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

Originally sent July 22

Wesley Best, '58, has just completed a series of 10 - 5ft x 2ft - angels to hang in the Liberty Heights Christian church, Lawton. The project took over four years to complete.  Wesley has had an interest in art since second grade and definitely has talent. He retired as Senior Illustrator from civil service back in 1993.  The newspaper photo shows Wesley with the panel titled 'flute player'. See photo at right side of page.

OK.......gonna play Guess Who?  Two LHS bathing beauties enjoying Doe Doe Park, circa 1956-7.  Do YOU know who they are??  Appreciate Luther Green, '57, for the great photo and hope the beauties don't mind sharing! psssstttttt....bet they didn't know Luther had this photo???????

Barbara (Odom) Smith, '56, has gotten settled in Panama City, FL.  Barbara recently moved from Houston to be near her two daughters and grandsons.  She's most happy to no longer be a homeowner, but an apartment dweller where she can call someone else to take care of problems! Plus, she says shes in a smaller community!


Herb Jacobs Sunday column in The Constitution - 'Where Are They Now' - keeps turning out great memories of LHS sports.  In column of July 15 - page 6-C, "Baseball Turned Out to be Tannery's Forte", Jacobs once again writes of another great LHS baseball player Dick Tannery, '62, and another championship season.  Old friends, old schools, old memories....ALL great!  If you can get a copy....enjoy!


Some from class 1957 are working on a 55th reunion.  Details soon!


Class of 1972 - 40th reunion is coming up fast! Friday August 31& Saturday September 1.  Events include a 'meet n greet' sat 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 OR Dan Collier <turf101@aol.com>*******************


Sue (Riddle) Carey, '54, wrote and asked me to share this 'news'...... her husband Buddy suffered a heart attack some months ago while they were at their home in Vail, CO.  Some stints, rehab, then other 'strange' happenings.  Buddy has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They are back at their home in PA, Buddy has been taking chemo, and doing 'better'.  Scans scheduled soon to see where they are with treatment.  I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.


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Johnny Jay 'John' Breathwit, 58, of OKC passed on July 4.  John was LHS class 1972. We were told it was a heart attack. John was stand-out basketball player for LHS with many of his records still unbroken. John was an attorney.  He is survived by his wife Babette (Patton); son Jake; stepson David;  his mom Carolyn (Love); a brother Jerry; an uncle Pete Love; extended family.
Services were July 10 at St. Johns' Episcopal church in OKC.  Graveside services and burial were in Lawton.
Extended obit in Sunday Constitution, July 8.  <http://www.swoknews.com/>


Billie J. Traughber, 70, of Lawton passed on July 2.  Billie was LHS class 1960.  He is survived by his wife Virginia Ryans (Cox); 2 sons; 5 daughters; numerous grand and great-grand children.  Services were July 7.
Extended obit and guest book at:   <http://www.grayfuneral.com/>

Zearl T. Harmon, 91, of Lawton passed on July 2 in Denver, CO.  Originally from Hollis and Arnett, he came to Lawton in 1954 where he taught science at Central Jr. High, was Principal at Roosevelt Elementary, Asst Principal and Principal at Central and Asst Superintendent of LPS until retiring in 1983. He is survived by a son Rick; two grandchildren, extended family. Services were July 14 in Lawton with burial at Hollis.

Extended obit and guest book at:  <http://www.beckerfuneral.com/>

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

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All I can say is....it's HOT in Lawton, America!  Hope this finds YOU cooling your heels!  Georgia

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

Originally sent July 4


I apologize for typo in last news. I called Patsy, Nancy. It IS Patsy (Sherratt) Theobald. So sorry for the gaff as I knew better!!!!!


"Just to add a note to your Colorado fire coverage...an old broadcast pal of mine asked me to join him, his two Golden Retrievers and cat for a drive from Key West, Florida to the west coast of Washington state. Four thousand miles in four days....no kidding.
Both Bob and I worked in Denver for several years and were interested in the big Fort Collins fire. On June 11, we bypassed Denver and drove north to Wyoming. Our plan called for taking a shortcut in the Fort Collins area. No chance, the fire, visible from afar, changed our plan and the smoke was moving east & north in a big way. We were coughing all the way through Wyoming. The new fire, near Colorado Springs, may be worse than the Fort Collins blaze. Apart from the loss of human life, wildlife and homes the damage done to habitat and mountain terrain is heartbreaking. Fire season is getting off to a very rough start in the mountain west and I fear it will be a devastating summer."
Charles Darling - Charles was with ABC News many, many, years! Cat? 2 dogs? Mercy!


