......LHS News......
Originally sent August 21

I am sorry I could not get this out sooner, but, TOMORROW - Wednesday August 22 - classmate Dr.  Charles Gilbert will be the guest speaker at the  Workers and Travelers of Mt. Scott Community Building. Charles will have a slide presentation on 'What Makes the Wichitas Special'.  The group will meet at 12:00 noon, Mt. Scott School building (on McClung Rd about a mile north of Meers/Porter Hill Rd.)  A light lunch will be served.  Guests are most welcome.   If you need information or directions, please call (580) 919 - 9150.
Charles is well respected for his geology research and knowledge of the Wichita Mtns.

Glenda (Doan), '55, and hubby Jimmy Stanton, '56, just celebrated their Golden 50th!

Also making it to the big 5-0,  '59 classmates Wynona (McDonald) and Jerry Nottingham.
And close behind, my brother George Gill, '63, and wife Christine (Parr), a glorious 46 years! It takes a lot of work to make for a  marriage to arrive at these 'high numbers'.  Congratulations to all!

Speaking of George, he said he had a great visit with Frank of the American Pickers TV show while in Sturgis. George said he was very friendly and talkative and added..."he's shorter than I am!"  Now...we're talking munchkin! hahahahhaa!
Ben Melton is NOT helping things writing to tell us it's 46 in Southfork, CO.  He's planning to stay a while longer till heat retreats down this way! 

'59 classmate Peggy (Stockton) Cravens of Austin escaped the heat by spending some time at her brothers home in Ruidoso, NM....not only cool, but beautiful mountains! 

Ed Jones sent a lovely 'travel log' of the area where he lives in Baja!  Waves lapping up on beautiful sandy beaches.  sigh!  I think we should all go visit!

Herb Jacobs writes once again about the sports scene in Lawton long ago.  Not really about LHS this time but interesting none the less as he viewed old microfilm from 1962.  A lot of names you will know.  Sunday Constitution, August 12, page 6-C.

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Had opportunity to visit with JoLynn (Ansley) Kramer, '55.  She is doing much better after months of rehab and recuperation from a fall.  It was good to see her looking and doing so well.

Sharon (Hartline) Stamps fell and broke both ankles! She is obviously immobile but recovering.

Jerry Strickland, '57, is just home from MD Anderson in Houston where he had surgery to remove a tumor pressing on his brain.  So happy to report, the tumor was benign and after some rehab, Jerry is home & doing well.

'59 classmate Joel Boyd has written that he will have a kidney removal surgery on August 28. He says its a 'stage 1' tumor and confined with no traces of problems anywhere else. Joel is in Florida and I know we all wish  him the best!  He says he hopes to get at least 20 years out of the other one!

I understand Alvis Kennedy, '57, is quite ill (cancer).  Have no details.

Please keep my sister-in-law in your prayers. Terri (Stowe) is married to my brother Tim Gill, '70. She is battling ovarian cancer and currently has a lot of problems. 
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So very sorry to report the loss of yet more classmates:

Alton E. Cox, 80, of Lawton passed on August 12.  Alton was LHS class 1949. Alton was very active in FFA and horses all his life.  His dad owned Oscar Cox Pontiac in downtown Lawton back in the day.  Alton is survived by his wife Gwen (Braddy); a son Brad; two brothers, Wayne and Larry; a sister Sharon Glover; brother-in-law Buddy Braddy; numerous grandchildren, extended family.  He was preceded in death by a son A. Blake Cox and a brother Weldon.  A Memorial services was held August 16.
Extended obit and guest book at:  <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Billie Ruth (Bish) Fargo, 69, of the Woodlands, TX, passed on August 12 after a short battle with cancer. Billie Ruth was LHS class 1961.  She was daughter of our former Superintendent Hugh Bish and wife Marion (both deceased).  Billie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bill Fargo, '62; daughters Beth and Allison; son David.  Numerous grandchildren. There was a memorial service on August 20. Bill wrote a beautiful obituary for her.  Read extended obit at:
  <http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Billie-Fargo&lc=4922&pid=159162939&mid=5203197&locale=en-US>

Lois Viola (Harrison) Boice, 89, of Lawton passed on August 11. She attended school in Lawton but do not know the year she graduated.  She married Louie Boice in 1939. He passed in 2008. Survivors include a son; three daughters; large extended family.  Services were held August 15 in Lawton.
Extended obit and gust book at:  <www.grayfuneral.com>

'59 classmate Beverly (Spradlin) Riley lost her husband Richard on August 13.  He had been fighting Alzheimers for several years!  There was a memorial service August 19.
Beverly was in Lawton briefly last week at her daughters home.  She was doing well considering her loss and the fact she recently had 2 surgeries.

