Originally sent March 29

So very sorry to report the passing of Kathy Bea (Holsinger) Reese, 60, of Lawton. Kathy passed March 26 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Kathy was LHS class 1968 where she was Lore Queen. She is survived by her husband Tony; sons Brandon and Heath; 6 grandchildren. She was sister to LHS classmates Preston Holsinger and Jayne (Holsinger) Schumpert, who is also deceased. Visitation will be from 5:00pm ~ 7:00pm on Wednesday March 30, Becker Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at on Thursday March 31, 2:00pm at Highland Cemetery followed by a 'Celebration of Life' Memorial service at 4:00pm, First United Methodist church. Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Also passing, Catherine Kay (Allison) Ingham, 81, of San Antonio, TX. Catherine passed on March 19 and a Memorial service was held in San Antonio on March 27. Catherine was LHS class 1947. After graduation she went to work for the law firm of Burton, Jennings, and Jones. Later she was the secretary for the Mayor of Lawton. She is survived by her son Chip; her husband Ray preceded her in death as did her sisters Maxine Cruse and Jo Williamson.

There was a Memorial service for '52 classmate Ralph Purvis on March 19 in San Antonio, TX (Ralph's home). Ralph is survived by his wife Jackie; four children; brother Gene Purvis and wife Jeanne and sister Kay (Purvis) Cunningham and her husband Don.

I was sorry to receive this news from '59 classmate Narnie Rust..... "On March 8th, after a seven year battle with cancer, my lil' sis, Yvonne 'Vony' (Rust) Esteban (class of 64), left this life with a smile on her face surrounded by her family. A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, March 12th at the Lakewood Church of Christ, Lakewood, CO. She will be missed by my brother, 'Ernie' Trent Rust, her husband, Jim Esteban, her daughter and son-in-'love', Ani and Max Martinez and their 3 children, her son and daughter-in-'love', Bert and Kara Esteban and their two daughters, myself and many other family members and friends."

I also learned from Narnie that her brother Trent lost his wife about two years ago. I grew up with them at school and also attending church. So very sorry for their losses.

After weeks of tests my sister-in-law Terri Gill (my brother Tims' wife) has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had surgery on the 11th in OKC, it went well; she will begin chemo in next 2-3 weeks.

I know Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52, continues with treatment for ovarian cancer and will be having a surgical procedure Wednesday (30th); also, Connie (Zumwalt) Mathis, '77, daughter of Janet (Tague) and Gene Copeland continues with treatment.

I know there are other classmates fighting health issues and they would all appreciate you remembering them in your prayers. From the eMail bag......

Ed Harp, class '54, continues with his monthly '54 newsletter. More focused on LHS class '54, but always chopped full of classmate news. If you would like to get on Ed's email list, contact him at:

This item is from Ed's latest newsletter (Sunday, 20th)....... Peggy (Elledge) Long, is continuing her interviews with LHS classes(mates), and has worked her way up through the years to the early fifties. If you don't live in Lawton, but will be visiting here sometime soon, please contact Peggy to see whether she can schedule a time to interview you. Here is the rest of her contact information: 3321 NW Atlanta Drive, Lawton, OK 73505; 580-248-4680; Cell: 580-695-6625. She has taken on a massive task, and we’re looking forward to seeing what LHS grads had to say.

Great article in the Saturday March 26 Lawton paper, page 2-B. Story on LHS grad Juanita Mitchell Perkins who turned 100 on Sunday, March 27. Juanita tells great story of being born the 8th of 9 children on a small farm near Faxon, OK. She attend the first 8 years of school at Blue Beaver School in rural Comanche County and then her freshman year she and her friend Monta (Sanders) enrolled at LHS. She tells more about those years and its a fun read if you can access the paper.

To show how intertwined our lives are..... Juanita is mom of LHS classmate Bob Mitchell, '54, who sadly is deceased. Bob married LHS classmate Janice (Callicot), '58. Janice still lives in Lawton. Juanita lives across the hall from my mom at Brookridge Retirement Center. Monta (Sanders) Burt married Roy Burt and is mom to LHS grads: Wanda (Burt) Shanklin (deceased); R.A. Burt; Janet (Burt) Terry. btw.....Monta will be 99 on April 27.

