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

Originally sent April 27

Sorry to report the passing of Cornedith (Kidwell) Jones, 76, of Lawton. Cornedith passed on April 24. She was LHS class 1951. Cornedith married Granville Lee "Jack" Jones in 1950, he passed in 2004. She is also sister to LHS classmate Lyman Kidwell who also preceded her in death. She is survived by four daughters and numerous grand and great grandchildren. Services will be 10:00am Wednesday April 28 at Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home Chapel.

Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

Just received word of the passing of Madeleine Leonie (Massie) Ramey, 63, of Tulsa. Madeleine, born in Canada, was wife of LHS grad Dr. P.R. Ramey, '63, whom she married in 1981. She was a surgical technician. She is survived by P.R.; one daughter; two sons. Madeleine passed on April 20 and services were April 24 in Tulsa.

Extended obit and guest book at http://www.funeralplan.com/stanleys/obits?id=196205 OR www.stanleysfuneralhome.com

Our thoughts and prayers are with these who have lost loved ones.

From the eMail bag:

Normally just report LHS events but some of you may know W grads........the Walters High classes of 1945- 1950 are hosting a reunion on June 26, First Baptist church in Walters. For info contact Bill Penn (hubby of Billie (Suggs). zbari@sbcglobal.net

btw....some have asked about the next class '56 reunion...? Doyce...any info?

Reese Russell, '56, sent link to a great site for old '50's music: http://oldfortyfives.com/

Found out '59 classmate Ed Adams was shaking it all over Aruba.....when he got tired, he helped feed the wild birds.

Mary Ann (Goode) Pursley writes....."....Just a note to prove your are never too old to learn new things. Attached picture of me and new friends during my first round of golf here at Frisco Lakes. I went to the PGA Store here in Frisco and took about 6 lessons learning from the beginning, grip, stance, etc. Then several trips to driving and putting practice tees. G-Day arrived and 4 of us hit the course. Not too bad other than my ball was headed for the water on both times I was supposed to go "over" the water. Next week the Frisco Ladies Golf Association is having a scramble. I'll be there with clubs in hand." (pix above).

"Howdy from beautiful East Texas.This picture really does not do justice to the real beauty to be had in person, of the Texas Paintbrush in my front pasture this time of the year. Actual flower coverage is about 3 acres here on the South side of my farm.

Mitch Braley"

Also emails from: Peggy (Elledge) Long; Ron Hagler; Keith & Debbie Givens; Wade Harrison; BBJ; I get some neat 'things' from classmates but can't always pass them along. Enjoy them none the less.

Something I have not seen before.....I had sent news about the passing of Harold McNiff. His funeral was this past Saturday. If you wanted to attend services but lived too far away or couldn't be there.....the service was recorded and is now on line. It is supposed to be available for 90 days. I appreciate James Fullerton for sending this bit of technology. http://www.eventbywire.com/viewevent/?id=162-460

The wind has really been 'sweepin down the plain'.......regards to all.....Georgia

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

Originally sent April 22

Just received word that Harold Allan 'Mac' McNiff, 77, passed on Wednesday April 21. Harold was a Washington School grad and LHS class '51. Also, known as 'Niff' or 'Mac' and to cb buddies as 'Big Hoss'. I met Niff over the years at my Bills reunions - Niff was always there, in fact, saw him last September. I learned he had been a lifeguard at Doe Doe park, back in the day I was grade school/junior high age. Along with Eddie Jones and Bob Mansell.Services will be 10:00am Saturday April 24 at Mercer Adams Funeral Home in Bethany, OK - 3925 N. Asbury.Extended obit and guest book at:

http://www.mercer-adams.com/index.cfm

Also passing, Aleta 'Hootie' (Shaw) Boyer, 46, of Boca Raton, FL. She passed on April 16. She is daughter of Virginia (Johnson) Shaw Scherler, class '54. Services will be 10:00am Friday April 23, Holy Family Catholic church, Lawton. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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

Our sympathies to those who have lost loved ones.

From the eMail bag:

'59 classmate Ed Adams sent a pictorial of his recent activities....not sure where Ed was or is....but some serious shaking of his booo-tay goin on!