Saundra (Garrison) -Abadji, '61, moved back to Lawton in 2008 to care for her brother '59 classmate Keith Garrison who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Saundra has since retired from nursing at Memorial Hosp and if you want to know what she is doing, Saundra has a webpage on Facebook called Saundra's Corner. Hint: she lived in the middle east for several years!


Appreciate Nino Marinez, '55, for sending a picture of his brother Eddie Martinez, '64. Eddie is with Senator John McCain and Gov Mitt Romney in San Diego at the Veterans Museum for Memorial Weekend. The Vietnam Veterans of America host the annual observance as a tribute to Veterans. Eddie said excellent turnout of about 5000 patriotic folks.


Again, Herb Jacobs writes "Fargo Led LHS to Surprising State Hoops Title". July 1, Sunday Constitution, page 3-C. A look at a great season (1961-62) with LHS's super talent and ability. More names of classmates that you will remember. See pix.


Charles Ellenbrooks, '56, column 'Wichita Mountains Field Notes' is most interesting - Constitution, June 26, page 10-A. Charles and classmate Kenny Dorrell, '58, hiked to the old mining shaft in the Wichitas known as the Bonanza Mine. The Bonanza Mining Co was founded in 1903 with hopes of finding a rich vein of gold or silver. Started by a railroad depot agent from Indiahoma, other rail workers were recruited to help develop the mine. You'll enjoy the read. Picture shows Kenny and is looking west up Fawn Creek at the foot of the mine shaft.

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Ronald C. 'Ronnie' Gaskins, 76, of Lawton passed on June 30. Ronnie was LHS class 1954. Ronnie was a Golden Glove boxer and won the State title in the feather weight division. He is survived by two daughters; a son; numerous grandchildren; a brother Donnie Gaskins and a sister Linda (Gaskins) Wilson. Services were July 3 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.beckerfuneral.com

Velma Lee (Hobbs) McCune, 83, of Lawton passed on June 30. Velma Lee was LHS class 1948. She is survived by her husband of 62 years James Patrick McCune; a son; 2 daughters; numerous grandchildren; a brother Ray Hobbs, '52; a sister Pat. Services were July 3 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.grayfuneral.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones.

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Have a safe 4th! God Bless America! Georgia


Pix 1961-62 LHS team: Kneeling front left, Jim Fargo; right, Bill Thomas; Back row l-r: Wes Hamm; Robert Williamson; Scotty Long; Pete Dosser; coach Kenny Bridges. Note: sadly, Bill Thomas is deceased.

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 27

Lon Parks, class '53, is MAJOR biking enthusiast. Last month he and fellow 'bikers' - Joe Cox and Terry Spradley - rode their bikes from Lawton, America to Breckenridge, CO. Keep in mind, all three men are in their 70's. Lon is 77. They took only wallets, cell phones, and a few changes of clothes in saddlebags. They peddled about 60 miles a day for 11 days to make the approx 675 mile trip. They drove back. Quite an accomplishment and a great read in Lawton Constitution, Saturday June 23, B section. Lon is LHS class 1953.
Photo below shows Lon of left, Joe Cox on right.

With our Nations bday fast approaching, brother Mike Gill will be opening his BigShot Fireworks stand this week. Mike, who is LHS class '71, has been making and working with fireworks since Junior High. In the past, Mike made some of the fireworks shot at the Statue of Liberty during the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. And, he did the fireworks for a Donny & Marie Osmond show in Norman, OK some years ago. Mike is lifetime member of the Pyrotechnics Guild International. If you need something to light up the sky or just wanna say 'hi', Mike can fix you up! He stocks wide variety of consumer fireworks and has vast knowledge of them all! He is located 5 miles west of 82nd street on old Cache road.

