......LHS News......
Originally sent April 4

I noted last Monday paper the passing of Margaret E. Niemczyk, 89, of Lawton. I believe she is the mother of '58 grad Mike Niemczyk - listed as Gary Michael of San Francisco. Also a son, James A. "Jim" Niemczyk of Lawton. Graveside services for Margaret were this past Wednesday, April 2, at Fort Sill Post Cemetery. So very sorry to hear of her passing & sorry to be late getting this out!!

I had a great email from class '61 grad Roy House (Roy is sister to our '59 classmate Mary Lee (House). Roy said I could 'share'.......
"Let me start out by saying that I have really enjoyed reading your LHS newsletter; it's wonderful reading and hearing about my classmates."Kudos" to you for your dedication of producing great updates . I'm not sure if this would be of interest to fill in your newsletter, but you be the judge. It's a story about a classmate of ours, Bill Drewry. It was about 1955 when the Drewrys lived on the corner of Cherry and Laird that I first met Bill.We lived about two blocks from them on Birch.He was several years older than I and a lot BIGGER. He had an old motorcycle, a Villiers as I recall, and every night he would work on it in his garage. It was a cantankerous piece which may or may not start at any given time.He never seemed to mind my coming over and watching him work on it though.I was so enthralled and mesmerized by anything that had an engine on a frame and propelled itself that I just had to "borrow" it. I might add that it was without his knowing. One morning I slowly and quietly pushed it out of his garage and over to my house.(my parents had gone to work already) It became futile trying to start it with the kick-starter so I pushed to a nearby neighbors driveway that had a very steep slope and I could coast down it and kick it in gear.I finally managed to get it going and commenced to cruz around town. Thankfully there wasn't much traffic back then!! After a couple of hours I thought it best to return it to Bills house, but when I was pushing up his drive-way I looked up and to my horror saw Bill standing there at the door looking at me. I just knew my world was about to come to an end. Anyway I managed to muster up enough courage and pushed it on up to the garage past him.He just stood there,probably trying to decide what to do to me,or maybe he was about to reach Critical Mass,I'm not sure. I honestly cannot remember what he said, but he must have seen how red my face was and figured I probably had pushed it further than I had ridden it,and him knowing how crazy I was about motorcycles that he let me off with-out tearing me a new one. I've never forgotten this story and have told it several times over the years, and I'd like to say to Bill if he ever gets a chance to read this, THANKS........for your understanding man. I know this is rather long, although I cut out a lot of details, so if you want to use it as a filler, do so....thanks, ....Roy House
PS If anyone wants to contact me,please do."
Roy added this bit in another email: "I delivered the newspaper to all of Fields & Dunning edition for years.I knew Joe Scott, Dick Bullock, Lyntha Nicklas, Joanna Cargill, the Ashlock girls, oh I could go on for-ever, Ann Shepard, Judy Gibson, Ginda Kenzie, Mayland Wolverton, etc .They all lived in that area. I've lived in Claremore,Ok now for the past thirty years and own an auto repair business for the last twenty-seven.I come home fairly often,not often enough as my sister says,and I keep in touch with several good friends,Wayne Littlefield, Ed Forsyth, and others.
btw.......You can contact Roy at royascardoc@sbcglobal.net

Chatted with '59 classmate LaMartha Cook at local lunch spot last week and spoke with Sid Ahlschiager - class '57 & wife Jackie (Spradlin) - also '57, at local cafeteria. Sid said "to be sure" I told everyone I saw him and that he only went back [for more] twice! I counted, hes right!
OK Sid....done deal!

Bill smoked all day today (Friday), its the annual rib cook for the local GOP ~ BBQ! If you want some real hickory smoked ribs ( I tried them this afternoon - quality control) YUM-E! .....you would be most welcome! 6:00pm Saturday at the Worley Center at the Great Plains Tech School here in Lawton. Only $20.00 per person!btw...did see name of some '59 classmates on the list to attend!

Best regards to all..........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 23

So sorry to report yet another loss.....'59 classmate James Lewis "Jim" Strickland, 68, passed away on Thursday March 20. Jim had a very serious heart attack several weeks ago, eventually had bypass surgery, and sadly just never recovered. Jim married Judy Cole in 1963 and he lived in Frederick & operated Frederick Auto Trim & Upholstery for over 40 years. He was a longtime member of the Frederick Quarterback Club and was very active in their activities. Jim is survived by two daughters - Tama and Kimi; brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Kay (Holsey) Strickland; sister Ella and brother-in-law Bill Burch; sister Reba and brother-in-law Larry Noble. Jerry & Kay, Reba, and Ella - all LHS grads.Services will be this Monday, March 24, at the Frederick Bomber Bowl Football Stadium in Frederick at 2:00pm.Friends are invited to call Sunday 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Gray Gish Funeral Home Chapel in Frederick. An online guest book is at: <www.graygishfuneral.com>

Great to hear from classmates & I had numerous responses after the last news....enjoyed email notes from Don Yancy, Mike Wyant, Jovita Weeks, Barbara (Ramey) Wiseman...and sharing some below.