Planned for Saturday June 5, a combined reunion for "40 Plus" including LHS, class '65; Eisenhower, class '66; and St, Mary's, class '67. Mikes Sports Grill, 6:00pm; $15.00 per person; hors d'oeuvres and ca$h bar; casual dress;RSVP: Gary Scott, PO Box 6421, Lawton, OK 73506; garyscott6@gmail.com

Have to share this fish story.....and it's TRUE! Yours truly and my Bill took a spur of the moment trip last week-end, down to my brothers at Lake Texhoma - Texas side - after the call..."the fish are biting"! Stipers (bass). Indeed they were. Brother George had caught numerous Friday morn and we munched part of them for dinner Friday night.

He and Bill caught 14 Saturday morn with Bill catching the biggest of the day at about 4 1/2#'s. We had fish again Saturday night. Very good, deep fried! We had to come home Sunday and on Monday eve, brother caught one monster......18 pounds, 34 inches long! (pix above). Went on to catch more on Tuesday and Wednesday....two weighed in at 11 and one 10. Weather over week-end was cold, raining, blowing, but the fish didn't know it and sister-in-law Chris & I went to the mall! Although, she does fish some. She caught several after we left. Fish must be really hungry!

Hope all of you are doing well. Regards from the home town! Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent April 9

Sorry to once again be reporting the loss of LHS grads....

Dorothy Lahoma (Olson) Johnson, 83, of Lawton, passed on April 7 in a local care center. Dorothy grew up in Lawton, graduated LHS and attended Cameron. She married Harold E. Johnson in 1959. They owned & operated Johnson Milk Company. He passed in 1993. She is survived by a son Erick and his wife Teri; two grandsons. Graveside services will be 2:30pm Saturday April 10, Highland Cemetery.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com
Note: Harold Johnson was father of LHS classmates, Eddie, Mikel, and Reddy Johnson.

Also passing, Donald Hagler, 69, of Lawton. Donnie passed on April 8, he was class of '58. He is survived by his wife Mary; daughters Serita and Belinda; a son Joey; 3 grandchildren; twin brother Ronnie and brothers David and Trevor Hagler. Donnie was a restaurateur and owner and operator of the Big Chef restaurant here in Lawton, Formerly, the Haglers had the Kater Inn on Cache Road. Services will be 10:00am on Tuesday April 13, First United Methodist church with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com
Our sympathies are with these families in their loss.

From the eMail bag:
From Tommye (Boudreau) Hobbs and Jo (Van Stone) Riley......
Save the dates of September 24 and 25, 2010 for the '49, '50, '51, '52 reunion. SW Oklahoma should have wonderful crisp, cool weather, OU has an away game, LHS has a home game,The Event is available. These dates should please everyone! So far we are planning a Tailgate Party at the LHS-Mustang game on Friday night and the dinner at The Event on Saturday. You will be receiving the brochure with more information later, but mark your calendars. See you in September!
Jo: Tommye: tomehobs@gmail.com

Remembering John Griswold from Bobby Spradlin, '55.....
"Sorry to hear about John Griswold. He and I were good friends. We attended a lot of stock shows together.John's life was full of interesting antidotal episodes. Have to be careful about mentioning some of them.I'm not sure if the statute of limitations has expired on everything. But , I recall one in particular worth mentioning. This took place at the Houston Fat Stock Show in about 1953.

During the auction of the grand championsteer, several guys from Lawton were sitting around in the bidding arena at the Shamrock Hotel. Gris had a couple of drinks then, he decided it would be a good idea to help the kid selling the grand champion get a good price by getting active in the bidding. He got so active that he held the bid at $18,000.00 for what seemed like an eternity.

By now, the guys from Lawton had moved away from him and were standing on the other side of the arena. But, were flashing him thumbs up on being the successful bidder. Everybody was interested to see how he would handle that pesky $18,000.00 price tag. Fortunately, Glen McCarthy, who built the hotel, (he was the model for the character Jett Rink in the movie "Giant") was sitting ringside and had more to drink than Gris . So, he bid $18,500.00 for the drunk guy sitting next to him and he bought the steer. Gris escaped, but not without a lot of anxiety."
As I said......Johnny was a character!

