......LHS News......
Originally sent September 24

"My first experience with Pizza was at Bianco's in Lawton. It was wonderful. Thanks for the memory."
Allen C. Isbell, '55

Several have asked, so to let all know, plans at this time are to keep the restaurant open and it is....Roses' son Chris & his wife Jan are currently operating it. btw.....had pizza there Wednesday eve....very good!

Had a chance meeting and quick visit with '59 classmate Sally (Bassel) Wiseman. Sally was doing well and lunching with her brother James who is class '62.

Some Trivia: During grade school and early Jr High years, I loved Nancy Drew mystery stories. I ventured to Ratcliffes book store many times and purchased some copies of the latest for my own. But occasionally, I also walked down to the **Carnegie Library at 5th & B to 'check one out'.
If you enjoyed ND, you can reminisce with a 3 page article in October's Country Living magazine about the old books - pictures too!
**Remember the old library inside - how it looked (rather dim lighting) and smelled. Guess it was the oil they used on the wood floors. Kress had same type oiled wood floors. Carnegie building is still there, but now it's the Town Hall and remodeling and renovation inside has [unfortunately] removed the old charm and character.

I also noted that Annette Charles passed in August! WHO is Annette Charles you say...!! She played Cha Cha DiGregorino - "the best dancer at St. Bernadettes"...."with the worst reputation" - in the movie GREASE with John Travolta, Olivia Newton John. One of my all time fav movies about the way we were...!
She was 63.

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Sorry to report numerous losses.......

So hate to report that Homer Edward Page, Jr, 81, of Lawton passed September 23. Homer had recently transferred to an OKC Rehab center following a fall from a ladder a few weeks back. Homer was LHS class 1948. He was longtime Lawton businessman and married 55 years in August to '50 classmate Minnette (Zak) Page.
He is survived by Minnette; daughters Myrna Rae and Ellen; numerous grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 2:00pm, Sunday afternoon, September 25, at Temple B'Nai Israel Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelly in OKC. Arrangements by Hahn Cook Funeral Home - OKC.
The family will sit at Shiva at the family home in Lawton beginning at 6:00pm Sunday evening. Friends are welcome to call.
Obit in Lawton paper: www.swoknews.com

Also passing, Walter Francis Kaulaity of Norman. Walter passed on September 20 after a lengthy illness. Walter was LHS class '63. He is survived by his wife, Georgia; a daughter, Alice Ann; large extended family.
Services will be 1:00pm, Saturday September 24, First Baptist church at Carnegie, with burial following at Saddle Mountain Indian Cemetery, under direction of the Comanche Nation Funeral Home.
See obit in Lawton paper: www.swoknews.com

And, Ian Donald Robb, 69, of Lawton. Ian was a native of Urunga New South Wales, Australia and a friend and companion to our '59 classmate, Linda (Hawkins) Moon. Ian passed on September 23.
A Memorial service will be held at 1:00pm, Monday September 26, Becker Funeral Home Chapel.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Also passing, Ted Spradlin, 91, of Lawton. Ted passed September 20 and grave side service with full military honors was held September 23 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Ted was born in Hulen, OK but attended schools in Lawton - Lawton Jr. High and he attended LHS from 1934-1937. He then joined the Civilian Conservation Corps - Company 870, working on the refuge headquarters and building campsites in the Wichitas. Ted is father to our '59 classmate Bevery (Spradlin) Raley.
Extended obit and guest book at:

I appreciate a call from '59 classmate Jerry Morgan on Thursday (Sept. 15) that Geneva (Harris) McIntosh, '62, had been in the hospital in her home town of Ft. Worth. Geneva has a history of heart related problems & at this time they were having great difficulty putting in stints. I did not get a chance to get that news out when I received word Saturday that Geneva passed on Saturday September 17. Geneva was an organ donor and then she was to be cremated. No details as to a service at this time.
She is survived by a daughter Stacy; sister, Rondena; brother Glenn Harris, '59. I think there may be some other family, but this is only info I received.
Geneva was the one who started the All Class Reunion that was a great success.
If you would care to send a card or other remembrance, please sent to her daughter Stacy Nugent, 613 Blue Jay Dr., Saginaw, TX 76131. (817) 706-7105.

Our thoughts and prayers are always with those who have lost loved ones and those who have health issues.