Geneva (Harris) McIntosh '62, who along with 2-3 others 'founded' the All Class Reunion, says the annual reunion has been "put on hold" due to health problems of two of the girls, her self included. Geneva is asking someone else to take the responsibility of getting the reunion together. So...if...anyone wants to assume this project, will let you know how to get in touch with Geneva. The reunion was begun in 2009 and met again in 2010, both events at Medicine Park. Geneva lives in Ft. Worth area so was a x-BIG effort/job to get it together long distance and she did a fabulous job! Sorry she isn't able to continue!

Kaye (Thompson) McCarley says if anyone wants info, has info, on the 2012 - 50th Reunion for LHS class 1962, contact her: The reunion is in early planning!

Someone is asking...... any plans for a reunion for class 1971? Anyone?

Talked with Doyce Grayson the 'old fashioned' way Monday (land line)! Doyce called to chat and also for me to remind you classmates out there about the 55th reunion of the class of 1956 coming up soon - June 9-10-11-12. He wants everyone to make plans to be here!!! They have a LOT of fun things planned! The class has sent out a really nice multi-page flyer on the reunion and the events. Contact Susan (Hankins) Ellington to receive the info - susanke@comcast.net

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

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 17

I have received emails asking....if there going to be an All Class Reunion this spring? I know those who started the [fun] reunion had asked for someone to 'take-it-over'. In past, was set for first Saturday after Easter. Easter is way late this year but so far I have heard nothing about a reunion. Anyone?

So very sorry to receive news that Ralph Purvis passed on Sunday, March 13, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Ralph was LHS class 1952. Ralph's request was to be cremated so there will be a Memorial service at a later date.
An obit is planned for the Lawton paper.

Sorry to learn that, once again, some of our 'upper' classmates have passed. This information on Barbara & Jimmy from a nephew - Larry Joe Thompson, '59...........
"Barbara Jane (Langston) Sims, 80, passed on July 10, 2010. Barbara was LHS class 1948.
She was only child of "Red" and Peggy Langston, who lived near the 900 block of SW Lee Blvd, north side. Peggy cut a 78 rpm record of the gospel song 'Whispering Hope' in the early 50's. (They were not related to Jerry Langston, also LHS grad, who drove a Willys 'woody' jeepster in the 50's.)
Barbara's only marriage was to James "Jimmy" Carl Sims, LHS football player and 1946 grad. He also graduated from Cameron College, and attended OU. I think they wed in the early 50's. He died of cancer in 1982, a few days before his 55th birthday, at treatment center in Lakeland, FL. Barbara and he lived in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, FL, for many years from around 1965. Jim was Chief Engineer for General Dynamics at the Space Program Launch Center. He was an Army SFC in the Korean war, and later got his BS-Engineering degree from NMSU in Las Cruces, NM, and an MS-Engineering later, I think. Although he was cremated in FL, a memorial plaque exists beside his parents' (James Colombus and Martha Amanda Parker Sims) graves in Flower Mound Cemetery, Lawton, OK."

"I would like to request all who read the LHS News to pray for my husband and me. Bobby is on dialysis and we are doing it at home which means four times a day every day of the week. He has accepted it well but is looking forward to maybe being able to be on the machine which would automatically do his transfers during the night and leave his days free. God has been good to give us the strength and attitude needed to take care of this bump in the road of life. If anyone has had experience with dialysis I would love to here from you about any suggestions or advice you might have to offer. Take care of your health,"
Wanda Gayle (Smith) Sunderland

Dr. Ronnie Cagle, '50?, had neck surgery [discs] few weeks back & my Bill talked with him a few days ago. Surgery went well & he is improving.

'59 classmate Marilyn (Lewis) Smiths' son Fielding lives in Japan. Thankfully he was some distance from the worst of the quake but it does unsettle parents when their child is in harms way....even if they are grown! The quake also cancelled Marilyn & Richards plans to visit Fielding this month.

Anyone know whereabouts of Lynne Miller, class '62 or Kay (Tompkins) MacCarley? If any info please forward to me. Thanks!

In last news mentioned that Lawrence Fannings wife Lee had passed. Couldn't locate Lawrence on any info I had & Marcille (Burns) Covey, '52, sent this info.... "Lawrence Fanning was a LHS 1951 grad. He played Wolverine football and was president of the 'L' club his senior year. His football picture in the '51 yearbook says that he played center and was All District and All State."

