......LHS News......
Originally sent August 19

Fireworks guru Mike Gill, '71, just returned from Fargo, ND where he attended the Annual Summer Blast of Pyrotechnics International. Fabulous firework shows all week. All the latest in items that light up the night sky! Final night, a single bundle of 1,000's of firecrackers was lighted!!! (pix of Mike & firecrackers).
Yes, one of my brothers.

'59 classmate Ed Adams and wife Diane (Daniels), ' have just returned from a trip around the great northwest! Flew from OK to Seattle; ferry to Victoria; ferry to Vancover; train to Kamloops and Banff; flight home from Calgary. Ed says Butchert Gardens was a favorite of the trip. (see pix at Gardens)

Congrats to Chris Wehner - son of '64 grad Francis (Fran Jacks) Wehner - who recently won the Ron Howard Imagin8tion Project sponsored by Canon. Not sure what all is involved but suffice to say, GREAT honor to have ones work chosen from 1,000's of photos. Quite an accomplishment and more can be seen and 'heard' at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/04/ron-howard-bryce-dallas-howard-canon-project-imag8ion_n_918121.html#s322223

REMINDER: reunions galore:

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

Classes '49 ~ '52 Annual reunion. September 23-24. Friday night set aside for individual classes to have get together; Saturday night - all at Lawton Country Club. Tommye Hobbs at: tomehobs@gmail.com
NOTES: Class '49 Party: Friday night 6:00 PM at the Leister-Bridges home, 3304 Baltimore, Lawton.
Class '52: Friday night 6:00pm, get together/social, back room at Furrs Cafeteria; dutch treat.
For all: Meet and Greet: Saturday morning 10:00 AM, atrium (west side) of the 'real' Lawton High School. Coffee and sweet rolls will be provided.
Farewell Breakfast: Sunday morning 9:00 AM, Golden Corral, 2632 NW Cache Road. No host; pay as you enter. Tommye says....."sorry about the conflict with the OU-Missouri game. At the time the reunion was scheduled, OU had an open date. They didn’t even try to accommodate us!" haha!
Please help spread the word.

Class 1971 - 40 reunion October 14-15th! Friday and Saturday event(s) planned. Deadline for reservations, Friday October 1. Details posted on FaceBook. Contact is Alicia (Mathews) Steer, 308 Cotswold Dr., Norman, OK 73072.Email: LHSclassof71@hotmail.com

Reunion info also posted on the WolverNet blog. (right here - to the left)

We realize some don't know till last minute, but if you know you are coming to any of these reunions, try to send money and reservations as early as possible. Makes it easier for those making the plans and accommodations as they have to have head counts etc. Thanks.

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Once again we have lost classmates and friends.......

Shirley (Faulkner) O'Dell Legum, 70, of Atlanta passed on August 13. Shirley was LHS class 1958. She is survived by her husband Kenneth Legum; a daughter Catherine Legum; two sisters, Beth Garrett and Judy Drake, both of Lawton and LHS grads; extended family.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Apache, OK.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.wagesfuneralhome.com/

Also, Napolean 'Charles' Parks, 69, of Lawrence, KS. Charles passed on August 12. He was LHS class 1959 and went on to receive several degrees from Wichita State before beginning a career in education. He is survived by his wife Ella (Myers); a daughter; two sons; a sister; extended family.
The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00pm on Friday August 19 at the Warren - McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Services will be at 10:00am, Saturday August 20, First Presbyterian church in Lawrence, KS.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.warrenmcelwain.com/

And, sorry to report the passing of Connie Lyn (Zumwalt) Mathis, 59, of Milford, TX. Connie passed on August 13 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Connie was LHS class of 1977 and daughter of LHS grad Janet (Tague) Copeland and Carrell Gene Zumwalt.
Connie is survived by her husband, Johnny Mathis; her step-son Alan and wife Angela Mathis; step-grandchildren, Peyton and Troy Mathis; her father, Carrell Zumwalt; her mother and step-father, Janet and Eugene Copeland of Kingfisher, OK; a sister Valerie Tubbs, OKC; a brother Douglas Zumwalt, Lawton; extended family.
Connie graciously donated her body to science.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, August 20, at 2:00pm in the Trails to the Cross Cowboy Church, 226 Stadium Road, P.O. Box 658, Hillsboro, TX 76645.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com/

Note: A lot of the obits I send are in the Lawton paper. You can access them by going to:
http://www.swoknews.com/ Click on obits link at top of page.