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OK....getting my camera all ready......classes '49 ~ '52 annual reunion TONIGHT! Bill is '52, so hope to see others of you there. Regards to all from the 'home town'........Georgia

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

Originally sent September 14

I must apologize....in a 'gonna-be-a senior-someday moment', as I called 'us', wolves in last news. Mercy! What was I thinking! I know we are the Wolverines!!!! Several called my attention to this horrible mis-thought and mis-type!

btw.... OSU "whomped" Arizona last Thursday evening....37-14. This is especially for Gordon Griswold and all the other OSU'ers out there!

....from the eMail bag:....

'59 classmate Sharron (Cummings)Bolt wrote to say she is just now home from having hip replacement surgery weeks ago. A few post surgical 'problems' required a longer than planned stay in rehab. However, she told me all the amenities the SPA, I mean, rehab offered, and I got the impression she was in no hurry to leave! haha. I know from personal experience rehab is no picnic. Sharron is living in Amarillo and glad to hear all going well.

Dr. Sam Hamra, '55, emailed that he & wife Sonia fled the Texas heat and headed out to Santa Barbara, CA where they cooled down and had a nice time and a visit with '55 classmate Richard Glenn and wife Kay who live in SB. (see pix of Sam & Richard).

Very nice email from Bettie (Mowery) Vail, '58. She & hubby Dick (retired) have been living in NC since 1996. We have been getting caught up on LHS doings.
Bettie said they were fortunate to be stationed in Lawton during the time their daughter Gina could attend LHS for half her Junior year and all of her Senior year, graduating with class 1984. The tradition lives on!!!!

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I appreciate Doug Loudenback, '61, for sending a link to his blog and the pictures he took at the Class '61 - 50th reunion last week-end. Doug has a great blog at: And, pictures are there or at this link:
I have also added a link on the blog, hope it will work.

Appreciate Preston McPhail, '60, who also attended and sent me some photos. Will have those posted soon

SAVE the DATE: LHS class 1962 will celebrate their 50th reunion next June 1-2, 2012. They are still looking for '62 grads so if you have any info or need additional info, contact Kaye (Thompson) Jenkins McCarley at kayetmc@copper.net


And, annual combo reunion of classes '49 ~ '52, coming up September 23-24.

I have posted pictures that I took at the recent class of 1947 on the blog. Right hand side, scroll down, follow link for 1947 - 2011 pictures.

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'59 classmate Larry Joe Thompson sent a picture of the fire out in the mountains with these comments...."About 20 miles away from my house. Several homes lost. Will take many years to regrow those trees and to recover wildlife habitat. Horrific, yet an awesome sight at night - looks like the lava flows in Hawaii."

And, Belva (Hollingshead) Williams - would have been '59, moved - visiting family in Austin recently sent a picture of the fires burning west of Austin, TX.

Also Sharon (Godfrey), '64, sent pictures of area burning around Austin as did several others. HORRIBLE!

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I received an email from Jim Vaughn to let me know that his mother - Sarah (Olsen) Vaughn - passed on September 12 in Del City, OK, after a battle with cancer. Jim said she was being cremated per her wishes but gave no information as to any kind of service. I do know Sarah had a sister - Benna (Olsen) Morford - was is class '53. Sarah was LHS class 1956.

I am so sorry to report the passing of Monte Jenkins, 49, of Cache. Monte passed on Sept. 4. Monte is son of Sue (Burton) Jenkins Peddy, '61, and Warren Jenkins, '57. Warren is also deceased. Monte is survived by his mom; sister Rebecca; several nieces and nephews. Services were September 9 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.whineryhuddleston.com/

Also passing, Jerry Martin, 62, of Lawton. Jerry passed on September 7. He was LHS class 1966. He is survived by wife Ann (Ryker); daughter Amy, son Jeff; numerous grandchildren and extended family.
Graveside services were Monday September 12 at Fort Sill National Cemetery at Elgin.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And, Dorothy Juanita (Sudduth) Shrader, 88, passed on September 10 in Texas. She was an LHS grad but not sure of the year. She is survived by a son Joe; 2 daughters, Janis and Donna; extended family.
Graveside services were September 14 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

The end of an era as the Lawton community lost a longtime resident and business person. Rose Bianco, 93, Lawton, passed on September 11 after a short illness. From Italy (at a young age) to NY and eventually to Lawton, Rose and her husband John came to Lawton in 1950 and opened Bianco's Italian Restaurant in 1952. Many ate their first pizza at Biancos and continue to this day enjoying the great Italian dressing and other fare at the original and only location.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday September 14 at Becker Funeral Home (chapel) from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, followed by a Rosary service at 7:00pm.
Funeral mass will be 10:30am Thursday morning, September 15, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic church, with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

I hope you will join me in remembering those who have lost loved ones as well as those with other health issues and those taking treatment.