Luther, '57 and Barbara Green sent some beautiful pictures of Bluebonnets blooming in Texas. (above). Certainly welcome after the terrible winter and cold. ( hiway 71, Austin to Brady).

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

......LHS News......
Originally sent April 2

Once again sad news with loss of classmates and others who are ill.

Sorry to report the passing of Jimmie Loyd Houser, 75, of Alex, OK. Jimmie passed on March 27. He was born in Lawton, attended school here, and would have been class '53, but he left school at 17 and joined the Navy. He lived many years in CA before moving back to Alex. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Faye; 2 daughters; a son; a brother B.J. Houser (wife Helen); sister Jean Montgomery; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held April 1 at Ft. Sill National Cemetery.

I had this email about Jimmie...." I went to Lincoln School with him, where we played for the Lincoln Indians. He lived a lot of his life in Calif, but the last several years, around Alex, Okla. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Faye, and 3 children.He was my best friend when we were just kids."
John Amburgey, class of 53

Also passing John Edward Griswold, 73, of Snyder. Johnny passed on April 1 after several years of poor health/illness. He had been a resident of a care facility in Snyder for several years. He is survived by his first wife Virginia and 2 daughters of Lawton; several step-children. A brother Gordon Griswold, '58. John was class '54.
Service are being handled by Howard-Harris Funeral Services of Lawton. 1005 C Ave.; (580) 353-8838.
I have no other details as I send this but believe funeral will be on Monday April 5. If you plan to attend, do check with the funeral home.

Remembering John.... Griswolds Cleaners (John's folks) was the place to take your cleaning! Everyone went there....corner of 11th & C. And back in the day....my Bill and Johnny duck-hunted (some geese) a lot down around Red River. Johnny was a real 'dead-eye'. He shot a lot of skeet and trap and won a lot of championships over the years. They did bring home a few ducks. Lot of wild stories too....funny, but much too risque for young ears! He was a character.

And, Bobby Lee Johnson, 73, of Lawton. Bobby passed March 28. Born in Texas, Bobby moved to Lawton in 1953 and graduated LHS in 1955. Graveside services will be at 1:00pm, Saturday April 3, Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

Also passing, Bobby Dean Lovett, 73, of Geronimo. He passed on March 31. He grew up in Walters and Lawton and says he attended LHS. No graduation year given. A memorial service will be 11:00am, Saturday April 3, First Baptist church of Geronimo.
Extended obit and guestbook at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Had just sent news that Ron Forgy was in SW Hospital and received email some hours later that he had been released. I was told that he is weak, but better, and does not have to go on Dialysis.

I was also told that Perry Martin, class '57, is quite ill with cancer. I have no contact information but I do know Perry lives in Lufkin, TX.

'59 classmate George Moses suffered several broken ribs in a skiing collision in CO. He was hospitalized in CO but doing better and should be home about now.

I hope you will join me in prayers remembering our classmates who are ill and/or taking treatment, along with those who have lost loved ones.

From the eMail bag:
"I am Sandra (Childs) Mead, class of '65. I am very interested in knowing if my class will have a 45th reunion in 2010? I am not sure how to find out. I would have loved to make your last reunion in Medicine Park, but only found out about it about 2 weeks prior. Thank you for putting me on your list. I am living in Panama City, Florida and loving the "World's Most Beautiful Beaches."

If anyone has information, let me know & I will forward to Sandra.

This might be a good time to mention....when a reunion is set, be sure to let them know at LHS so they can add it to their 'reunion/alumni' page. They try to keep it up-to-speed. Some people will check there. And, it never hurts for someone (who will do it) to develop a good email data base for your particular class. Start with ones you know and ask them to help spread the word. To get a reunion or get together on LHS site, contact Karen Beavers at LHS: kbeavers@lawtonps.org

"I wanted so much to come to the all class reunion [last] weekend but could not get off from work ? it was spring break in San Antonio and they already had over their allotted people scheduled off.
Virginia Jeane (Stockton) O'Brien", class '61

Kaye Lee (Thompson) McCarley attended the recent All Class Reunion and has posted pictures on her Facebook album. I am not a member so I cannot access. But for those who do Facebook.....http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1126311154&k=Z5GZZ6VZPZTF6BDHY155T5PQTUCEZUWE&oid=1252267388984

btw.....MANY LHS'er's on Facebook! I keep tinkering with joining!