Did have some corned beef and cabbage tonight along with some yummy home fries! I am part Irish on me paternal grandmothers side! Wishing four-leafed clovers to all my classmates on this glorious St. Paddy's Day!
Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 4

So sorry to report the passing of Barbara (Barclay) Stapleton, 75, of Lawton. Barbara passed March 1. Barbara was LHS class 1954.
Services will be at 3:00pm, Saturday March 5, at Cameron Baptist church, Lawton. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband Melvin, also class '54; a son; a daughter; 2 grandsons.
Extended obit and guestbook at:
http://www.beckerfuneral.com/sitemaker/sites/becker0/obit.cgi?user=329092Stapleton

I received these comments from her friend and '54 classmate Ed Harp:
"Barbara has been a valued friend for over sixty years. Our Senior year at Lawton High she was FHA President, the Jr. High Editor on the Tatler staff, a member of the Student Council, and in the Senior Play. She has been in charge of our class list since 2003 and I have enjoyed helping her with that. She has shared a lot of emails over the years and I always enjoyed hearing from her. In recent years she and Melvin invited classmates to their home when we had reunions and Carole and I enjoyed that a lot. She has been a pillar of her church, and certainly one of the pillars of our class."

Also passing, Glen Baxter Clanton, 64, of Moore who passed on March 1. Glen is LHS class 1965. He was brother to '57 classmate Cary Clanton, who is also deceased. Visitation was held on Thursday and Friday. I could not find time of services. Glen is survived by wife Lori; son Rick, LHS '88; step sons.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.resthavenokc.com

Received a phone call from Barbara (Ferguson) Perry, '50 to let me know that Lawrence Fannings wife Lee had passed on February 27. Barbara lives in Huntsville, AL as does Lawrence. Lawrence is LHS class of....?
So sorry to hear of his loss. An extended obit and guest book are at:
http://obits.al.com/obituaries/huntsville/obituary.aspx?n=norva-lee-monger-fanning-jamie&pid=149025371

Other than the sad news of Lees passing, Barbara & I had a great visit. She stays in touch with the old home-town via the news but also friends who still live here.
Barbara said she also has occasion to visit with another LHS'er living in Huntsville, Claudia (Looney) Davis, '59.

Just received information of another loss....
Bonnie Paine died last October, just 3 weeks shy of her 100th birthday. She was the wife of Gordon Paine, long time Dean of Students at Cameron, and herself a long time Lawton school teacher and later, a speech therapist in the Lawton schools. She was mom of son, David Paine, '57; daughter, Elizabeth Paine Davis, '60. She died in the Nashville, TN area, where Liz lives, and is buried beside her husband in Oklahoma.
This info from David Paines wife, Elaine (Stark) Paine, 1958

Our sympathies are with those who have loss of family.

From the email bag:

Several responded about Sue (Grimes) Ott, '56. Sue is very ill with cancer and is currently living at Monta Vista Center in Lawton. 7604 Quanah Parker Trailway and main number there is (580) 536-2866.

Great email from '59 classmate, and one of the infamous Goofus Dancers, Ella (Price) Hunter.
Ella passed along that twin sister Stella Naifeh and her husband are back in the Philippines. They are no longer with the Peace Corps, Ella says they just living there and working with the orphanage. Their permanent home remains in Dallas. Ella also shared some memories....
....."the picture of the 'goofus dancers' really brought back the memories. It was a fun thing to do but a little smelly in the bags and hot.
A fond memory of Lawton is when I went to Bianco's for pizza. I had my first bite of pizza there. My students cannot believe I am older than pizza, or television, or dial phones or acrylic nails,. The list goes on and on."

Allan Dayton, class '52, send this travel note......
"... on a cruise with wife and friends from Singapore to Bangkok, through Vietnam, ending in Hong Kong. Saw the famous "Hanoi Hilton" where our pilots were imprisoned and tortured during Vietnam War. Singapore is very nice but expensive."