This message..... "Hi Classmates, Jo [Riley] and I have been getting inquiries as to when and where the next LHS 49, 50, 51, 52 Reunion will be. We both have too much on our plates to continue "hosting" the reunions. However, we saved all our information on a flash drive and printed an extra set of labels. We were hoping someone would take over, but so far we have had no volunteers. Please won't someone volunteer? Spread the word to those who do not have email. What a shame if there are no more reunions." Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs, '52
Can contact Tommye at:

"Diane (Daniels) and I spent our 33rd anniversary in New York at the end of last month. She sang in a 300 voice choir for a Memorial Day concert. For anniversary night we had dinner on a glass boat in New York Harbor. It was Fleet Week and there was over 16 tall ships with lights in rigging at night. The Statue of Liberty in the moonlight is awesome. We came home by way of Niagara Falls. Had a great time there getting wet over, under and around the falls." Ed Adams, '59

My husband and I are on our way to the Oregon Coast for two months. Our hometown, St. George, Utah, can get to 115 temperatures in the summer and the Oregon Coast is so cool. We completed a transatlantic cruise in April to the British Isles and France. One of our tours was the Normandy Beaches. It was very memorable and Point Du Hoc and Juno Beach has been left like the days of June, 1944!"
Patsy (Sherratt) Theobald, '59

 "I lived across the street (Elm) from the Bullocks. I remember the cave very well. Dick and I played in often. I remember the Bullocks owned a midget racecar and stored it in their garage on Elm. I remember once, Bill fired it up and ran it all over that part of Lawton. Bill was the wild one of all them. What a kick. Always something happening."
Gordon Griswold, '58.
 Remember 'wild' is in eye of beholder also! ahhahahha

 It's in the National news, but '59 classmate Phil Wilder - a resident of CO - sends this report:
"I'm sure you are aware of the Forest fire west of Colorado Spring. Thought I would bring you up to date: 5100 acres burned so far, the fire started Sat. afternoon off Hwy 24 west of CO Spg. For those familiar with this area is heavily forested and in a canyon that is hard to get to. So far 5100 acres have burned west of I-25 to Manitou Springs and North to the Air Force Academy. All Air Force support personnel have been relocated to Fort Carson, and I assume the cadets will be located in the Denver Area. There are over 2000 fire fighters involved along with 4 C130 planes and 25 helicopters dropping water and slurry on the fire. It is a raging fire and has covered the area with thick smoke that looks like the bowels of Hell. One reason the fire is so hard to fight is the steep slope of the canyons and the hot temps. It has been over 100 for the last 10 days and less than 8% humidity. So far over 10,000 people in Colo Springs and the surrounding areas have been evacuated. Pray for them!"
Phil

There are numerous former LHS grads and Lawtonians in CO. All those living or visiting in CO will be in our prayers!

Herb Jacobs continues with great columns on LHS. Sunday Constitution, June 24, page 6-C, "Dosser Witnessed Home of Champions Lore", features an interview with '62 grad, Dr. Pete Dosser. Dosser - son of educators Glenn and Midred Dosser - was in town for his 50th reunion. Again, lot of memories, familiar names, and Petes perspective on how LHS became known as 'Home of Champions'.

 Sing Happy June Birthday to my Bill [Williams].....!!!!

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 I just learned that Larry Muncy passed in Ridgecrest, CA on June 14. Larry was LHS class 1962. He and his wife of 43 years, Linda, were full time RV'ers and were in CA visiting their kids when Larry passed. Larry was brother to our '59 classmate Monna (Muncy) Taylor.

Larry Edward Graham, 65, of Norman passed on June 21 after a short fight with cancer. Services were June 25 in Norman. Larry graduated LHS but I do not know the year. 1963-64? He is survived by wife Dixie (Argo); a daughter and a son and several grandchildren.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/

Garland E. Dezell, Sr., 85, of Lawton, passed on June 21. Services were June 26. Garland was LHS grad but again, do not know what year. He is survived by 3 sons; 3 daughters 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jo Ann (Stuever).

Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

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The 'home-town' is HOT! Unfortunately, I don't mean in a good way!!!! 107 at 5:15pm Tuesday, same today. Have a safe 4th and stay cool......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 19

News continues to roll in.....

Calling LHS class of 1957!! Jerry Phelps, Bob Atkins, Sid Ahlschlager, are wanting to have a 55th reunion! They want/need some help to put something together! Contact Bob at (405) 364-6050; Jerry at: (580) 536-3381; Sid at: (580) 536-2142. Bob (laughingly) suggested this fall might be last/best opportunity for a reunion with world coming to end on Dec. 21.!!! (Mayan prediction)

Anyone have info on any other reunions coming up?
 I do know Class '72 is set for August 31 - September 1. Contact Dan Collier for details or info:

 '59 classmate Johnna (Gordon) Parks has just returned from a week in the Bahamas. She and daughter Shanna took some fun R & R.