Visited with sweetie Peggy (Elledge) Long at Burgess.

Emails from Max Goodgion; Susan (Hankins) Ellington; Bill Stamps.

btw.....I have started going through (slowly) LOTS of pictures I have and I did post some new ones to the blog under..."Classes 52-54 reunion 2008." These were sent to me from Ramon's and are at the end of the pictures. Right HERE on this blog!

If you have interest: The Oklahoma Heritage Association has just released "Pride of the Wichitas: A History of Cameron University." This book covers a 100 year history of Cameron from it's inception as Cameron State School of Agriculture in 1908 through the schools yearlong centennial celebration. By Sarah Eppler Janda, assoc professor of history. Forward written by Cameron President Cindy Ross. Available through the Cameron bookstore at $29.95.

Redbuds looking beautiful....hit 91degrees in the home town on Wednesday. Close to that Thursday and today. Oklahoma weather....very ver-sa-tile! Shaping up nicely though for those who plan to attend the Easter Pageant...which btw....will start at 8:00pm Saturday night and conclude about 11:00pm. It's no longer an all night event. No more...."meet me at the lighted cross."

Happy Easter ~ Happy Spring! Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 31

'59 classmate Alice (Aurell) Choice emailed that her knee replace went great and she is continuing PT and re-coop! Always good news....those 'bionic' parts are great!!!! She'll be hiking those Rocky Mtns. soon!

Doris (Forgy) Newsom, '62, says her brother Ronald Forgy, is seriously ill & is in Southwestern Hosp., room 120, bed #2. Ron left school after Junior year but would have been class '59. I'm sure he would enjoy hearing from any classmates.

I visited with Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52, on Tuesday. Dee has started chemo for ovarian cancer, may have surgery when treatments are concluded. She has been on medication previously for cancer of the bladder. She looked good & was in good spirits and said to let all know that she would appreciate your prayers. Dee is at home and hubby Hugh is currently living at the VA Center here in Lawton.

Jim Corrales emailed to tell me that Reunions.com also runs a 'scam' - if you will - similar to Classmates.com, to get people to sign up for their services. So....be careful out there in Cyber-space!!!

I have posted pictures from last Saturdays All Class reunion on the blog. I appreciate classmate Preston McPhail for sending these. First few are at Mikes Sports Grill at the pre-party on Friday night and then Saturday at Medicine Park. I cannot make notes or comments since pictures did not originate with me, so most have no names. However......you know who you are! haha!
If others have photos they would like to share, send them to me & I will add to these. Thanks! Right hand side..."links to pictures..." right on this page!

This note from Preston....."The first photo's were of the Class of '55. [Mikes Sports Grill]. The oldest class represented was the class of 47. Ted Kessner and I got to spend some time together and did a lot of catching up. His father and my father worked together and we were in Scouts together. We were both students of Dick Neptune the first year he taught at LHS. We were both glad that he was able to stop by Mike's on Friday."

Geneva (Harris) McIntosh, '62, the originator of this annual get together, along with Wynnann (Moore) Wright, were very pleased with the turn-out which was around 200. They are already concerned the Music Hall may be too small at some point if participation continues to grow. They could probably also use some help with this event if it continues to grow. No date for next year but hope to revert to first Saturday after Easter which in 2011 would make it April 30.
Will keep all posted as I hear!

The 'mini-reunion' being put together by the class of 1954 is coming up fast - April 22, 23, 24 in San Antonio, TX. This week-end coincides with the annual 'Fiesta' and the group has a lot of activities planned. Need to get signed up asap if you plan to be there. Classmates from other years also welcome.
For additional info contact:
Barbara (Dallon) Rhea - 210-490-2727; cell 210-414-1717; bmrhea@att.net Gynith (Carter) Grayson - 903-566-0042; JoeGyn5@yahoo.com Shirley (Carmichael) Scott - 843-705-7418; sgscott@hargray.com
Ole!~

btw.....several have sent me pictures of various subjects...hope to post them soon!