A new children's book - 'Adelia's Last Name' - has just been released! The great news is that it is the work of Marilyn Davis of Bethany. Marilyn is married to '59 classmate Weldon Davis.
She asks that everyone buy at least 100 copies to help sales off to a good start! Kidding aside, what a great event and we certainly wish Marilyn all the best with her book. Visit Marilyn and 'see' the book at: www.marilyndavisauthor.com
The site also links to a blog and you can leave comments!
Note: I got to know Marilyn back in late '60's as she taught my son James (Dink) at Pecan Grove School in Lawton. They remained good friends over the years. She's a great gal with lots of outgoing personality. Go Marilyn!

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

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 1

Guys, again, a lot of sad news here.

I apologize I mis-read, mis-typed & messed up. In last news, the obit about Shirley Newsom, her husband, Garland Newsom preceded her in death. As several pointed out, Garland Newsom was killed in the tornado that ripped through Lawton back in 1979. Sorry for the mix-up.

So sorry to report the passing of Eric Lawrence Choney, 67, of Lawton. Eric passed on February 15. Eric graduated LHS in 1963 & is brother of our '59 classmate Karen Choney Culloty. He was also brother to classmate Errol Choney (deceased). Eric is survived by wife Nellie Ruth; 2 sons - Byron and Carden; a brother Cloyce; numerous grandchildren.
Grave side services for Eric were February 18 at Ft. Sill National Cemetery with Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

Also passing, Gladys Hope (Stothard) Wickliffe, 86, of Lawton. Hope passed on February 11. Hope was voted DeMolay Sweetheart and was class 1942. She is survived by a son Al; grand and great-grand children.
Services were February 18 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

We also lost Dwight David Stodola, 58, of Lawton, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dwight passed on February 17. He was LHS class 1970. A Memorial Service was held February 20.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And, [Rtrd] Lt. Col Frederick S. Beck, 76, of Lawton. Fred was originally from PA but with the military he ended up at Lawton where he married '57 classmate Adele (Skrdle) in 1961. They traveled the world but 'retired' back in Lawton years ago. Adele passed in April, 2010. Service with full military honors was held February 25.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

My Bill visited with '52 classmate and old fishing buddy, Ralph Purvis about a week and half ago & he was moved that same day to the hospital & then moved a few days later to a Hospice Care Center. An email on Feb. 26 from Ralphs' sister Kay & his brother Gene, says....." He is very weak and has trouble getting enough air. I talked to him this morning and bless his heart he is still upbeat but you can tell it is hard for him to talk.
We just ask for everyone's prayers that he doesn't have to suffer. He is our big brother and has influenced our lives in the best of ways."
Kay Purvis Cunningham and Gene Purvis - All proud LHS grads!!

I received an email from Ed Harp, '54, who does the newsletter for that class. He said that '54 classmate Barbara (Barclay) Stapleton is very ill and in CCU 106 at Memorial Hosp in Lawton. Prayers are asked on her behalf.
This info dated Feb. 26.

I know thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones or have others ill and undergoing treatment.


From the eMail bag:

A friend is trying to reach Sue (Grimes) Ott, '56. They have tried her phone & no answer & no return of calls. Sue is taking a second round of chemo & if anyone knows her current status, please let me know & I will pass it along.

"I too enjoyed Empire of the Summer Moon. When I was born in 1938 my parents were the only teachers in a two room country school outside Fletcher and taught some of Quanah Parker's grandchildren. For the rest of their lives my parents received Christmas cards from those grandchildren. I must confess that I had no idea of the significance of Quanah Parker or the Comanches until I read this book.
Another more academically oriented book on the same subject is Comanche Empire by Pekka Hamalainen. This book won numerous awards and prizes including the 2008 Great Plains Distinguished Book Prize and the 2009 Bancroft Prize. But, for me, it was a difficult read and not as much fun as Empire. It is also much longer."
Mike Keeran '56

"Edd reading Empire of the Summer Moon about Quanah Parker now and highly recommends it. He has retired from his massage business and is now taking art classes. He's really talented even if I say so myself. Even though he's retired now, we're still married. As long as he stays out of my way, we should make it to our 52nd anniversary in May."
Beverly (Gaston) Shelton, 59; hubby, Eddie Shelton, '56.