Our thoughts and prayers are with these families who have lost loved ones.

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Regards to all from the home town ~ have a good week-end! Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent August 8

Think I started something with this anniversary thing, but good news is always welcome!

'59 classmate George Lewis and wife Joan (Nottingham) will celebrate their 50th (August 25) with a family hosted reception. Major congrats guys!

Larry Muncy, '62, celebrated his 42nd anniversary in July with his wife Linda, who is originally from OKC.

Peggy (Wiggins) Hathcock, '55, wrote that she & hubby Austin celebrated their 56th in July. She also commented..."The Lord has been good to us, and Austin enjoys excellent health. My health isn't excellent, but I've got nothing to complain about".

Mary Alice (Slaughter) Rowland, '57, and Art will be married 55 years this December! And happy to report that both are happy and well up Yukon way. (at least half of those years have been happy according to Art). haha!

Jeane Virginia (Stockton) O'Brien, '61, and hubby Jim celebrated 45 great years in July!

And, Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs, class '52 sent this news....."What a bunch of new-bies re the enduring marriages! Ray and I will celebrate 59 years on August 22. Bill and Mary Melton are on number 61. Howard and Genevieve Council maybe even longer. Can anyone top that?"

Sounds like some of them may hold the record....?


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I was told on good authority that the Museum of the Great Plains will soon have a permanent display devoted to Howard Council and his lifetime of making quality leather items, in particular his saddles, which are owned by singer George Strait and many world-wide rodeo champions. Howard was inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Hall of Fame (OKC) this past spring. Howard and his wife Genevieve are both LHS grads.

Herb Jacobs - 'Where are they Now' - focuses on former Lawtonian Lewis Chandler in this Sunday paper (August 7 - page 6-C). Although Lewis graduated from St. Marys here in Lawton, many LHS classmates knew Lewis and at least one of sisters (Carmen) gradated LHS. The story is about Lewis career in coaching, teaching, counseling, and two bouts with cancer. Through all, becoming a very competitive and successful runner. Cancer free since 2004, Lewis who is 69 and living in Tulsa, trains 3 days a week. He is married to JoAnn (Arrowsmith) of Colorado Springs. Good read if you can pick it up.

Former Lawtonian and LHS grad John McKee, recently hosted his annual 'University of Oklahoma Club of Santa Fe' for those former OU alumns living or temp dwelling in Santa Fe. Picture below courtesy of the Oklahoman.
Left to right: Lawtonian Jack Bryan (married to Judy (Warkentin); John; Howard Berry; Susie (Drewry) Battaglia.

Ben Melton, writes....."Sue and I are in Chama, NM, temp this morning[Aug. 6] was 49, vs the 106 in our home town of Bossier City, LA. We will meet some friends from Houston in about a week in Utah. Then on to Yellowstone.
We will join a tour group at Grants Pass OR. and tour OR. and Washington for about a month. We had to do something to escape the heat!"

We hear that!

Received this nice email from Deanna (Paramore) Manning........

"What a delight it is to receive your LHS newsletter every month and to be able to keep up with all the people I went to school with - lived there from 1949-1957- my dad was manager of Penney's when it was still on C street next to Earl Drug. It is amazing that there are so many connections to each other from one little town, and I so enjoy reliving many of the memories you bring. I graduated from LHS in 1957 and even though I have lived in Southern California since 1964, I have stay connected with Lawton friends and family, until my dad (Dean Paramore) passed away in 2009. Now it is only through e-mail. Hope you keep sending it out for years to come."........
"PS btw....it's going to be 87 today - hottest day so far. You've got to be tough to live in OK."