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Fall is trying to arrive. Have actually had a few very pleasant days even though still extremely dry.
Cooler temps do make one feel better.........regards to all....Georgia

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

Originally sent September 5

Last Friday night kicked off the LHS football season as the Wolves (ranked 6) 'stomped' their annual rival Eisenhower, (ranked 10).....61-14! Go Wolves!....."beer, beer, for 'ol Lawton High...."

Don't you just 'love' those technical football terms....."stomped"...."rolled"...."held-on" ...."blasts"..."strong finish".....to WIN!

And, easy win for OU's season opener at Norman Saturday eve - OU 47, Tulsa 14. Boomer ~ Sooner!

Lots of email about lot of things in past 2-3 weeks.......

"I never felt the earthquake last week as I was driving to an appointment. We were planning on a beach trip this past weekend but IRENE decided to visit instead. Our beach place at Emerald Isle, NC had few damages and our home in Smithfield is right on the I-95 corridor and we were very blessed to just have rain, lots of leaves, small trees and branches and about a thousand pine cones."
Connie (Lassetter) Johnson, class of 1956

"Gunnar & I were in [DC] in time to experience the great "Earthquake of 2011". I was alone in the National Archives doing family research when it occurred. Leaving the building I discovered that there were no cabs available around the building and although buses and the Metro were operating, I had absolutely no idea which one might take me closer to my hotel. I decided that the only chance I had to get back to my wonderful husband was to find a hotel and ask a bellman to help me get a cab. After walking nearly a mile in a straight line, a hotel appeared in my site. Sure enough, a kind bellman came to the rescue and saved the day. The lesson learned was, "Never go to an unfamiliar city without a map and have a cell phone with texting capabilities. It was impossible to get a call through to anyone. After the Biennial was finished we visited family and stayed to watch the preparations for Irene. Our plane left for DFW an hour and forty minutes before Dulles was closed. Dulles was nearly empty of people and airplanes as we left the area.What an adventure!"
Beverly (Carnes) Carlson, '60

"Talked to Wes Hamm (class of '63). He is 80 miles N. of the epicenter in VA. He said he truly realized knew what the song meant of "I feel the earth move under my feet". They have also had a few aftershocks. He, also thought about terrorists!
Also, I gave a tour this morning [Aug. 27] at the old LHS for the class of '47. Really enjoyed everyone and they seemed very impressed with the way the building is "shaping up". It's really fun to hear the old stories and memories of the building."
Janet (Burt) Terry, '63

Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman, '56, and hubby Mark, recently celebrated their 47th year of wedded bliss! Always good news of enduring unions and Frankie added this note....[talking about Lawton's bday]..."I remember going to Harmon Park for the Pioneer picnic. My great-grandmother's house was where they held the first Pioneer Club's meeting. Also remember Alan Dayton as he lived across the street on Arlington".

"My wife Carol & I just returned from a 2 week cruise tour of Alaska. The photo (above) is at the Arctic Circle at Prudhoe Bay. All I can say is WOW what a trip!!!!"
George Glasby

Charles Darling and wife Jackie are on the west coast and sent these comments couple weeks ago....
"We've had a relatively mild summer up till now. The heat finally arrived and is hitting triple digits in Pasadena, with the added bonus of gulf moisture driving humidity readings through the roof.
Took the grandson through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park earlier this month and it was HOT!!! Las Vegas was 115 when we stopped for fuel."

Bill & I attended the dinner at the Country Club on Saturday night for the class 1947. We had a great time and turns out we knew many from those years. Betty (Phillips) and hubby Clarence Aubrey; Jake and wife 'Bill' Hester; Herb, '47 and wife Jean (Tompkins) Bridges, '46; Betty (Zak) - Minettes sister....speaking of Minette: her hubby Homer Page fell off a ladder that same Saturday afternoon & remains in hospital as of this writing. Broke some ribs and other abrasions. Minnette was at the Saturday night event very briefly.
Also attending Dorothy (Dawson) DeMoro from Bills class '52 as well as Linda (Cooter) Allred, '57. Her sister Jacquie (Cooter) Forrester is '47 and came from MS.
Met and enjoyed visiting with Jack Bost who lives in IL. Jack had help but seemed he was the main organizer who put this lovely event together and he was so nice to invite us to attend. I know locally, Jean Bridges & Jeneanne Lawson helped him a lot.
We met some new friends and everyone was so friendly and talkative! About 55 in attendance and they 'voted' to do it again next year! Same time-frame, same place, if possible. Facilities lovely and food good.
I took a few pictures and hope to have them on the blog soon.