"Goofus must have popular in the 40s and 50's because my tap class in Okla City performed a version for our recital. We were in black pants and shirts with a skeleton painted on them that glowed in the dark. The music we danced to was the song Goofus that started "....I was born on a farm down in I-oway," etc. The Carpenters sang a version later that you can hear on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yfqMCJXg2M
Marilyn (Thompson) Seely, '60"

I knew there were other February birthdays.....Patsy (Sheppard) Holcomb; and Jim Andrews whose bday is February 29 - Leap Year! Good news, bad news for Jim.....bad news is he only gets to celebrate bday every four years, but good news is he's younger than the rest of us! haha!
And March 1.....my bro, Tim Gill, '70. Many happy returns guys!

Regards from the home-town..........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent February 15

Trying to get these out a soon as I had opportunity in case might not know and want to attend services on Wednesday.

Sorry to report the loss of classmate Shirley Rae (Cates) Newsom, 76 of Lawton. Shirley passed February 13. She was LHS class 1953. She is survived by husband Garland; numerous grandchildren.
Private grave side services for family and close friends is at 3:00pm, Wednesday February 16, Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.whineryhuddleston.com

Also passing, one our, long time teachers, Bernice Smith, 99, of Lawton. Miss Smith passed on February 14. Miss Smith was LHS class of 1930 and after college returned to Lawton where she taught 40 years at LHS and Eisenhower High Schools. Services will be at 2:00pm, Becker Funeral Home Chapel, Wednesday February 16, with former student Richard Neptune officiating. Miss Smith was preceded in death by her sister Elaine Smith, another of our LHS teachers.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

I also received word of the passing of Susan Ann Nudge, 60, who passed on December 27. Susan attended Taft, Central, and graduated LHS in 1969. She is survived by her mom, Juanita Nudge; a sister Pam (Nudge) Mills class of '64; 2 brothers. Services were December 30.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

Our sympathies are with the families and friends of these who have lost loved ones.

Doyce Grayson, '56, is back in the hospital. Have had no update today, but understand as of Monday evening was 'stable'.

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

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

Originally sent February 14

Last Call if you want to get a recipe in the Museum of the Great Plains Anniversary Cookbook. To celebrate the Museums 50th Anniversary, will be out [planned] in July. They want old family favorites...grandma's, Aunt Nellies, Uncle Bob's....old recipes for most part, maybe unusual recipes not so common now, or old recipes for staples like beans, cornbread, BBQ, stew, chili's, cobblers, and a little story or history of the recipe if it has any. Can send directly to Marilyn (Lewis) Smith - rsou@aol.com - or send to me & I will forward. NOTE.......need them NO LATER than February 17.

Susan (Hankins) Ellington has out 2 pages - in PDF format - about the 55th Reunion of the class of 1956. Lot of activities planned for this June 10-11-12, 2011. I would suggest the easiest and best thing to do is to contact Susan via email or phone & ask her to email the info to you... IF... you did not get it and want to know about the reunion. Susan: or call: (505) 662-0435. Sounds fun & hope to be able to attend some of it myself!

From the eMail bag.......many comments about last news and other......

Mike Harris, '59, asking about the Goofus Dancers prompted several replies and a picture (above).
A picture of the dancers appears on page 98 of the 1959 Lore.

"The dancers are Ella Price, Kay Holsey, Johnna Gordon, and Stella Price. Johnna's mother, Jean Gordon, helped us with the idea. She had done it or seen it at OU. We had burlap sacks with bright colored faces painted on them with iridescent paint so that they showed up under the lights. We extended our arms over our head so that the face was over our head and down to our waist. Then we had men's coats that extended from our waists to below our knees. I believe we borrowed band members white buc shoes. I can hum the tune, but do not know the name of it. It was a funny skit and we had fun doing it."
Kay (Holsey) Strickland, '59

Preston McPhail dug into his photograph archives and produced the picture he had taken for the Lore. (below). It is the four mentioned above but don't know who is who?

