Monday, January 30, 2012



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

Originally sent January 22


David Craig, '57, sent a note....
"I had the pleasure of taking my bride of 50 Years, Trudy, to Hawaii to celebrate our 50th Anniversary which occurred on December 14, 2011. We spent 10 days on the big island where the lava still flows and the sunsets are still as beautiful as we remember."
Major congrats guys! (see photo)

I'm sure in times past many of you went to Springlake Amusement Park in OKC. If so, you will enjoy the 'visit' via the link below. Lots good memories. Appreciate '59 classmate Stephen Parker, for sending it along.

Another walk down 'memory lane'.....Etta James died this week. Early blues type singer. Many of you will remember her biggie - a pretty song - 'At Last', popular back in '50's. Complications of leukemia, she was 73.

I appreciate Charles M. Gilbert for sending me a copy of a new brochure [color]on the geology of the Wichita Mountains just published by the Oklahoma Geological Survey. It's a lovely brochure, it's free, and will be available this spring at the Visitors Center out in the Wichita Mtns.
Charles added these notes....
"I want to encourage those interested in the Wichitas to have a look and get the straight story direct from an LHS alum.
I was [class] 1954, last class at the old building. Went on the first Mexico trips that Ada Knight generated. Helped, along with others, Miss Stafford move her classroom stuff over to the new building at the end of the 53-54 school year.
I am a geologist---BS and MS from OU, and PhD from UCLA. Taught at Virginia Tech for 15 years, Texas A&M for 7, and OU, since 1990, for 17. Retired in 2007, but still have an office at School of Geology & Geophysics at OU. As perhaps you can tell, the Wichita Mountains area is my main research area now."

As I said, lovely & informative brochure and the Visitors Center is also something to see. Don't miss it this spring! Thank you Charles.


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Unfortunately we have lost several classmates:

So sorry to report the loss of classmate Kenneth Ray Vickers, 78, of Howe, TX. Kenneth passed on January 12 and services were held in Howe on January 17. Kenneth was LHS class 1952, but left just before graduation to join the Air Force, along with his classmate & friend, John R. Woody.
Kenneth is survived by wife Ruth; 2 daughters; a son; numerous grand and great grandchildren; a brother Alva Jay Vickers of Lawton. He was preceded in death by brother Jimmy Vickers.
Extended obit and guestbook at: http://www.waldofuneralhome.com/

Also passing Barry Wayne Cousins, 64, of Lawton. Barry passed on January 13 after a lengthy illness with Alzheimers. Originally from Kentucky, Barry & his family moved to Lawton-Ft Sill and Barry graduated LHS class 1965. Services were January 18. He is survived by a son and 3 sisters.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

We also lost Franklin Glen Countryman, Jr., 75, of Ok City. Frank passed January 15 and grave side services were January 20 in Lawton.
There will be a Memorial service at 10:00am on Monday January 23 at Metropolitan Baptist church in OKC. Frank was LHS class 1954.
He is survived by two sons; a sister; numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. His wife, Nancy Ann (Yeiral) preceded him in death as did a sister, Sharon Foster.
Extended obit and guestbook at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Also passing, Richard Lee 'Dick' Shelton, 71, of Ada. Dick passed on January 17. Services were January 21 in Ada with full Military honors. Dick attended school in Lawton and Duncan and believe he may have graduated from Duncan. He is survived by wife Terrie; sons Blake and Terrell; daughters Endy and Phileshia; a sister Linda; numerous grandchildren and extended family.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.criswellfh.com/

And, Ola Lewis, 94, of Lawton passed on January 18. There will be no funeral service, but a celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date. Ola is mom of classmates Marilyn (Lewis) Smith; Stan Lewis; Diana (Lewis) Gross; and Cindy (Lewis) Hernandez.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

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

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We are experiencing a 'mild' winter in the home town which is great relief after snow & ice of 2010 and 2011. Regards to all.....Georgia

Sunday, January 22, 2012



......LHS News......
Originally sent January 12

Mary Alice Slaughter, class of '57, and Arthur Rowland celebrated their 55th anniversary on December 19. And they report that both are happy and well. (at least half of those years have been happy according to Art). MAJOR congratulations guys!

'59 classmate Ed Adams and wife Diane attended the Rose Bowl parade and had a great time. Although Ed - for whatever reason - did try everything he could to get arrested! (see photo above).

Ben Melton sent a great picture of 'the' Tiger with hopes and expectations running high...but...the LSU Tigers just didn't roar loud enough in the BCS Bowl! Sorry bout that Ben.

The Wichita Wildlight Photographic Society will be meeting tonight (Jan. 12) at 7:00pm, Boulevard church, West Gore & 53rd street. Chris Wehner of Tulsa - son of classmate, Francis (Jacks) Wehner - will host a showing of "When You Find Me", a new short film by Duncan native Ron Howard. A photo by Chris was recently chosen by Howard in a national competition, Project Imagin8ion. Attendance this eve is free and open to the public.

Gale McCray, '60, has been invited to give his presentation - 'One Man Looks at Baseball' in Duncan on Friday March 9.
Gale will be part of the Duncan Story Festival along with other professional storytellers, including Sam McMichael of Apache; Charles Kriss; and Ed Foley who will play the mountain Dulcimer and sing ballads. I have had opportunity to hear Sam and he is very good! Will be a fun evening and a great opportunity to visit with an old classmate. At the Senior Center, 1101 7th, Duncan, 6:30pm.

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Sorry to report the passing of Vera Mae (Wich) McChurin, 82, of Lawton. Vera passed on January 8.
She was LHS class 1947. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Myron; a daughter Lucille; two sons: Marvin and Michael.
Services will be 10:ooam Friday January 13 at The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with burial at Sunst Memorial Gardens.
Exrended obit and guest book at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Also sorry to read of the passing of Ima Jean (Parrack) Kurtz, 98, of Lawton. Mrs. Kurtz passed on December 31 and services were January 2. She is mother of classmates Frankie (Kurtz) Browning and David Kurtz.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

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

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This New Year is moving right along in Lawton, America. Trying to stay 'up with it'. Regards to all....Georgia