......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 11

So sorry to report the passing of Linda Sue (Rogers) Taylor, 64, of Wichita Falls, TX. Linda passed Dec. 7.
She is a '62 grad LHS. Linda was a licensed hairdresser and worked with special needs students Rider High School. She is survived by companion Dan Gordon, a sister Shelia (Rogers) Poole and a brother Billy Rogers.
Services will be Friday Dec. 12 at the First Christian church in Wichita Falls, 3:00pm Burial will be at Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may call from 1:30pm - 2:45pm at the church on Friday prior to services.
On line obit and guest book at <www.lunnscolonial.com>

Received this update from '59 classmate Patsy (Sheppard) just few days ago about hubby Larry Holcomb:
"Larry isn't doing well......we thought that he would be a candidate for the Whipple Procedure that is done by a very well known doctor at OU Med Center. However, due to some complications and much confusion between all the different teams of drs........they have now decided against the Whipple Procedure and will only do chemo. That is not the answer we were hoping for......pancreatic cancer is so aggressive and unless caught in the early stages by sheer accident because there is no testing for it. Chemo doesn't do a lot, just slows down the growth some.
He is beginning to have some very intense pain......I am in the process of calling our original dr. that referred us to OU Med Center and see if I can get him to get us in with an oncologist earlier than the OU oncologist. Please feel free to share the info on Larry with all of our LHS classmates. We can never have enough prayers in our lives now. Pat"

In addition, I know that Pat is recovering from recent knee replacement surgery and has been on a walker. So, please join me in keeping both in your prayers.

We should have gone to Wayne Kniffin's ("Kniff's") for Thanksgiving! He emailed they had 35# of turkey (2 birds). And trimmins galore They had about 30+ people so they wouldn't have noticed a few more! haha!
Wayne - class '52 - & wife Judy live in Michigan.

Ed Harp's December LHS class '54 newsletter is chock full of great news about classmates. Appreciate his work!
To receive, notify Ed at: edharp@swbell.net

I know some are planning to head to warmer climate for the holidays. Meanwhile, been very cold here in the 'home-town', little warmer today as we wait for further winter expected on Monday.
Fixing to warm up the car and run those 'Santa' errands.......Georgia

Aunt Bill's Brown Candy ~ An Oklahoma Original!

The 'King' of Holiday Candies!

Aunt Bill's Brown Candy: Cooking Light columnist Molly Wizenberg shares her holiday baking ritual: the old-timey Aunt Bill's Brown Candy, a cross between praline and fudge from her homestate of Oklahoma. This soft, nutty, and somewhat crumbly southern delight is the ideal holiday treat. Makes 30 pieces.

Ingredients:

3 cups sugar, divided
1 cup half and half
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound pecans, toasted, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)

Preparation:

Butter 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan. Combine 2 cups sugar and half and half in heavy large saucepan. Stir occasionally over low heat until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Bring remaining 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to boil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; continue boiling without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, brushing sides of pan with wet brush and swirling pan, about 8 minutes.
Immediately pour caramel syrup into half and half mixture in large saucepan (mixture will bubble). Stir constantly over medium-low heat until caramel dissolves. Attach candy thermometer to side of pan. Increase heat to medium.

Continue cooking and stirring until mixture registers 244°F, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda (mixture will foam slightly). Add butter and stir to melt. Let stand without stirring until mixture cools to 160°F, about 20 minutes.

Mix in vanilla.Using large wooden spoon, stir constantly until candy begins to thicken and loses its gloss, 4 to 5 minutes. (usually takes two people to beat). Mix in nuts (candy will be very stiff). Scrape candy into prepared pan. Using wet fingertips, press candy firmly into pan. Cool completely, then cut into 30 squares.

December '08 issue Bon Appetit magazine

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 7

Talked with Doyce Grayson few days ago - my bud and one of my favorite people - he is re-cooping nicely after heart surgery, feeling good, and when I caught him he was sitting on the canal at the Gaylord Texan!
He and wife Diane met and were having dinner with '56 classmates Myrna Kay Langly, Kay Kimble, and Yvonne Anderson Coombs who were over nighting in DFW area before heading to NYCity to shop and see the sights!
They have a Donald Trump condo and plan to take the 'big apple' by storm!
Doyce says he asked them to toast a drink to him at Tavern on the Green!
So happy Doyce is doing well and he emailed me....
" I want to thank everyone that has had me in their prayers and thoughts these last couple of weeks while I have been experiencing these difficulties. I have been blessed with some of the best friends in the world and I'm not even prejudice. Again thanks, Doyce Grayson - Class of '56 and Honorary Member of the Class of '57."
Doyce is a sweetie! btw...Doyce told me he bought a new electric car!!!! After Christmas, hope we can plug that sucker in and take a spin!!!! Maybe can use electric rollers at same time? Or maybe just the ride will curl my hair!!

Had a visit with '59 classmate Wade Harrison at our local Greek Restaurant. Wade was doing great with his new knee and introduced me to his lovely daughter Laura who is here visiting!