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Sorry to report the passing of Colonel (ret) Dean A. Herman, Jr., 73, of Las Cruces, NM. Born at Ft. Sill, Dean was an 'army brat' who travled all over with his folks but returned to graduate LHS class 1956. Like his father and grandfather before him, he had a very distinguished career in the military. He is survived by his wife, Marguerita (Zileff) who he met while attending Stanford.
Funeral services will be conducted 9:00am, Monday August 15 at Ft. Bliss, TX, chapel #1.
An extended obit was published in the Las Cruces Sun - News on August 6.

Also passing, Rita Jo (Hulsey) Ayers, 78, of Lawton. Rita passed on August 5. She attended LHS but do not know year she graduated or may possibly left before graduation.
She is survived by a son Mitch; two daughters, Jeanie and Jill; grandchildren and extended family. Her husband Bob Ayers passed in 2005. Services were August 8 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guestbook at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

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It's 110 years young for the home town. The annual birthday celebration started off with the Pioneer breakfast this past Saturday and the annual rodeo starts Wednesday (August 10) and runs through Saturday night! Doyce Grayson says ...all come on out! He'll be manning the hospitality tent and says they will have anything you want to drink...as long as it's Keystone Light!

Appreciate these memories from Allen Dayton, '52, they are most appropriate........

"When I was a small lad growing up in Lawton, there were two big days in the year - Christmas & August 6 - Lawton's birthday. Aug. 6 was the biggest. I got to dress up like a cowboy which I assume was to make me a 1901 Pioneer. There was a great parade which my grandmother rode in on a float with the Pioneer Women. And then best of all, we would go to Harmon Park where the Pioneer Women had a stand to sell sandwiches and soda pop. I got to help sell the pop which was in ice coolers. I can still feel that cold ice water in the cooler as I fished for a Royal Crown or a Grapette. This lasted several hours while the politicians spoke and there were talks about the founding of Lawton.
I also remember in 1951 when they had the pageant, "Neath the August Sun."

Happy Birthday Lawton! .........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent August 5

Well, good news about enduring marriages continues to roll in....
Dolores (Warner), '52, and hubby Jim Mueller celebrate 53 years on August 17. Dolores said it was hot that August too and ceremony was at the New Post Chapel, which had NO a/c.

'59 classmate Wynona (McDonald) and hubby Jerry just celebrated 49 years and Wynonas sister Brenda (McDonald), '61, and hubby Robert are celebrating 46 years on August 7.

Out in Chula Vista, CA, Nino Martinez, '55, and lovely wife Lita, recently (May 20) celebrated their 'golden 50th'.
Nino says..."Wow, what a life"!

Wanda Gayle (Smith) Sunderland, '55, and hubby Bobby, just celebrated their 55th! btw...Wanda writes that Bobby has been on dialysis for a year now but a new way of administering it will allow them freedom to travel a little now. Wanda sends 'hello' to all her old classmates and friends, especially classes '54, '55, '56.

An email from George Glasby says they are heading 'north to Alaska' for some relief from the heat!

Received such a sweet email from Shirley (Ray) Blowers. Seems her folks and Bill and Kathleen Joyner were very good (life-long) friends and the Joyners were witnesses when Margerie & Ellsworth eloped. Always amazed at how our lives intersect and entwine.
btw....Shirley said her brother Larry Ray - our '59 classmate - was doing well.

Received an email from Sandy (Childs) Mead asking if anyone was keeping up with 'news' of grads from 1960 - 1970?
I responded that there was not, as far as I knew. I had suggested couple years ago that the classes get together and do just that. Someone from each 'decade' who could/would keep track of those grads they attended school with and were familiar with....! Something for discussion at future reunions.

The classes of the '40's - '50's do a good job of staying in touch but it takes effort on someone(s) part. Many have been instrumental in doing that for 40's and 50's.

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Bill Stamps, '60, got a new knee today. He will possibly be roaming the halls of McBride (OKC) with my sister-in-law Chris (bro Georges' wife) who got a knee on Wednesday and is two doors down! The second knee for her. But, how fast can ya 'roam' on a walker!!!!???? hahahahhaa. I can make jokes! Been there, done that!