Had this great email from '59 classmate Stephanie (Lester), along with picture and she told me to share:

Georgia! Things are looking real good health wise and wanted to send you a photo of me in The Pilates Studio/New York City. Whoever is coming to NYC and wants a free Pilates session...my cell is 917-402-6314. This offer is only for LHS grads!! Big Hug - Stephanie

'56 grad Mike Keeran sent me his new email address along with these great comments:
"I grew up in Lawton and graduated from LHS in 1956. I was editor of the Tatler and during my two years at Cameron. I was also editor of that paper as well. I was planning to be a sports writer but somewhere along the way that got derailed and I went to medical school graduating from OU Med School in 1963. I practiced Dermatology in Little Rock, AR, from 1070 until 2005. In order to be nearer some of my grandchildren I moved to Atlanta in 2006 where I now live.Since both my parents died in the early '90's I no longer visit Lawton and I miss seeing it. Your letter never fails to bring back memories. Please keep me on your list!Yours, Mike Keeran, LHS Class 1956
PS- In high school I was known as Mr. Peepers, a name I haven't heard in years."

Got a great email from Roy House, class '61. Will share in next news.
.....Happy Easter.......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 20

So very sorry to report the passing of Nancy Carol (Lee) Welborn Hodson, 64, of Lawton. Nancy passed away this morning - Thursday March 20.
She was born in Lawton, attended Whitter, Central Jr. High, and graduated LHS in 1961. Nancy married '59 classmate Charles Welborn...sorry can't remember when....but they were married many years and Charles died suddenly in about 1982-83? Nancy remarried Benton Hodson in 1985. I knew Charles and Nancy well as we all attended church together growing up as well as school. Nancy was a sweet gal and it's unfortunate she had serious health problems the past 2-3 years.She is survived by son Michael Welborn, daughters Diana Welborn and Kimberly Hodson, and a step-daughter Nancy. Two brothers David Lee and Danny Lee and Nancy's mom Barbara Lee.Services will be this Saturday, March 22, at the Western Hills church of Christ in Lawton, 2:00pm.

'59 classmate Claudia (Looney) Davis said the old chandelier in the school auditorium reminded her of the Phantom of the Opera! You know...she's right! I don't really remember paying much attention to it when we were in the auditorium, but it is a neat old item. Glad they are 'saving' it.
btw...when you have a minute, take a look at the Wolvernet blog. I have added 4 new pictures including the old chandelier! (on the right side) Pictures have been included in previous 'news' but new to the blog!
< http://www.thewolvernet.blogspot.com/>

And I apologize....I gave Johanna Cargills' name as Riley when in fact it is now...Johanna Brown! Sor-re!

Beautiful day! Bill was lunching with the guys, so I took a 'break' and motored down to Wayne's. I could not believe it....not a place to park. Finally able to get to a speaker and got me a foot-long coney to go! Yummy!!!!

Regards to all.......Georgia

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter and Spring Time.

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 14

Sorry to report the passing of Everett F. Kirkpatrick, 84, of Lawton. Everett was born in Lawton and was a 1942 grad of LHS. He passed March 6. He married Geneva Gunkel in 1948. He served in the military and owned and operated several businesses in Lawton and Amarillo, TX. Survivors include a son James in N. Mexico and a daughter Kay Maxey in Alabama and a brother Arvie of Lawton. He was preceded in death by five brothers: Otis, Edward, Vonnie, Ertle, and Frank and a sister, Norma Dee Tilley.Sevices for Everett will be Saturday morning March 15, First Baptist church of Lawton, 11:00amAn online guest book is at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

I had a nice lunch visit with several '59 classmates this past week. Suzanne, Marilyn, Janey and moi enjoyed a lunch at Lawton's newest place-to-be!!!! The Back Porch! Great new lunch place and is owned and operated by Dan Riley, the son of another '59 classmate - Johanna (Cargill) Brown. Johanna is back in Lawton after some absence to help Dan most days at the restaurant. If you get a chance, it's located where the old Ted's place used to be - 810 SW D Avenue, downtown Lawton. Also at the Back Porch, saw Karen (Carpenter) - class '60, Tommy Nyrop, Jack and Judy Bryan - LHS grads all! It's a 'happenin place' and good food to boot!

Also ran into '59 classmate Wade Harrison this week. He was doing great!