I wish I could have been at the all class reunion Saturday but my Bill smokes ribs every year for the county GOP - BBQ! This was the 16th Annual. We fed close to 300 Saturday evening! And I helped! Ribs were fantastic!!!!
So, I was up to my LHS pom/poms in 'stuff to do.' Missed seeing classmates.

Regards to all and Happy Easter....may all your eggs be chocolate! Georgia

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

Originally sent March 25

I'm sorry to report the passing of Carolyn (Frost) Winburn, 57, of Duncan. Carolyn passed on March 17 after a short illness/cancer. We are assuming Carolyn was an LHS grad, would have been about '69 or '70? She is the sister of Ronnie Frost, '63 and David Frost, '66. She is survived by husband, James Winburn; four children; 11 grandchildren. A memorial service was held March 20 in Duncan.Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.legacy.com/duncanbanner/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=140824489

Also, we lost Reta Gay (Warren) Christian, 75, of Lawton. Reta passed on March 22. She was class '52. She is survived by a daughter Ronda; a son Wesley; several grandchildren; a sister Patricia Fields.She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Christian who passed in 1983. He was also class '52.Services were March 24 in Lawton.

Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

This note from Reta's classmate Marcille (Burns) Covey...."Reta Gay and I had been in Ruth Dana Williams' Blue Birds and then in Camp Fire....she lived three doors east of me when we were in LHS."

List of recipients for LHS News continues to grow. I have not counted lately but several hundred grads from wide range of years receive the news - in US, Europe, and Mexico! I am happy that so many enjoy. If you need to reach me, easiest way is my email - jorjaw@sbcglobal.net I get comments from time to time on the blog but sometimes it's a week or 2-3 before I catch them. If you do post comments on blog & want a response, please leave your email address. I keep everything under nicknames/list and don't always know who I am talking with.......btw... I am getting about a dozen 'returns' each time I send the news. If your email address changes and you want to continue to get the news, be sure you send me the changes. Thanks.

Thought this tid-bit would be of interest.....appreciate Murdoch Matthew for sending it my way...

Classmates.com has settled a class action lawsuit for $9.5M for tricking people into signing up for memberships by falsely telling them that old schoolmates were trying to contact them. The problems for Classmate.com began back in late 2007, when San Diego resident Anthony Michaels received an email from the social networking company informing him that his old classmates were trying to contact him. In order to see who and why, Michaels had to upgrade to a Gold Membership. However, upon forking out to do so, he discovered that nobody was trying to get in touch; it was just a dubious marketing ploy from Classmates.com.

Hummmmmm....yours truly had noticed that classmates was telling me that some I knew were deceased, were trying to reach me! If they can do that....I'll join!

If you are a member of Facebook...you might want to check-out this 'alert'. I looked at it and seems it is a legitimate warning about hackers/spamers using Facebook accounts to spread a virus. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173158/Facebook_users_targeted_in_spam_attack

Appreciate '59 classmate Pat (Sheppard) Holcomb for the heads-up.

Last reminder.....

Class 1955 - Friday 25th, pre-reunion get together, 6:00pm, Mikes Sports Grill.

Class 1963 - Friday 26th, pre-reunion get together, 6:30pm, Fisherman's Cove (upstairs). On hiway 49 to Medicine Park. Other years also welcome at both these events.

All Class Reunion, Saturday 27th, noon - 6:00pm. Music Hall (old skating rink) at Medicine Park. Buffet style meal served around 1-2:00pm.More details on blog: http://www.thewolvernet.blogspot.com/

If you take pictures at any of these events, I hope you will share with me and I will post on the WolverNet blog...in JPEG format or a link to your pictures. Thanks!