'59 classmate Sharron (Cummings) Bolt just had a hip replace on Tuesday! She's already up and doing well. Isn't modern medicine just great! So sorry for those in days gone by...they must have had a lot of sore knees and aching hips....not to mention other parts! So grateful we have sources for repair and relief!

'59 classmate George Bridges had back surgery last week. He is home and re-cooping.

So very sorry to report the passing of Carole "Susie" (Mileham) Harris, 68, of Geronimo. Susie passed on August 3 at the Heart Hospital in OKC. She was LHS class of 1962 and married to our '59 classmate Glenn Harris. She is survived by Glenn; a daughter Cynthia; sons, Stephen and Bryant; numerous grandchildren and extended family.
Services will be at 10:00am, Saturday August 6, Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel in Walters; burial following at Walters Cemetery. Susie and Glenn just celebrated their 50th anniversary July 20.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.hart-wyattfuneralhome.com


It is always sad to have to report the loss of friends. Our sympathies and prayers are with the families. Also thoughts and prayers with those undergoing surgeries and treatments.

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Maybe some of you have seen the movie - 'The Chronicles of Riddick'? Normally I don't watch sci-fi because I have to have someone to explain it to me!! But, for some reason, I have seen this movie. Not bad actually, good vs evil. But, point, there is a planet that some visit/live on, very close to the sun, and you have to take serious cover before the sun comes up or you're fried, instantly, like a piece of chicken! I feel we have been living that in Oklahoma and Texas! haha! Some milder of course, but above normal HOT! Hope and a lot of prayers for relief soon.

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

......LHS News......
Originally sent August 2

If you weren't out and about and 'dining' in Lawton the past few days....you weren't nowhere! Ran into Tommye Lynn (Powers) and hubby Bill Johnson up from Austin for couple of days. They both looked great and TL said they were "doing great". Had nice long visit with them at Burgess Grill. Also at Burgess and visiting with the Johnsons,
Leota (McKee) and hubby John Guy Erwin. And.....Marcille (Burns) Covey at another table enjoying conversation and a burger!

Also, a visit with '59 classmate Jerry Babbitt and his sister Jane Schau. Both doing well.

Sunday, visited with Ebb McDuffie who was with Joe Lansden. Joe was passing through on the return from Oshkosh air show. Joe traveled commercial to Dallas, joined brother John Lansden, flew Johns Bonanza north and met up with 107 other Bonanza's to fly as a group on into Oshkosh! WoW!

Bert Click, '49, emailed about the old Indian burial mounds that used to be in the Wichita Mtns and he remembers they were visible from the road on way to Mt. Scott and/or Craterville. He had hoped to find some pictures of the old mounds but has had no luck! Anyone else remember? Photos anywhere?
In some reading he did find...."Kiowa and Comanche in Southwest Oklahoma: These tribes often would bind the deceased into the smallest space possible within Wichita Mountain crevices to protect the remains from animals. Choctaws might put the body on a platform and allow it to decompose naturally. They then would save the skull and other long bones to attend feasts with the living in honor of the dead."
Interesting.

Once again, Herb Jacobs highlights LHS alums in part of his Sunday column - July 31, page 3-C, Lawton Constitution. Herb talks about a recent visit to Big 'D' (Dallas) and a great visit and tour - courtesy '55 classmate Ronnie Jones - who Herb says, has done well in "world of high finance" and resides in "an immaculate" apartment in a Dallas high rise. Ron also treated Herb and Herbs' daughter Janette to the Rangers/Minnesota game.
Ron Jones was one of the 'Big 3' in LHS class '55. He set all kinds of track records along with Jim Butemeyer and Dee Givens.

btw......Herb also mentioned that LHS and Eisenhower will kick off the football season with their annual rivalry, September 2 at Cameron Stadium. Go Wolverines!

Speaking of Jim......he and wife Patsy (Cox) Butemeyer are headed to the cool northwest. Patsys' daughter lives on an island just out of Seattle. They were told to bring "warm clothing".......words we long to hear in OK.