Had a sweet note from Carolyn Sweeney - class '58 - she said her sister LaVelle (Sweeney) Boyd, who recently passed, was LHS class '49. Knew she was a grad but didn't know year.

A photo exhibit opening at the Museum of the Great Plains this week-end features a trio of local gal photogs including a LHS grad. 'Santa Fe Through the Lens of Friends' will exhibit photographs done by Fran Whener, Diane Mullins, and Janice (Parker) Drewry who is class '55. The exhibit will hang through Feb. 1.

I can't imagine (ha,ha) but several emailed that they were not familiar with Aunt Bill's Brown candy. If you would like the recipe (from Bon Appetit), I have it posted at another blog site I do: http://thruthegrapevine-grapevine.blogspot.com/

How 'bout them SOONERS!!!!!!! Go BIG RED!

OK, gonna go put on my Santa hat! 2-3 beautiful days here before next 'winter blast'.

Regards to all.......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent Nov. 29

I am so sorry to once again have to report the loss of classmates and LHS alumn. But....I know people do want to know...

Received an email on Friday from Eric Choney to let me know his brother Erroll Choney, 69, passed on Thursday evening, Nov. 27.
(obit is in Saturday Lawton paper). Choney had been battling cancer for a while and I saw him not all that long ago. I am sorry I did not realize he had gotten bad again. I always called him just 'Choney', he was a great guy! He is class of '57.
He is survived by two sons, Mark & Chris and two daughters, Elizabeth and Ranay. Two sisters, '59 classmate Karen Culloty and Goldie Phillips; two brothers Eric and Cloyce.
Services will be this Monday, Dec. 1, at Cameron Baptist church, 10:00am. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.There will be a prayer service at 7:00pm Sunday Nov. 30 (tomorrow) at Comanche Nation Funeral Home, 2701 SW J in Lawton.

Donald Dean Wickens, 78, of Lawton also passed on Thursday. Donald attended Lincoln Elementary and graduated LHS. Do not know exact year. He is survived by wife Lois, daughter & son-in-law Judy & Billy Beville; a son Donald Dean Wickens, Jr.
Services will be Monday Dec. 1 at Becker Funeral Home Chapel, 1:00pm. Burial will be in Marlow.
Friends may call from 4:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday at the funeral home.
An online guest book is at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Also passing Marjorie E. 'Madge' (Messenger) Wade, 92, of Lawton. Madge grew up in Lawton and graduated LHS, not sure of year. She married 'Charley' Wade in 1939, he passed in 1995. She is survived by 10 sons and spouses, 3 daughters and spouses, 29 grandchildren, 10 great grand children.
Services will be this Monday Dec. 1 at Holy Family Catholic church in Lawton, 10:00am.
A wake service will be held at 7:00pm Sunday Nov. 30 (tomorrow) at the church.
An online guest book is at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

I know our sympathies are with those who have lost loved family members and we have lost classmates and friends.

Jerry (Sasser) asked me to pass along that her husband - Ron Childs - will be having surgery on Dec. 18 for removal of prostate and lymph nodes. Recent tests indicate some cancer. She asks for your prayers on his behalf and those who will be treating him.

Class of '59......for those who are working on locating classmates....please send any info you have/find to Carlana (Fitch) Murray....and her email is <carlanaf@kempcenter.org>
We will be meeting again in late January - date tba.

Action is currently taking place with hopes that a 93 mile section of highway - which includes parts of Oklahoma 115, 58, 49, and 19 - will be approved and included for the National Scenic Byways Program. These highways go out through the Wichita Mtns., Medicine Park, and surrounding area. Sites along the 'way' would include historic cobblestone buildings in the Meers and Saddle Mountain area, historical artifacts of Quanah Parker, various museums dedicated to Native American and military history as well as the refuge itself. See pix below taken on 115 north of Meers. Note windmills at top. Beautiful area, hope it happens!

Recovering from 'ate-too-much' Thursday and black Friday!

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

......LHS News......
Originally sent Nov. 27

Really don't like to hear that my good friend Doyce Grayson - class '56 - had a severe heart attack a few days ago. Good news is, with meds and those pesky 'life-style changes', hes gonna re-coop. Drove himself to hospital, some stints. Left hospital for home on Tuesday. Guess now he will just be making reunions '4 years, either way' instead of his customary five! Huh, Doyce! Hope so!!!!
Always enjoy seeing and visiting with Doyce!
Numerous from here and all over are keeping his phone line hot!
Doyce, wishing you all the best and a good recovery!

I know '59 classmate Wade Harrison had knee surgery recently also. Think he is doing well.

I tell you....all us with 'new' parts!!!! 'Parts is parts'!!!

Also, George York - class '51 - is a resident of the VA Center here in Lawton but has been in Memorial Hospital for several months now. I know he would appreciate hearing from friends and classmates. His brother is our classmate Ralph York.