I am very sorry to learn that '59 classmate Stephanie (Lester) Beatty has cancer. Stephanie lives in NYC - for long time now - and is currently undergoing treatment. She stays in touch with some here in Lawton and said it was alright to let people know and that she would enjoy hearing from any and all.I know you join me in wishing all the best for Stephanie and I will certainly be keeping her in my prayers.

We have numerous classmates with like type problems and are hoping the very best for all of them as they receive treatment and recuperate from other illnesses. Stephanie's email address is : ebeatty@nyc.rr.com

I had a cheery email from Carmen (Chandler) - class '58. She headed to CA this past week for a weeks stay then on St. Paddy's Day she will board cruise ship for 2 week cruise to and around Hawaii! So....bon voyage to Carmen and she is planning to be in Lawton this August for her class' 50th reunion!

I know other classmates headed to Mexico, one to Ireland, another to CA...sigh! Guess I am here for now!!!!!

Todays Lawton Constitution - March 14 - had a full page of the renovation work still under way at the old LHS/Central Jr. High school. Most interesting was the picture on the front page of paper showing the old chandelier that hung in the school auditorium. (it will be used when work is finished). On right is Dr. Charles Graybill and on right is Minette (Zak) Page - both LHS grads. Person in foreground is Mike Dixon (McMahon Foundation executive director.) The McMahon Foundation is helping finance some of the renovation work. Dr. Graybill is Chairman of the Foundation. (see pix on right)

The caption under the picture reads: "Dr. Charles Graybill, chairman of the McMahon Foundation, and Minette Page, share memories of a chandelier from old Lawton High's auditorium, with Mike Dixon. Graybill and Page both have ties to the building, both were students. Page, a former school board member, spent two years teaching there; Graybill remembers waiting out front [of the school] to pick up his wife Betty, who was also a teacher there".When renovations are complete some city offices will be in the building. Other civic uses.

Upper 70's - low 80's today! Spring/summer on the way! Regards from the 'old home town'........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 7

Good news for a change!!!!

Paul B. Southerland - LHS class of 1974 - will be inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame located at UCO (Edmond) in April. Paul has been a staff photographer for The Oklahoman since 1975. It was noted in his biography that he had won over 100 national, state and regional photo and reporting awards. Paul is the son of Marcille (Burns) Southerland Covey - LHS '52 - and the late Buryl Southerland - LHS '52.What a wonderful honor! "

"Oh -o- yeessss, I'm the Great Pretender".......the original Platters will be appearing at the Medicine Park Music Hall (old skating rink) TONIGHT - Friday, 7:00pm. Tickets at the Music Hall - $27.50.
Sounds like a fun, nostalgic evening!

And more nostalgia.....Saturday night March 15.......the 'KING' lives!!!!! Kraig Parker as ELVIS does a fantastic job....if you didn't know, had your eyes shut....you would think it was the KING himself. We have seen Kraig before and he does a great job with ELVIS' songs and bears an uncanny physical resemblance to 'El.' McMahon Auditorium here in Lawton, 7:45. Seats reserved and tickets prices vary.

All for now.......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 2

So sorry to report an email from '59 classmate Robert 'Bob' Meek to let me know that is dad passed away this last Wednesday, Feb. 27. CW1 (retired) Jack H. Meek, 88. Services are 10:00am Monday March 3 at First Christian Church in Lawton. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in his home town of Tulsa.Mr. Meek is survived by his wife Dorothy Louise, sons Bob, Lewis, and Richard. According to Bob "a whole passel of grandkids and great grandkids." Bob's brother Lewis graduated Lawton High 1960. I think Rick graduated the other high school (Eisenhower?) in 1970.On line book at <www.beckerfuneral.com> or <http://www.beckerfuneral.com/sitemaker/sites/becker0/obit.cgi?user=jack-meek>

Also in Lawton Sunday paper, The passing of Cherri (Streetman) Miller, 58, of Branson, MO. Cherri passed away on Feb. 29. She grew up in Lawton and was a 1968 grad of LHS. She is survived by husband Chuck Miller who she married in 1978. Also two sons - Chad and Ryan, a daughter - Nikki; a brother Willford Streetman and two sisters both of Lawton - Toni Walker and Jana Barrett.Services will be 10:00am Tuesday, March 4, at the Clinger-Hope Family Funeral Home in White Chapel, MO.

Emailed with '59 classmate Jerry Morgan and received this update from him. Jerry suffered a stroke some months back & so happy for his progress.
"I am still having problems with my vision and balance. As a result I do not look at the screen on PC more than necessary. I print out the email's so I can read them. I have had 2 1/2 months of therapy on my balance and physical. I was dismissed two weeks ago from therapy. They said I had progressed to the limit of their help. I have been moving some of the tree brush from my yard. I have a grapple on the front loaded on my tractor. I put the seat belt on while using the tractor. That gives my wife comfort when I use the tractor."

