LHS News
Originally sent December 19

Vreda (Decker) Schieman emails that she & hubby Gordon are still in Salida, CO and if there are any 1951 grads around, they would love to meet them.

The University of Oklahoma is establishing an endowment chair in honor of Lawton native Paul Massad. A million dollar grant from the Webster Family of CA will make possible the Paul D. Massad Chair in Strategic Communication in the Gaylord College of Journalism. Paul has a nearly 60 year association with OU. Paul is LHS class 1955.
Congratulations Paul!

It's sad that Lawton has lost two of its old landmark businesses recently. Surplus City/Surplus Salvage - across from Lawton Airport on SW 11th street - closed its doors on Saturday November 30 after more than 5 decades.
Kenneth 'Dozie' Davis got into retail early as manager of the post exchange (1928 - 1942). Returning
to Lawton in 1945 after a stint in the US Navy, Dozie went into business for himself. He was active in the business until he passed in 1994.
His son Kenneth 'Jay' Davis returned to Lawton from NM in 1990 and has run the business since with his daughter Jennifer taking over the past 5 years. Jay Davis is a good friend and LHS class 1955.
Good article Lawton Constitution, Sunday November 24, E - 1.

And, Ratcliffes/Sadlers Book Store will close soon. Sadler began an association with Ratcliffes back in 1940 when Gale Sadler went to work for Lee Ratcliffe. They became partners on 1947. The Sadlers became sole owners in 1988.
I bought many a Nancy Drew mystery novel at Ratcliffes when they were on 'D' street (west of the Dome).

The Lawton Heritage Association is offering its 2013 Christmas ornament. This years ornament features Roosevelt/Ron Stephens Stadium located at 1400 NW Dearborn. Back in the day the stadium was the site for all of the LHS football games. The stadium was built by the WPA (Work Progress Administration) in 1935-36. Native rock from the Wichita Mountains was brought in for the structure. LHS games, later Eisenhower and Cameron, played there until mid 1960's. Originally Roosevelt Stadium, the name was later changed to Ron Stephens Stadium in honor of Stephens who had been the Comanche County administrator for the WPA.
Ornaments are very nicely done, in gift type box, only $15. Available at the Museum of the Great Plains (580) 581-3460; Massad's Gifts (580) 357-4500; and the Mattie Beal Home (very limited hours).

Sing Happy (December) Birthday to: Sue (Chalk) Briggs; Janice (Vaughn) Salisbury; Bill Stamps; Sharon (Anderson) Berndt.

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Gene Grogan, 81, passed November 20 at his home in Potomac, Maryland (suburb of DC). Gene had battled Alzheimers for some time. He was husband of Jan (Rice) Grogan who is LHS class 1954. Jan writes that they "will have a celebration of his life at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC on December 7th, the anniversary of our wedding 56 years ago."

Roberta (Wheeler) Hadley, 72, of Lawton, passed on November 29 from diabetes and a stroke back in October. Roberta was LHS Class 1959. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Craig Hadley, '60; a son; 2 daughters; 11 grandchildren; 2 brothers; 2 sisters. Services were December 4.
Obit and guest book at:

Burt Chesley Montague MD, 79, of Lawton, passed at his home on December 2 after lengthy battle with cancer. 'Ches' was LHS Class 1952. He had a long and distinguished career in the medical field. He is survived by his wife Jeannie (Lee) Strait Montague; numerous children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A Memorial service was held December 9 in Lawton.
Obit and guest book at:

Frederick W. 'Fred' Leippe, 81, of Lawton passed on December 6. Fred attended Washington and McKinley grade schools and was LHS class 1952.
He is survived by his wife Loraine Grace (Wittig); 2 daughters and their families; 4 grandchildren; extended family including 2 brothers and 1 sister. A Memorial service was held December 14.
Obit and guest book at:

Dorothy B. (Brown) Ramsey, 88, of Lawton, passed on December 11. She was LHS class 1943. She was married to Raymond D. "Ray" Ramsey. He preceded her in death iin 1992. She is survived by large extended family. Services were December 16.
Obit and guest book at:

Robert Wayne "Bobby" Botts, 58, of Lawton, passed on December 10 after short battle with cancer. Robert was LHS class 1974. Robert or 'Bobbert' as we called him, was a friend. We will miss him as well as others who have left us.
Obit and guest book at:

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

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This will be the last newsletter of this year so I will wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year -2014 - full of family, good health, and good friends.

"And to all a good night".......Georgia