I'm tellin 'ya, August -and looks like June and July not bad months either - to make that 'knot' tight & true......

More anniversaries are being, or just recently, celebrated.....'59 classmate Geraldine (Greenlee) and '56 Elgin High grad Daymon Bay, celebrate their 53rd on August 7.

Belva (Hollingshead) and Rodney Williams - 29 great years on August 7!

Ronald Jim Williams and Sandra celebrate 43 - Jim says "hard fought years" (haha) - on August 30.

'59 classmate Glenn Harris and Susie (Mileham) just celebrated their 'golden 50th' on July 20. Unfortunately, right now, Susie is seriously ill in the Heart Hospital in OKC. We wish her all the best.

And, another '59 classmate, Jerry Boucher and wife Mary (Martin), '61, celebrated the 'golden 50' recently. They have both had careers in education. btw....remember, Jerry was All State pitcher for LHS baseball team in 1959 with the team winning the championship that year!

Sending congratulations to all of you and wishing you many more wonderful years of wedded bliss!

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Sarah (Olsen) Vaughns' son Jim, emailed to say that Sarah is really not better, but doing "ok", and looks like they will be moving her to a nursing home. She is not able to stay alone anymore. If you would like to call Sarah, she is still in St. Anthonys at this time and the direct number to her room is (405) 272-6630.

So sorry to report the passing of William S. 'Bill' Joyner, 94, of Lawton. Mr. J passed on Sunday July 30. He was a graduate of LHS. I have known Mr. J all my life. Besides being the dad of '59 classmate and life long friend Nancy (Joyner) McKinnis, they were our neighbors. Mrs. J (Kathleen), was our Bluebird and later Camp Fire Girl leader. She passed in 2001. Mr. J began working after high school as a book keeper for Fairmont Dairy. Later, along with his brother Sam, he owned and operated Miller Hardware. Mr. J was a neat guy and he will be greatly missed.
In addition to daughter Nancy, he is survived by two grandsons, Greg and Todd; several great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and siblings.
A Memorial service will be held at 10:30am, Thursday August 4, First Presbyterian church, 1302 SW A in Lawton. There will be no grave side service.
Extended obit and guestbook at: www.grayfuneral.com

Also passing, James Russell 'Mac' McNeil, 74, of Corpus Christi, TX. Mac passed on July 30. He was LHS class 1955. He is survived by wife Cheryl; 4 daughters; 2 sons; extended family.
Family and friends will meet 9:00am on Thursday August 4, at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery at Geronimo.
I could not find an online obituary but there is a very nice obit in Lawton paper - Tuesday August 2.

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

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According to OKC weather news on Monday, Lawton was top for the state with the highest daily average temp for month of July. Average daily temp was a HOT 107. No signs of letting up!

Warm regards to all...........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent July 28

More 'lost' classmates.......anyone know whereabouts of John Gomer Jones?

The 50th Anniversary Cookbook compiled by the Museum of the Great Plains is now in stock at the Museum 'store'. It's only $9.95 and has great recipes from many Lawtonians and some classmates. I have already purchased my copy & it is very well done! Bon Appetit!

'59 classmate Gloria (Lamb) Ervin and her hubby Lee recently celebrated their 51st anniversary! Enduring marriages are always a great milestone and testament to patience and long suffering! haha! Mostly, lots of love! Congrats guys!

They said it couldn't be done!!!! But, a classmate of '59 - Jerry Priest, and a classmate of '60 - Madelyn (Mitchell), tied the knot and just celebrated a 'golden fifty' with their two daughters and their families. Congrats guys!

Speaking of anniversaries (that I am aware of).....Bill and Janey (Johnston) Scott will celebrate 47 glorious years on August 1 and Dee and Babs (Yarmuk) Givens will celebrate their 'golden 50' on August 5. George & Chris Gill celebrate their 45 on August 12. Major congrats guys!!!!
And, yours truly and my Bill will celebrate 46 wonderful years on August 6 - Lawtons birthday. Looks like August was a good month!