The class of 1958 has sent out a letter with more details on their upcoming 50 year reunion plus a list of missing classmates. If you would like a copy, please email Ivalou Gilliam. I did not forward as some tell me they cannot open some of my attachments. IvaGilliam@aol.com

LHS class of 1978 is having an organizational meeting for a reunion. Anyone interested in helping is invited on Tuesday March 11, 3403 NW Baltimore, Lawton, 7:30pm. For info contact Sherry Hankins - Conwell at (580) 248-1524.

In Sunday Lawton paper (today) wonderful article on a former Lawton teacher - Vivian Waller. Mrs. Waller is celebrating her 102 birthday. Mrs. Waller was teaching at Central Junior High when many of us were students.
Just in a nutshell:
She was born March 2, 1906 in Byars, OK. Her father was a Baptist preacher and her mom was a homemaker. She had two brothers.When she was 6, her dad moved the family to Purcell where he was elected County clerk. Later he was Dean of Men at Oklahoma Baptist University. He eventually came to Lawton where he was at Calvary Baptist church until he retired.

Mrs. Waller graduated from Purcell high school in 1923 & went to OBU, graduating in 1927. She got a job teaching Spanish and music at Purcell High. On a visit to Lawton to see her family, she became reacquainted with Ernest Waller whom she had met previously at OBU. He had started a dry goods business in Lawton & Altus and eventually opened his own store in Lawton - Waller's, on 3rd street.He and Vivian were married by her father on May 6, 1935.

She eventually became a 4th grade teacher at Emerson & later taught 8th grade English at Central and was once named Teacher of the Year. She said she has lived her entire life in Oklahoma but has visited every continent in the world - save Antarctica. When she wasn't in school, she traveled during the summer. She said traveling was "educational." Her husband passed some years ago. Her only child, son John, is retired & lives in Norman.
When asked to what does she attribute her longevity? "The answer is the will of God" she says, "I've lived beyond the norm through His grace and goodness."

I do remember Mrs. Waller and thought many of you would also. Wonderful lady.

Regards to all.......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent Feb. 28

I have been traveling and am a little behind with 'news'. So sorry to have to report more losses.

Todd Loran Aubrey, 37, of Lawton passed Feb. 21. Todd is a 1988 grad of LHS and is son of Clarence & Betty Aubrey. Betty was a Phillips as in Dean Phillips Chevrolet that was later Phillips-Aubrey here in Lawton. Know a lot of you will remember that business. Todd is survived by wife Theresa Ann (Albertson), a son and a daughter. Also, two brothers David and Mark and a sister LeeAnn. Services were Monday Feb. 25 in Lawton. So very sorry.

Also passing, Aurilla Rose (Brindle) Whitmore, 80, of Lawton. Mrs. Whitmore passed away Feb. 24 and services were Wednesday Feb. 27. The paper said Mrs. Whitmore was raised and attended school in Lawton. From her age she would have been a LHS grad in about 1944-45-46? There is an on line guest book at <www.lawtonfuneralhome.com>

And passing on Feb. 26, Janice (Hunt) Grooms, 62, of Lawton. Janice was in LHS class of 1964. She & my sister Suzy were childhood friends. Janice lived on 900 block of Columbia just west of Washington School. Walked by there many a time during the school years. Janice was married to J.C. Grooms who died in 1973. Janice is survived by a daughter Patricia, two sons - Charles and Randall and a sister Beverly Spencer. Janice was a sweet gal. Services will be Friday Feb. 29 in the Becker Funeral Home Chapel, 1:30pm. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.On line guest book at: <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Also passing Feb. 26, Audrey P. (Murphee) Best, 91, of Lawton. Mrs. Best is mom to our classmates Rae Ann (Best) McDonald, Ronald Paul Best, and Wesley P. Best. Services for Mrs. Best will be Friday Feb. 29 at Liberty Heights Christian church here in Lawton, 2:00pm. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.An on line guest book is at: <www.grayfuneral.com>

I received an update this morn on '59 classmate Jim Strickland from his sister-in-law Kay:
I am writing to give you an update on Jim Strickland. He had four bypasses on Monday. He is very critically ill. He is not able to have company. The family is up there along with many friends. His home is in Frederick and he has always driven the Frederick Bomber at all football games. Monday was Jim Strickland Spirit Day. All Jr. High and High School students and teachers wore red in his honor. So you can imagine the sea of red we had at the hospital. We are asking for your continued prayers for Jim. Kay

Hate to be the bearer of so much sad news, but thought all would want to know. Regards........Georgia