"I remember the Goofus Dancers. The Phil Harris recording as I recall. But the outfits as I remember them were the bags over the heads and arms (held upward to hold the bag) but is was the chest and bellies of the dancers that were painted with faces. I too laughed myself silly up in the balcony among the many "great unwashed."
Joe Boyd, '59

"I remember the "then" picture of Howard Council very well. In those days he was making belts and wallets for all the guys in FFA. He was always a very nice guy. Good to see him getting the recognition he deserves. I still have a belt that he made. And, I can still wear it."
Bobby Spradlin, '55

I know Bobby and he DOES stay in great shape! Disgusting! hahahahhahahhaha

"Maybe I'm the last one to discover this fantastic book, "Empire of the Summer Moon" about Quanah Parker. His granddaughter was my 5th grade teacher at Will Rogers Elementary School. It is a wonderful history of the Comanche Chief. It is very interesting to read a book and know exactly where parts of it took place. Parker's Star House, the Mountains, Cache, Ft. Sill. At one point the writer references "An amusement park" no longer there which has to be Craterville Park. My family on my mother's side used to have family reunions at Craterville Park. I have one picture of the Blake and Parks families taken when my cousin Naomi (Parks) Schraner and I were infants and Naomi's brother, Wayne Parks, '60, wasn't born yet. The picture had to have been taken in 1941. I highly recommend "Empire of the Summer Moon". It isn't for the faint hearted being graphic about the hardships of life then and the reality of the conflicts between the Indians and the white man but it is well written and I found it so interesting I didn't want to put it down."
Jovita (Reinwand) Weeks, '59

Fran (Jacks) Wehner, '64, continues to receive honors and regognition for her photography work. This past week she was presented the 'Artist of the Year-2010' award by the City of Lawton Arts and Humanities Council. Lawton Mayor Fred Fitch (brother of '59 classmate Carlana (Fitch) Murray) helped present the award honoring Fran's decades of contributions as a professional photographer, painter, jewelry artist, photography teacher, and mentor to dozens of aspiring artists. She was presented a lovely hand-made pottery bowl made especially for this presentation by another local artist, Patty Ferguson. I understand that Patty has a gift shop/studio in Medicine Park area and Frans' work can be seen at:

www.photosbyfran.com

A note from '59 classmate and Washington School alumni Raymond Butler, that he & wife Carolyn (Durham), '60, have just celebrated their Golden 50th Anniversary! Quite an accomplishment this day and time. Major Congrats!
Raymond also add this....."delighted to hear George Karty is still around. George was a great artist at Washington [school] and inspired me to get into art."

Received another comment about George Karty. This from Bobby Newton, '60:
.." I can honestly tell you that George Karty was the toughest person I ever knew. Didn't know him well, but he boxed Golden Gloves when he was in high school, I believe 147 pounds. The event was held at Ft. Sill. I do not remember who George fought or who won, but it was the most awesome fight I have ever seen, bar or professional. He and the other fighter stood, flat footed for three minute rounds, hitting each other as hard as they could, as fast as they could for the entire 9 minutes. The crowd came apart. I can still see it today and think of it often. He was some kind of fighter."
Bobby

btw....Bobby's mom - Wynona Newton - taught 4th grade at Washington School many, many years. Occasionally would go to her house after school and bake cookies! I owe learning the multiplication tables to her. She told us to go home & learn whatever numbers x whatever number....we were scared not to!!!! Now if I can just remember them!!??

Belva (Hollingshead) Williams - would have been '59 but moved - sent a great picture with these comments.....
..."this is a picture taken at Lincoln Elementary in the spring of 1952 (5th grade). I was there for only 6 weeks. This was a school play (musical). It was probably 5th and 6th graders. So the [future]classes of '58 and '59. That was cool about George Karty. I remember him from Jr. High. Very athletic, as I recall." (photo above).
Belva
Maybe some will recognize classmates.

"Saturday [Jan 15]the Oklahoma City Philharmonic began their program with Brahms Academic Festival Overture. Anyone who was in the LHS band in ’54-’55 would have been awash in memory because it was the band’s contest piece that year. It seemed we rehearsed at least a portion of it during every rehearsal from the spring of ’54 through the spring of ’55. The purpose of all that work was to win contests and – it just recently occurred to me – that the purpose of winning contests was to get the band director a better job; which it did. After four years as a high school director, he became director of bands at the University of Houston. A few years ago he retired from that job.
A friend told me that transcriptions of serious orchestra works are no longer available for bands. Pity. Since there are only four or five high school orchestras in Oklahoma, the majority of instrumental music students do not have the opportunity to play ‘good’ music.
John Waller

Don't normally mention but I just happen to know some February birthdays (and sure there are others).....Alice Aurrell; Larry Campbell; Shirley Brittain; moi!