Our prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and those who are undergoing treatment and surgeries.

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The heat wave has broken and tonight as I send this...74, with cool breeze.  Feels sooooooo good!
Regards to all..............Georgia

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

Originally sent August 11

Dean Henderson says the picture of the bathing beauties came from Vonda!  Great picture regardless of origin!   Boy!  Wish there had been digital, etc....in our day!

The class of 1962 held their 50th reunion in Lawton in June and some discussion centered on classmates taking a cruise. Those with interest can contact Bruce Knowles with ideas and preferences. Call (907) 495-4965.  Bon Voyage!

Sing Happy [August] Birthday to:  Minette (Zak) Page on her big 8-0!; Mary Virginia Ozier, the
BIGGER 9-0!; John Mercadante, age unknown, hahahah;  sisters, Megan (Gill) Caudill and Tiffany (Gill);Wolverines all!

Wanda (Smith), '55, and Bobby Sunderland just celebrated their 56th anniversary!!!  Major congrats guys!!!
Bobby is from Hobart. He is battling Alzheimers and they would appreciate your prayers.  Wanda hopes to be in Lawton this October.

'59 classmate Weldon Davis and his lovely wife Marilyn just celebrated their 48th anniversary!

Re: the broiling temps in the hometown:  '59 classmate Ed Coulson says now can get taste of their [usual] weather in Phoenix. 

Bruce Knowles, '62, says high temps in his hometown (Alaska) are high 40's, low 50's.....WITH rain!

'59 classmate Patsy (Sherratt) Theobald reports..."We are in the beautiful State of Oregon where the average temperature along the coast is 70 degrees.  Since we are used to the heat of St, George, UT which can reach 110 in the summer, we are always cold up here and wear sweatshirts most of the time."

Now guys...these comments are NOT helping!  haha! 

'59 classmate Johnna (Gordon) Parks and mutual friend Sue (Chalk) Briggs, '64, just back from CA. Part business, part fun!!!   A snazzy bungalow on the beach made visit most enjoyable!

Brother George Gill, '63, just back from annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (South Dakota).  He doesn't go every year, but most!  Varoooooom!
Howard Council, legendary saddle maker and LHS classmate, 1947?,  received the first Lawton Award in Excellence during Lawton's birthday celebration.  Picture shows Howard (on right) with Mayor Fred Fitch, another LHS grad - 1965.

Last reminder:   Class 1972 - 40th reunion. Friday August 31 & Saturday September 1. Events include a 'meet n greet' at Mikes Sports Grill; LHS/Eisenhower football game; golf tourney; party at Camerons McCasland Ballroom. $35. to register. Contact Edna Guzman, 2126 NW Bell, Lawton, OK 73507 or email aurora.mcdaniel@yahoo.com

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Tommy (Boudreaux) Hobbs, '52, had a run-in with a ladder and broke her arm.  She says Ray is having to pull x-tra KP since her broken wing!

Jo (Van Stone) Riley, '51, fell and broke her arm! Gals....gotta stay upright, both feet on ground!!!

Betty (Wood) Boyce, '55, had successful cataract surgery but was later found unconscious at her home.  Tests being done, hubby Louis, '50,  not doing too well either.  Your prayers would be appreciated.

'59 classmate Dan Glascock will be having surgery on 23rd to remove a tumor in his throat.

Hoping a speedy recovery for all.

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Received word that Curtis McClure passed May 11 in Colorado Springs, CO. Curtis was LHS class 1951. He is survived by wife Marge.  His mom was the great cook at Washington School.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those having medical problems, surgeries, treatment and with those who have lost loved ones.

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Temps breaking somewhat!  Kiddos getting ready for new school year!  Earlier than we used to start...remember those days my fellow classmates????  Getting to be some time ago!  Regards to all.........Georgia

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

Originally sent August 2

Mary Ann (Goode) Pursley was first with correct identification of the two bathing beauties!  Girl on left is Sherry (Alexander), on right Vonda (Pipes) Lansden, both class 1957.