I know class '61 held their 50th this week-end. Maybe I will get a 'report' and some pictures I can share with all...?

REMINDER: SEND MONIES NOW! Classes '49 ~ '52 Annual reunion. September 23-24. Saturday night - all at Lawton Country Club. Let Tommye Hobbs know asap at: tomehobs@gmail.com or Jo Riley:
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.

NOTE: also the 23-25, the Annual International Festival, held at Elmer Thomas Park, 3rd and Ferris. Fun event if you have any spare time. Good food, entertainment, art. No admission.

Just few weeks back, a bad fire in Medicine Park area, now, another fire (worse) raging since last Thursday in area around and north of Meers. Been hard to fight as weather so hot and some areas burning are very remote. As of Sunday morning, 10 homes lost plus many out buildings. On west side, fire burned up to Jed Johnson Tower, not sure of damage to the actual structure? Back fires started helped stop fire approaching Holy City (Easter Pageant) area. Cooler temps came in early Sunday morn and very light drizzle, and Monday, seems a lot, if not all, under control. Terrible on the loss of homes but so fortunate no injuries other than a fireman who fell from a truck. He is OK. Can check stories in Lawton paper:

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So sorry to report the passing of Dorothy Louise (Bennett) Meek, 91, of Lawton. Born in IN but moving to Tulsa at age 5, Dorothy later lived in and retired in Lawton. They founded the Grav-a-Name business in Lawton. She is mom to our '59 classmate Robert Meek, also sons Lewis and Richard; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grand children.
Services will be at 10:00am Wednesday September 7, First Christian church, Lawton. Burial will be at 3:30, Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa under direction of Becker Funeral Home.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Also, hate we lost Dale Forducey, 72, of Elgin. Dale passed on September 1. Dale and his family moved to Lawton from Hollis in 1950 and Dale started attending Lawton schools, graduating LHS class 1956.
Dale worked with his dad, George, and mom Edna, in their 4 Dueces Western Wear in the downtown business community for many years. He was quite a character and always a lot of laughs when visiting with Dale.
He is survived by wife Cynthia (Johnson) who he married in 1987; 3 sons, Mark Forducey and Lonnie and Allan Johnson; numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, George and Mitchell Forducey. Services were September 3 in Elgin.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.fletcherandelginfuneral.com/

Also passing, James Richard Ferrer, 56, of Herndon, VA, on August 15 after a lengthy battle with cancer. James was LHS class 1972. He is survived by wife Joveda Faye (Bunch-Baldas); one son, two daughters: extended family.
Obit is in Lawton paper of September 2. http://www.swoknews.com/

And, Tim Doughty, 51, of Lawton passed on August 28, in Wynnewood, OK, after a lengthy illness. Tim was son of '59 classmate Pat (Dunn) and Jerry Doughty, '57. He is also survived by a sister, Debbie. So very sorry for their loss. Memorial service for Tim was in Lawton on August 31.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

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

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Bill says we have to 'labor' today!!! I'm going to get another opinion! Have a good holiday! Georgia

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

Originally sent August 27

Good morning all........
This great note with a happy ending from Janie Lou (Williams) Adams Dupler:

"I am now married to Bill Dupler, class of 63. I quit school, my junior year at Lawton High - Feb. '64. Bill married Jan Pollan, class of 66, and they would have been married 45 years, but she lost her life it Lupus in Oct. 2005. At that time, my husband Alan Adams, from Amarillo, TX was very ill with cancer and he lost his life Feb. 2006. After a year or so, Bill and I found comfort in sharing our grief and after a time fell in love and were married at the First Christian Church, here in Lawton on July 1, 2007. I work at Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home and have for 25 years."
Then Janey goes on to say..." I entered a pie in the Oklahoma State Fair Pie Bake Off, sponsored by Pillsbury and won First Place. I have never been so shocked. The pie was then entered in the National contest and I won 1st Runner Up. The entire contest was so much fun, the Lawton Constitution did two different pictures and articles and KSWO did a new piece and I am still listed on the Pillsbury web sight under State Fair Pie Winners. I did attach the picture at the Oklahoma State Fair 2010." (see above)

I am hereby officially volunteering to help Janey with the tasting portion of her pie productions!