Does anyone else remember - in grade school - we brought a shoe box to school and covered it with crepe paper, cut-out hearts, lace paper doilies. Some glued those candy hearts with messages (Be Mine, Luv U) on them - man, those hearts tasted terrible! Still do! Cut a slot in top and we sat them in the room with our name on box and kids would deposit their Valentines in them! Such fun - at least at the time!

Wishing you love, hearts, flowers, and LOTS of chocolate on this Valentines Day ~ 2011! S.W.A.K.! xoxoxoxxoooxxoox.........Georgia

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

Originally sent February 10

Again more sad news, but some happy news too!

Sorry to report the passing of Effie Lee Williams, 96, of Lawton. Lee passed Monday February 7. She is mom of classmates Paula (Williams) Johnson, '55 of Lawton and Ronald Jim Williams, '63, of Marlow.
Services will be 10:00am, Friday, February 11 at the Western Hills church of Christ in Lawton with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Personal note: I have known Effie Lee (Lee in later years) my whole life. Attended church with her & her hubby Paul (deceased) & Paula & Ronald Jim for many years. Very gracious and pleasant lady. Talent in so many areas, an excellent cook. I have many a great recipe Lee was happy to share.

Also passing, classmate Martin Sanchez, 73, of Lawton. Martin passed February 1after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was LHS class 1958. Services with full military honors were held February 5. Martin is survived by a daughter Gayla; sister Denise Castro; many nieces and nephews.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

'64 classmate and friend Sue (Chalk) Briggs will have a cancer related surgery next week at Mayo Clinic. She would appreciate your prayers in her behalf.

Doyce Grayson is now at home after lengthy stay in hospital and the loss of a toe due to diabetes. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

I hope you will join me in remembering all these in our prayers!

And speaking of Doyce....."I Hope Doyce Grayson is doing well. He's about the last living guy that I used to strike out all the time in little league baseball. Or, maybe I never struck him out . I can't remember for sure. Anyway, I hope everything goes well for him."
Bob Spradlin, '55

I have a feeling Doyces recollection will be different!!

In other news......

The [Daily] Oklahoman featured a front page color picture and great article on Howard Council, Lawton - expert saddle maker - in Sunday January 30 issue. Howard's saddles are owned by George Strait; numerous world champion rodeo celebs including 8 time world champ Roy Cooper. Howard will receive the Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award during the 50th Anniversary Western Heritage Awards on April 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in OKC.
The article and additional pictures (maybe video?) available at: search for Howard Council.
Howard is LHS class 1945 and married since 1949 to '52 classmate Genevieve (Thomas) Council.
Photos above, show Howard recently; blk/wht shows Howard in 1950 in his first shop.

Once again Herb Jacobs Sunday column - 'Where Are They Now' - in Lawton Constitution (Feb. 6), features really great story on '54 classmate Buddy Braddy. A good read if you can get a copy.

OK '59 er's....."A new question. One of our assembly programs that I remember had a skit titled "The Goofus Dance" which to me was hilarious. I don't remember the names of the dancers (must have been four or five) and I could never figure out how their costumes were made. They seemed like large bags with faces painted on them, the bag covered the dancer's head and came down to knee level as I recall. Who were the dancers and what would be a better description of the costume?"
Mike Harris

'50's trivia: Gladys Horton who sang with the Marvelettes on hits including 'Mr. Sandman', died in Los Angeles at age 66. Who can forget that..."bom, bom, bom, bom, bom, bom, bom.......bom, bom, bom, bom, bom....Mr. Sandman...." (sing with tune).....haha!

I have posted the pictures that I took at the September 2010 Reunion - classes '49 ~ '52, on the blog. Will work to get those Jo Riley gave me posted soon also. Go to blog: On right hand side of page under 'Links to LHS Pictures'.....class '49-'52 reunion - Sept. 2010. Have names for most, but if you see one with no name or wrong name, please let me know.

Wednesday night it was -2 (two BELOW) in Lawton, America! Cannot remember it ever being that cold! Only good thing, wind hasn't blown for couple of days! Chilly regards from the home town. Georgia