Monday, January 6, 2014

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
......LHS News......
Originally sent November 19


Bob Keiningham wites......"Sorry to hear about my buddy Jack Shanklin ... he tried to teach me how to dress all the way through High School! I turned 78 in April, but reading about old friends being that old still provides a little shock and awe!"

Ron Poole & wife Marilyn are now at home in Austin, TX. I have his contact info for those who may need it. He also wants to know if other '55 grads in the Austin area??

Myrna Kay (Langley) Daley, '56, writes...."After 25 years with a local accounting firm I finally retired. I spent the month of September in China. Had not planned to stay quite so long, but a typhoon arrived while I was in Hong Kong and the airport closed so my departure was delayed for 5 days. The best part of any trip is getting home."

Janette (Hanes), '54, has just helped Peggy (Elledge) Long, '54, move the last of her (Peggys) belongings to Santa Fe. Peggy has been in process of moving for some time, but now has it done!!

And with Peggy settled, Janette (Hanes) headed back to Lawton to begin her own move back to the home town. So, we lose one, but gain one. Welcome home Janette.

Also, Susan (Hankins) Ellington will be leaving her long time residence in Las Cruces, NM. She will be moving to Santa Fe in next few months. She describes her new SF home as "territorial style with a small front courtyard." Picture looked great! Getting to be a nice 'community' of former Lawtonians in SF. Some full time, some part-timers.

Gerda (Keas) Campbell, '60, won the State title & traveling trophy in a 36 Hole Net golf tournament played at Lake Hefner-North Golf Course in Oklahoma City. This tournament was for any woman 50 & over in the state of Oklahoma. The trophy has been 'traveling' since 1959. Congrats Gerda! Photo.

David Whitwell did a 30 minute interview with Moscow (yes, Russia) via Skype back in October. Oct. 14 is the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig, in which the Russians played a big part. It was the biggest political event of the 19th century, as it ended Napoleon's attempt to take over all of Europe. They asked to interview David on the subject of the military bands involved. btw...David has 38 books listed on Amazon (centered on music).
Note: didn't know about the battle of Leipzig, but October 14 is a very special day as was my Moms birthday...she would have been 92.

My Bill and I traveled to BIG D on OU/TX week-end. While the outcome of the game wasn't as we hoped, we did have opportunity to connect with several former Lawtonians/classmates now living in Dallas. Bob Drewry, '52, and wife Karen were doing great as was Ron Jones, '55, who had just returned (literally 2:00am that Friday morn) from a tour of Italy. He came home with a bad case of laryngitis so made it difficult for him to tell us what a great time he had! Also visited with Nancy (Klass), '55, and hubby Bryan Medlock.

Great article in Lawton paper of October 15, page 8-A ....Jerry Strickland, '57, and his collection of vintage cars. Jerry is 'Strickland Racing of Cache'. Great color pictures showing his '66 Corvette Stingray Convertible; a '73 Dodge Dart Swinger; a '57 Chevy Bel Air hardtop. Also a history of Jerrys collecting and restoring the cars. Super cars, good read, and if you are in Cache the cars are nicely displayed on Cache Road in a building next to the Dollar General store.

'59 classmate George Bridges, my Bill, '52, my brother George Gill, '63 and several others spent 8 days in Costa Rico fishing for Tarpon. Big time had by all and since catch and release.....no messy cleaning of fish! Photo.

Also fishing, Mitch Braley, '57, and his son David just made a major haul while at Corpus Christi. Photo.

Great front page article about classmate Edward Charles Ellenbrook, '56, and his love of the Wichita Mountains. Charles has written numerous articles, trail guides, and maps of the Wichita Mtns and area. He writes a monthly column for the Lawton paper as well. Lawton Constitution, November 18.

Belated Happy (October) Birthdays: Hankins (Ellington) and Mary (Harris) Thompson, both '56ers; Earl Barton. Happy (November) Birthdays: Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52; George Gill, '63; Barbara (Ferguson) Perry, '50; Judy (Matthews) Johnson, '58.

Don Merrick, '53, and bride Saundra (Buzbee), '60, just celebrated their Golden 50th (Oct). They live in Lawton, but an army career saw many moves for the family over the years. FYI - Saundra is the artist who created the wonderful 'Old Lawton' watercolor prints featuring the old landmarks of Lawton yesteryear. Major Congrats!

Am attaching several photos to this email of above mentioned classmates.

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Burt Chesley Montague, '52, of Lawton, is dealing with renal cancer and is currently at home with hospice. Don Sherry, '52, Lawton, is ill and currently at home with hospice.

Edith (Lawrence) Caha, '52, had a freak accident resulting in both her legs being broken. She is currently at Cedar Crest Manor here in Lawton.

Darlene Dean, wife of Eugene Dean, '52, is quite ill and with hospice.
Numerous other classmates are experiencing health issues and your prayers would be appreciated.

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Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs will host a 'Celebration of Life' for hubby Ray Hobbs and will welcome friends at her new Lawton home. The celebration will be on Saturday November 30 at 4105 NW Meadowbrook, 2:00pm ~ 5:00pm. Tommye says there will be no program or service, just an opportunity for friends and family to get together, reminisce, and celebrate Ray's life. Light lunch, lots of memorabilia, pictures, DVD. Ray passed August 20 in Lawton.


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Jim Warkentin, 76, passed November 8 in Florida after a short battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia this past August. Jim was LHS class 1955. He is survived by wife Carmen; a daughter Keri Lynn & family; a son Ted & family; sister Judy (Warkentin) Bryan; a brother Jack Warkentin. There was no service. Obit in Lawton paper November 18. www .swoknews.com

Shirlene Marie (Boyd) Pinchback, 74, of Lawton, passed on November 5. Shirlene is LHS class 1957. She is survived by husband Larry; three sons and their families; extended family. Service was Nov. 8 in Lawton. Obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Julie (Kent) Mays, 69, of Lawton, passed on November 1. Julie was LHS class 1962. She is survived by a daughter Clea and family including a granddaughter; a cousin Joan Williams& husband Clancey; extended family. Julie was a lovely person, she will be missed by many.
Obit and guest book at: www .grayfuneral.com

Theadore F. "Teddy" Wise, 70, of Lawton, passed on October 19. A memorial service was held October 24. Teddy was LHS class 1961. Teddy was an 'army brat' and later had a distinguished career of his own in the military and also as a freelance photographer.
Extended obit and guest book at: www .beckerfuneral.com

David L. Davis passed at his home in Dallas, TX. His daughter Michelle sent that he had died peacefully in his sleep. She did not send exact date or if any service, but his passing has been very recent (October). Believe David was class 1952 or may have left before graduation? He was married to Claudette (Palmer) - also class of 1952 - and she passed several years ago.

Charlene (Lewis) Wigington, 93, Lawton, passed on November 7. She is mom of classmates Dan Wigington, Ron Wigington, and Sylvia (Wigington) Crockett. Services were November 12 in Lawton.
Obit and guest book at: www .grayfuneral.com

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

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Lawton High once again 'Home of Champions' as [under coach Randy Breeze] they finished the season 10-0, sewing up the District football title and finishing off the Wolverines 11th unbeaten regular season in school history. Go Wolverines!

Halloween was scary, now we press on to turkey and dressing, then in no time.....Santa Claus! Time flies! Regards to all.......Georgia