Had a nice visit with Mary Miller - hubby Jimmy Miller taught 7th grade science - and Mrs. Millers sister June Barnett. Both ladies were teaching when 'we' were at Central. Both are widows now, but doing pretty well. Mrs. Barnett has had a terrible time with a shoulder & several (not very successful) surgeries over past few years, but hanging in there.

Johnna (Gordon) Parks and Sue (Chalk) Briggs have just returned from a few days in CA. They enjoyed the sites, shopping, cooler temps, and especially a behind-the-scenes tour of FOX studios. They visited the sets of House and Bones among others. They were joined by Sues' daughter - Adrienne - who came from Abu Dhabi where she is currently living. Adrienne works in the production end for numerous film making entities.

Ron Hagler, '57, sent a great picture of the Northern lights taken from the spacecraft!

Some are jokes, some are info, some wanting info, but appreciate recent emails from classmates: Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman; Peggy (Stockton) Cravens; Mitch Braley; Dan Glascock; LaRue (Locke) Hogate; Pat (Sheppard) Holcomb; Jerry Morgan; Larry Joe Thompson; Willie Guest; Phil Wilder; Nancy Ross; Sherry Wiley; Jerry & Kay (Pavillard) Otis; Peggy (Elledge) Long; Wayne & Judy Kniffin; Geraldine 'Cookie' Harnley; Henry 'Hank' Roberson; Michael W. Lewis; Jim Johnson; Vreda Corinne (Decker) Schieman; Judy (Adams) Scheer; Bill Northcutt; Marilyn (Gordon) Smith.


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Spoke with an acquaintance who speaks with Roger Wyant most everyday and was told that Roger is doing much better and has 'turned the corner' in his recovering from a stroke. Good news indeed!

I visited with Jo (Van Stone) Riley, '51, and learned that her hubby Linden, '51, has been hospitalized for some three weeks (as of July 22). Linden has Alzheimers and has also suffered a stroke. Jo said he was doing as well as he can but fairly low. Address: 224 NW Northwood Ave., Lawton, OK 73507

'57 classmate and dear friend Shirley (Brittain) Russell has been diagnosed with cancer of the kidney. She will have surgery in August. Address: 3002 NW Liberty, Lawton, OK 73505.

Sarah (Olsen)Vaughn, '56, who just started chemo for lung cancer, had a very adverse reaction to the chemo and at this writing (Thurs) is in room 9817 at St. Anthonys hospital in OKC.

I know all these with health problems would appreciate your prayers and encouragement.


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Sorry to report loss of more classmates and friends.

In a terrible, terrible, tragedy, the service for Sue Scott was postponed. Her son Bobby had gone to OKC on Thursday (July 21) to retrieve her ashes for a private burial. On his return home, he had a car wreck and was killed. A memorial service for both Sue and Bobby will be held at 11:00am, Monday August 1, Centenary Methodist church. Bobby, 43, is survived by a son Daniel; an uncle Bill Scott and wife Janey.
Arrangements by Becker Funeral Home.

Raymond Crook, 83, of Lawton, passed on July 13. Raymond was LHS class of 1944 or maybe 45? He was also a '49 graduate of Cameron. He is survived by wife his wife Faye (Owensby); a daughter Lynn; two sons, Steve and Jeff; five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary (Clark). Services were Monday July 16 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guestbook at:

Note: I grew up attending church with Raymond & Mary. They were both lovely, kind, people. So sorry we have lost Raymond.

Also passing, Michael Ward Stanley, 51, of Lawton. Michael passed on July 20 and services were held July 23 in Lawton. Michael is a LHS grad, 1978. He is survived by a daughter; a son; numerous grandchildren. Also a sister Sylvia Weber and a sister Virginia Lucas, who was married to our '59 classmate David Lucas. David is deceased.
Extended obit and guest book at:

Hate that the news is sometimes sad, but unfortunately that is part of life. Makes one want to be sure and keep those friends and family we love close, and let them know - often - how special they are to us!

Special regards to all my classmates........Georgia