"I agree with LHS'ers that saw the Buchart Gardens. Saw them 3Times while living in S.Francisco and Seattle area. The flowers just take your breath away,so beautiful. I was fortunate enough to find video's in the wonderful gift shop, so now have two of them."
Verna (Brammer) Zeiders, '52

"Hi, Just a note that I am in Pagosa Springs, Colorado till mid- October. You never know if some class mates are vacationing in Colorado and connect for coffee. I am a "workamper" at Pagosa Riverside Campground. That means I get my site in exchange for 20 hours of work each week. I love meting people and helping make their vacation pleasant. Ya all just call my cell phone 760-362-2937 if your in the area. Life is good and God is Great!"
Charlotte Magill, class of '56

The weather continues to reek havoc on classmates.....

Ed Goodgion (Max) who lives in Manassas, VA sent this note:
"Now we're waiting for the aftershock. When the quake hit in Virginia yesterday [Tuesday], the first thought many of us had was "9-11 ... again"? But I couldn't see any terrorists in the forest behind my house, and the house was still standing so I figured it had to be a large low flying aircraft from Quantico or something like that. We've not had an earthquake here in 117 years, so that thought never occurred to me until I received a call from my son 300 miles away in NC, where they felt it too. Manassas is about 50 miles from the epicenter and escaped with little damage, although there was some in D.C. Vee Deanya was out of town, but the dog and I were a little worried. We're told the aftershock should hit sometime this afternoon, but if our house survived the original tremors, we should have nothing to worry about now. So we're back to business as usual."

And, Janette Hanes spoke with Carol (Hankins) Pokporny shortly after the quake. Carol who also lives close to DC said everything was 'OK'.

This from Murdoch Matthew, '49
..."No. 3s [earthquakes] aren't very big, but people there might have noticed it. I wrote Charley Crabtree, LHS Class of 59 or so, to see if he'd noticed the little No. 2s between Oklahoma City and Norman. He's living north of Norman now, taking care of family business, while continuing to work by Internet for his company in southern California.

As you probably heard, the East Coast tremor was all the news yesterday. I was sitting at my desk when everything sort of waved back and forth about half an inch for almost a minute. I check the California earthquake maps daily to see what my kids in San Francisco might be experiencing. There are a lot of earthquakes in the ocean off Eureka, where Bert Click's son was working until recently. So I knew what it was, but had to wait for it to hit the news to find out where the center was -- Virginia.

Now we're promised a hurricane for Sunday, one aimed right at the low point of Manhattan Island at the moment. It'll probably shift one way or the other before it lands. We had 7 inches of rain one day last week from a tropical storm stalled over Pennsylvania; where we live, in Northern Queens, Irene shouldn't be any worse than that. We'll see, of course.
My cousin in a Dallas suburb has been confined to her house from 10am to 4pm by the heat recently. Nothing so dire here, although the humidity on that day of rain, coupled with lower temperatures, made things very unpleasantly clammy."
Murdoch

Excessive heat continues in OK.....was 109 on Wed following days of same and expecting days of same with NO rain in sight. Thur & Fri dropped to 103 - 104. The ground is so hot, some of the night lows are only in the 80's.

'59 classmate Richard Densley, who lives down Ft. Worth way, said he was planning a patio BBQ and wouldn't have to use the grill!

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LaRue (Locke) Hogate, '59, has finished her treatment for cancer, post check-up good and at this point she is doing well down in the Texas Hill Country!

Sarah (Olsen) Vaughn, '56, son Jim, emailed that Sarah returned to her home on August 22, she will receive no more treatment for the cancer as it has spread too far. She will be giving up her email, so if you would like to contact her, the number is: (405) 672-4427; her address is: 3007 Del View Dr. Apt. A, Del City, Oklahoma 73115.
Do it soon.

Sorry to report the passing of Daniel 'Danny' Ray McLain, 70, of Lawton. Danny passed August 24. He was LHS class 1960. He is survived by a son Danny; two daughters, Jana and T.J; two sisters and extended family.
Graveside services will be 10:30am, Monday August 29 at Marlow Cemetery.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

Also passing, Carl Taylor of Georgia. Carl passed on June 23 after about a years battle and unsuccessful stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. Carl was married to our '59 classmate Monna (Muncey). I know many had opportunity to meet Carl as he & Monna attended our class '59 reunion back in 2009. Very nice gentleman. Monna asks to be remembered on your prayer list.

Please join me in remembering in prayer, those who have lost loved ones, those who are ill and taking treatment, and those who are on the east coast, in possible dangers and for sure, inconvenience.

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Hope to make some new friends and take some pictures this evening (Sat) as we plan to attend the class 1947 reunion.
Regards to all.....Georgia