I am a subscriber to the Oklahoman (formerly The Daily Oklahoman) newspaper. Imagine my surprise while reading this past Sunday paper to see a picture of '59 classmate Kay (Pavillard) Otis. Kay was at a luncheon of over 200 women from 20 chapters of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) at the Quail Creek Golf and CC in OKC. Kay presented the program which was a characterization of PEO founder Franc Roads Elliot. I just had a nice email from Kay & Jerry and she didn't mention it!!! Glad I saw it. (pix above, Kay is in the LHS red jacket).

Weather looks to be very spring-like and pleasant this week-end. Enjoy! Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 19

From the eMail bag:
Just received word that the class of 1963 is also having a pre-party on Friday night (26th). Meet at Fisherman's Cove (upstairs room) at 6:30pm. Turn off I-44 at Medicine Park exit, go west (highway 49), Fisherman's Cove is about a mile/mile and half on north side of highway. For info contact Janet (Burt) Terry - terry2002@mptelco.com

'59 classmate Jovita (Reinwand) Weeks emailed that she is recovering nicely from a knee replacement surgery. Jovita currently lives in Casa Grande, AZ and works in nearby Tempe. She is hoping to retire in next 2-3 years & move back to northern CA where her kids and grandkids live.

Note on the passing of Richard Ebisch........ "Richard Ebisch was president of the senior class in 1949. He was vice-president of the junior class in 1948."
Murdoch Matthew

"Many thanks for all the good stuff about LHS and its "Old Grads". Brings back a lot of memories, especially for those of us who live so far away. I live in Newport News, VA, which is in the Virginia Tidewater area along with Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown, etc. I retired from civil service and army here."
James Byrn, class '53

NOTE: Jim went on to write several emails back & forth with my Bill who remembers Jim's good pitching arm...hope they won't mind me sharing......
Bill: "Jim: Can you still throw a WILD fast ball? It kept the batters scared to get next to the plate."
Jim: "It is still WILD but it certainly would not scare anyone now! The dirty little secret was that I didn't have any better idea where it was going than they did."
Bill: "If the truth be known, the movie Bull Durum probably should have given credit to you for the idea behind their movie. That young pitcher reminded me of you. Lots of laughs."
Jim: "Unfortunately you are so right."

Good to hear from class '53 Clif Ditmore and wife Charlotte [Mills, '54]. They live in the Scottsdale area. Clif keeps up with several other fellow grads, Glenn Webb, '53, for one and George Kouri, '54. Aren't computers - and Facebook - great!

"Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much I enjoy your LHS messages. It is great to keep up with old friends and members of the different classes. I spent 4 years in Lawton before my family moved away at the end of my junior year in1957. Unfortunately my senior year was spent at two different high schools in two different cities. This is why I consider the LHS class of 1958 my class. I went back to the 50th class reunion in 2008 and had a wonderful time. I saw friends I hadn't seen in over 51 years, it was a "ball" and I highly recommend going to a class reunion to everybody.

I reconnected with two old friends who I "ran" with in high school, Duane (Robby) Robison and Tommy Warner. We vowed to meet again within a year. The picture shows me, Robby and Tommy at Tommy's house in Pawley's Island, South Carolina in September 2009. The second picture shows Robby and me with Charlie Jennings (LHS 57), my neighbor, in September 1956 before going to a football game in Ardmore. Robby and I don't look too much different in 53 years. (yea right!!). We are planning a trip to England/ Scotland next year with Dr Mike Keeran (LHS 56). Wolverines in Scotland, it should be fun.
Wish I could be there for the all class LHS reunion as I would really like to see the guys from 56,57,58 and 59 classes who I played baseball and basketball with during my Lawton days. Tell everyone hello for me and if any of them get to the Washington D.C. area please give me a call. I live in Great Falls, VA. "
Jimmy Fox (honorary member class '58).

(picture above is w/Charlie Jennings)

People are excited! A lot of people coming from out of town and out of state for the 2nd annual all class reunion next week-end. Geneva (Harris) McIntosh and Wynnann (Moore) Wright, class '62, have done a great job in getting this organized and hopefully continuing as an annual event.

After several days of almost 'summer' weather and trees budding, snow is forecast for Oklahoma tonight and Saturday! sigh! Gotta move farther south!

Next week-end however will be a HOT time in the old home town....welcome home grads! Georgia