighborhood. I'm sure there will be some 'out-law' shootings! Forecast shows temps for next week 103 - 108! Wishing you a safe and cool fourth. Georgia

Picture (above) from Susan few days ago, are looking from Santa Fe.

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 16

George Glasby, '57, sent me a great article on '58 classmate Johnny Bateman that appeared in the San Antonio Express News on Sunday June 5. Johnny left Lawton & went on to an extraordinary career as a catcher in Major League baseball. Sadly he passed in 1996.

Dorothy (Demoro) Dawson, '52, has been on a family cruise in the Bahamas (12 family members) celebrating her son's 50th birthday and her XX birthday (never tell a ladies age).!! She plans to make the reunion in September.

'58 classmate Ron Sheffield - tight with NASA, being engineer on Hubble telescope and working shuttle launches - sent this link to the Space Shuttle Atlantis 'nose art'. Also, this is LAST shuttle launch, set for July 8.


This item from Janet (Burt) Terry who serves on the LHS (old bldg) Historicial Committee......
"If anyone has any memorabilia they would like to contribute to the committee, please contact me (Janet). We would like to acquire some things from Band, FFA, Glee Club, or any other clubs. We have quite a bit of sports memorabilia, so we're trying to get some other things. Of course, we will take anything, trophies, clothing, or pictures. As long as it refers to the old LHS.
Also, they are still selling chairs for the auditorium that will include a name plate for $400/ea and there are note cards with a picture of the school. The note cards are $10. for 20 cards. There are also lockers for $150. that you can decorate with personal items from LHS or a class can decorate with items from their year."
Janet

I thought the reunion this past week-end was GREAT! Will be doing a re-cap as well as pictures in next few days. If YOU have comments from the reunion that you would like to share or photos......send them to me! Will share with all in the news. Glen Thomason was also snapping photos all over the place and he has been generous and already sent numerous to me. And, Susan (Hankins) Ellington will be sharing soon. Please send any photos in JPEG format. Thanks.

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So very sorry to report the passing of Barbara Ruth (Hutchins) Pipes, 83, of Lawton. Barbara passed June 13. She was LHS class 1946. While at LHS she was a champion tennis player, was state runner-up two years running.
She is survived by husband of 64 years, John H. Pipes; daughter Kathy; son Kevin; 3 grandchildren; sister, Jan (Hutchins) Ewbank of Seattle. She was preceded in death by a son, David.
Services will be 2:00pm, Friday June 17, Becker Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at:
http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Lila (Butler) Dean, 79, of Lawton, passed on June 3. She was LHS class 1950. She married Billy W. Dean in 1950, he passed in 2005. She is survived by a son and a daughter; sisters; brothers; grandchildren. Services were June 7 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:

Also passing, Manuel R. Lehew, 87, of Lawton. Manuel passed on June 7 and services were June 11 in Chickasha and burial with full military honors. Manuel is survived by wife Pat (Anderson) and is father to classmate(s) Mike Lehew; Dale Lehew; Dennis Lehew. Stepson, Chris Kinsfather. Services under direction of Seviers Funeral Home in Chickasha.

Note: Bill & I have known Manuel many years & attended church with him and wife Pat. He was such a nice person, loved God - very faithful in his church service - and his country, proudly serving in the US Navy and Army. We had a lot of conversations/discussions with Manuel over the years, great hot button topics - politics and religion. We will certainly miss him.

Regards from a HOT, dry, hometown. 100+ all this week. Georgia