 R. Dick and Carol Neptune and Bill and Sharon (Hartline) Stamps just enjoyed some days in old Santa Fe!

 Peggy (Elledge) Long, who has long time digs in Santa Fe, just returned to there from Phoenix where she visited with daughter Lori and attended two graduations!

Barbara (Odom) Smith, '56, is in process of moving to Florida. That is all the info I have, but she says she will be in touch when she gets settled.

 "Just spent 3 weeks in The Netherlands, 5 days at Science and Non-duality Conference in Doorn and the rest in Amsterdam. First time out of USA."
Gale McCray
All Gale really commented on [wrote a poem] were all the "beautiful" girls he saw.....I informed him nothing more beautiful than 'American Foxes'. hahahahah! "eye of the beholder"...

On reading of classmates traveling in Israel and area, David Whitwell, '55, comments...."I once conducted the National Youth Orchestra of Israel and the two weeks I was there I was followed everywhere by an armed guard, for my own protection. It was odd to conduct the joyous Dvorak G Major Symphony with people standing around with guns."

"When all of you “Dallas” fans see JR this summer, look for the credits. Our son, Taylor Hamra is a writer-producer for the new show on TNT."
Sam Hamra, '55
This show airs on Wednesday nights.

FYI: Huge 'living estate' $ale on June 26-27-28, 9:00am - 6:00pm each day. I was told there are 2 LHS yearbooks - a 1961 and a 1962. 208 NW Mockingbird Rd. (Sneed Acres).

"Just a note to say that I and my husband, Roger Brooks just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in Fort Worth. Helping us celebrate were the wife, children and grandchildren of my late brother, Chuck Avera, class of '43 and a former tennis coach at LHS."
Sincerely, Dorothy (Avera) Brooks, Class of '51

 "I was a classmate and friend of Dick Bullock. I lived one street over from Elm on Maple. They had a small cave in their yard as I recall. But what I remember most about Tom was his silver soap box derby type car. He would run it down Elm Hill. All of us wanted to drive it but he was quite selective."
 Mike Keeran, '56
Over the years, lot of stories about 'Elm hill'.

'59 classmate Tink (Belland) Glenn celebrated a June birthday also - with a week in Florida visiting with grand kids & families.

JoLynn (Ansley) Kramer, '55, continues to recover from a fall several weeks ago in which she broke her tail bone. 'Ouch' doesn't begin to cover it. She's doing 'better'.

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Herb Jacobs [Where Are They Now] recently had two good columns in Lawton paper: 1). Titled - 'Tennis was huge deal at LHS during 1960's'....lot of names you will recognize: Mary Ann (Ashlock) - sister Julie; Pete Dosser; Francie Green; Bill Fargo; Dick Tannery; Babs (Yarmuk) Givens; Byrl Hunt; coaches Shelby, Weeks, Spears.
Several of those mentioned were in town for the recent 1962 reunion. You'll enjoy the memories if you can get copy, Lawton Constitution, sports - C section, June 10.
Note: Mary Ann (Ashlock) Swigert was State Doubles champ for LHS in 1960. Still handling 'doubles' well with twin grandchildren - Cassie and Colt. See pix.

2). 'Health issues can't keep Dean grounded' is an interview with Jimmy Dean (in town for '62 reunion) and Deans career at LHS as pitcher. Another good read of memories and names you will remember and some about Deans current health issues. Jimmy has had two heart surgeries, lost part of left leg (diabetes and circulation) and sorry to hear, he was admitted to hospital after returning home from the reunion. We all wish him the best. Lawton Constitution, page 3 C, June 17.

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Patricia Ann (Tompkins) Payne, 71, of Duncan passed on June 15. Pat attended Lawton Schools 11 years but graduated in 1959 from Stillwater. She married Chadwick Payne in 1957, he passed in 2008. She is survived by 2 sons, Scott and Rick and their families; sisters and classmates - Mary (Tompkins) Wright and Norma Jean (Tompkins) Bowers. Services will be 10:00, Wednesday June 20, at Fort Sill Post Cemetery. Extended obit and guest book at:

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Remember, previously sent news and photos are archived at the WolverNet blog: Regards to all from the 'home town'...........Georgia