Its about noon here in the home town and its a gorgeous Thanksgiving day. Bill is getting ready to grill 10 racks of lamb that have been marinading a couple of days in olive oil, lemon juice, fresh Rosemary. Then over the mountains and through the woods to brother George's house where there will also be turkey and 'roast beast'!
Actually, he lives in Sneed Acres but the other sounds so much more Thanks-give-iney!
The Good Lord has been most generous to us and I wish the same and more to each of you!
Happy Thanksgiving........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent Nov. 24

I hate to have to pass along more sad news and news of numerous classmates who are having health issues, but I know many of you do want to know so you can be supportive.

Elaine Smith, 98, Lawton, passed on Sunday Nov. 23. Miss Smith graduated from LHS in 1929 as Valedictorian of her class. She taught school for 41 years - 17 at Cameron and 24 in LPS. She taught English when 'we' were at LHS. She retired from Eisenhower in 1975. With her sister Bernice - who also taught - they traveled extensively around the world and the US.
She is survived by Bernice.
Services will be Tuesday Nov. 25 at Becker Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 2:00pm, with Dick Neptune - class '52 - officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery.
An online guest book is at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Received word of the passing of LaVelle (Swinney) Boyd, 77, of Nashville on Nov. 19. I am assuming LaVelle was a LHS grad but do not know year? LaVelle is daughter of LHS teacher Mrs. B.C. Swinney who taught English II. LaVelle is sister of Carolyn Swinney, class '58. She is also survived by two daughters.
Obit and info at: <http://www.legacy.com/Tennessean/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=120440056>

I know there are several classmates with serious health problems. I do not pass along such information unless I am asked to or told it is alright. One such is an email I received today from '59 classmate Patsy (Sheppard) Holcomb on her husband Larry.....
Georgia, I haven't written you before this because we were hoping for a better outcome for Larry. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several weeks ago and has been in the hospital on 2 different occasions for a week or more at a time. There is a pancreatic cancer specialist at OU Med Center who originally thought that a Whipple surgery could be done and then combine that with chemo would help extend his life. However, last week, the drs. did a Pet Scan on Larry and found 2 cancerous nodules in his lungs. Today they are doing a biopsy on the lung nodules to find out if they has matastized from the pancreatic cancer or if it is a separate lung cancer. At this time, the only option given to us is chemo once they decide what kind of cancer is in his lung. So if you want to, please notify others and solicit prayers for Larry. I know there are a lot of 1959 grads who remember Larry and his brother Bill who was killed our Sr. year. Larry graduated in 1961. Will keep you posted as things progress. Patsy

Also, Fred Burch is recovering from lower back surgery, about 2 weeks ago. Slow, but doing ok.

Richard Hopper is having colon surgery after a past same type surgery for cancer.

Jerry Phelps is recovering nicely from recent knee replacement.

Mary Lee (House) Coleman was walking in WalMart today after recent knee replacement. Doing great!

Visited with Jerry Boucher a few days ago and he is having 2nd knee replace soon.

I know you will join me in keeping all these classmates in your thoughts and prayers. As Marcille (Burns) Covey commented...."if these are the 'golden' years, they are surely tarnished!"

On a lighter note.....Thanksgiving and Christmas are wonderful times to 'see' classmates home for a visit.

Oh, gotta say Happy Birthday to my brother George today! He was born on Thanksgiving Day & it hits every so many years. Not this year...but he's still a BIG turkey!!!! hahahhaha, kidding! Love to U bro and many happy returns! He's a '63 LHS grad!

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

......LHS News......
Originally sent Nov. 23

I am so very saddened to report the passing of Derrell G. Andrus, 77, of Lawton. Derrell is a LHS grad, class 1950. Derrell was a pharmacist (graduated SWS in 1954) and a long time personal friend as he worked with my Bill many years at the Earl Drug downtown before taking Earl Drug South in 1963.
Derrell was a great guy and will be missed by so many. Derrell passed on Nov. 18 after complications from an appendectomy. He is survived by his wife Anne, son Shawn & wife Jamie. He was proceeded in death by a son Guy Andrus.
Service will be Monday, Nov. 24, at Lawton Heights United Methodist church, 2:00pm. Burial at Highland Cemetery.
There is an on line guest book at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

'59 classmate Larry Waller and wife Donna (Bridges)...well, actually Donna sent the picture of a frequent visitor to their home in Lake City, CO. She says he will come up & try to eat out of your hand! Beautiful!

Want to mention again, Ed Harp, class '54, has a great newsletter (once a month) with all kinds of info on '54 classmates. Anyone who is interested can receive his newsletter! Just email Ed at: and ask to be added to his list. We sometimes share info but Ed gets a lot of comments from '54-ers that I don't get or repeat! His recent November newsletter was most informative!

Plans for class 1959 50th year reunion - Oct. 2-3, 2009 - are coming along! Those who are working to put it together have 'adjourned' until end of January! Meanwhile, if you know whereabouts of a '59 grad, please pass info along to me AND Carlana (Fitch) Murray who will be coordinating all the classmate contact info!

I want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Georgia