Barbara (Patton) James also knew who they were as did Ron Hartline, Deanna (Paramore) Manning, Mike Wyant and Dean Henderson (who says photo originated with him).  Most recognized Vonda, but several thought Sherry was Martha (Darden) or me!
Also appreciate guesses from Reese Russell; Dan Glascock; Ken Harris; Janey Scott.July bdays include '59 classmate Dan Glascock. Hats 'n Horns! And a Happy Anniversary to my sis - Princess Gill Turner, class '76 - and her hubby, the handsome Tab! 

Wolverines, Class 1957, get set to 'roar'!  55th Reunion set for October  19-20 at the Best Western in Lawton.  Friday night mixer (probably out by pool);  Saturday night buffet/dance in ball room. Tickets are only $40 per person and includes BOTH nights.  50 rooms have been set aside at the Best Western - first come/first get!
If you want to attend either or both nights or need more info, contact Eugenia (Matthews) McClellan at grannygmc@verizon.net  She will send you a registration form to fill out and return to her with your check. OR, go ahead & send info and check to her at:  2801 Silkwood Court, Plano TX  75074; Phone (972)422-3050. 
Any from other classes wanting to attend are most welcome but will also need to register and send check to Eugenia.

Herb Jacobs continues with his remembrances of some who he recalls excelled at LHS. Names you will remember: McCord, Thomas, Brown, Breathwit.  Great read Sunday Constitution, July 29, page 5-C.

Note:  Herb also mentions what a great competitor John Breathwits dad Jack was...Jack played racquet-ball, basketball, soccor. All of it and always to win! Jack was a stand-out in track at LSU back in '47, '49 & '50. He was one of the top 6 quarter-milers in the Nation in 1948.  He was excellent skeet shooter. My Bill and Jack hunted many a duck back in the day!  Jack passed about 4 years ago.

Lawtonian Darlene Bridges is the subject of a great article - Lawton Constitution, July 31, pg. 10-A. It talks about the movie made in Lawton in 1949 - The Lawton Story.  The film was based on a story about the Easter Pageant and was partially filmed on location at the Holy City in the Wichita Mtns. Darlene played the part of the virgin Mary.  Good read, good pictures.  Darlene is mom of classmates George Bridges and Donna (Bridges) Waller.Just FYI personally:  I have known Darlene all my life.  Lovely woman, great 'storyteller'.  Over the years enjoyed and learned much in the bible studies she used to hold. Think the world of her. She is 94 and going strong!

The City of Lawton and the Museum of the Great Plains are wanting any photos taken inside the old LHS building - photos from 1910 - 1954. If you have such photos, the Museum can copy them and return your original to you.  Call the Museum at (580) 581-3460 or go by at your convenience. The photos will be on display at the Museum as well as the Lawton High Memory room at the old high school (City Hall).

Who - especially those of the '50's - can forget Maybeline 'motivatin over the hill' or Johnny B. Goode 'ringin that bell'. Singer and rocker Chuck Berry will be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its American Masters Series in a week long celebration Oct. 22 - 27. Berry is 85 and was inducted into the Hall in 1986.  Never a better 'beat'!

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Fred Leippe, '52, has been in and out of hospital last couple of weeks with heart problems. He is now home & a new defibrillator/pacemaker has him fixed up and doing much better! Loraine will be having cataract surgery the 9 and 16th. 

Claudette (Taylor) Burch wrote to let us know that hubby Fred is recovering from emergency open heart surgery three weeks ago. She says he is "having a terrible time with his lungs.  We are hanging in  there but all prayers would be the best medicine."


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Mary Ann (Teague) Boucher, 69, of Lawton, passed on July 26 after a battle with blood cancer.  Mary was LHS class 1961 and wife of '59 classmate, Jerry Boucher. Mary taught many years in Lawtons elementary schools, retiring in 1996.
Mary is survived by husband Jerry; daughter Carrie; son Scott; 4 grandchildren; sister Jeanie; brothers Wayne and Dwane; extended family. Services were July 30 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.beckerfuneral.com

Nora Nadine (Witty) Wolever Gill, 79, of Mustang passed on July 25 after a short illness. Nadine was LHS class 1950.  Services were July 30 in Mustang with burial in Irving, TX.  Nadine is survived by 2 daughters; 2 sons; numerous grandchildren and extended family.
Extended obit and guest book at:  <http://mcneilsmustangfs.com/>

btw...the Gill is NO relation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are ill, having treatment, or have lost loved ones.

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The home town broils under the excessive heat (113 on Wed and same today). But, Lawton will celebrate it's 111th birthday with festivities kicking off August 6.  btw....same date my Bill and I tied the knot 47 years ago!

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