......LHS News......
Originally sent July 10

'59 classmate Charles Brooks, who lives and works in Germany, will be getting a new knee this week-end! 'They' have these parts replacements down to a fine art, so no doubt Charles will be up and running soon. We wish him the best!

The info on Roy Rogers prompted numerous responses. Ironic, as in todays Lawton paper and the Oklahoman, story on the upcoming auction of the last of the museum items. Trigger is expected to bring between 1 and $200,000. That's a lot of hay! (pix above of Roy, Dale, and Trigger at the CA Museum years ago).

"Regarding Roy Rogers: My Husband and I purchased a VCR tape of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers and probably the only movie that they made together. Gene was the good guy and Roy played the bad guy. We only paid 25 cents at a church yard sale. Also, several years ago we purchased a CD of Roy's songs and some I had never heard him sing before. Growing up in the 50's he was one of my idols. Those were the good ole' days!!!!! Thanks again for all the news. "
Becky (Mincey) Roberts, '59

....."years ago while working for Continental Air Lines I met Roy and Dale. Later on at one point while VIP escorting Dale and her entourage, we stopped for prayer and they asked me to join in. OK, I'm name dropping but I am proud to say I held hands and prayed with Dale Evans.God bless,"
Mike [Lehew], '68

" one of the largest days in my young life was seeing Roy and Trigger at Craterville Park as a mere lad. I remember Trigger being there a few days before Roy. His workouts drew huge crowds. Some of the older folk said there were more people there for Trigger than when Roy showed up."
Ed Adams, '59

"I used to see all the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans movies in Lawton as a kid. Then we'd come home and replay the movie. I met Dale Evans several times as she used to come in to San Bernardino to shop before they had the mall in Victorville. They lived in Apple Valley. I met both of them there as we spent several months there. She was extremely friendly and pleasant and would greet you like an old friend. Kinda sad that the memorabilia is being split up. Somebody on TV this last week remarked that they were so shocked to see how small in stature Roy Rogers was. We all thought he was at least 6 ft 4."
Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman, '56

From my own notes, back in late '60's and '70's, we frequented events at the National Cowboy Hall in OKC. Had numerous opportunities to visit with Roy & Dale and also Gene Autry! They were always very nice and Gene Autry had a lot of good memories of Lawton and was good friends with Lawtonian Max Brock. Max owned or maybe managed the theatres in Lawton back in that day and had a lot of contact with Autry and others in showing their films. I remember the cowboy movies...mostly at the Dome!

Several commented they got a chuckle/laugh out of the 'earring fitting' bit.......this comment came from '59 classmate Ben Ansley.......
"Georgia, I am so glad to hear about you earrings fitting....my ears have grown so much that they flap in the wind...Ben".
I kinda doubt that but always enjoy hearing from Dumbo...uh, I mean, Ben!

'60's classmate Preston Holsinger asked if I would send this out and it is hoped that some of you will help by taking a minute to vote at link below........
."We need your help in getting a $50,000 Pepsi Grant for building a hard surface baseball diamond for Lawton's special needs children. We just need you to spend a couple of minutes every day in July to vote for our Miracle League project. The Miracle League program provides an opportunity for children with special needs to play baseball with a specially designed rubber turf field. The Miracle League of Lawton-Fort Sill is building one of these baseball fields for our special needs children. We need your help in winning the money necessary to build this field of dreams. The Lawton-Fort Sill community is home to thousands of children who need this field, and more are constantly coming to our community as soldiers with special needs children are assigned to Fort Sill. This is a simple and easy way to make a difference in some physically and mentally challenged children's lives. So, please click on the following link and vote daily to make that difference:" Go to: http://www.refresheverything.com/miracleleaguelawtonfortsill
THEN.....Click on the link on the Pepsi home page, there will be a rather long (about 1.5 inch) oval white box with a magnifying glass in it. This will be in the very top right side of the home page. Click on this and type Miracle League and then click on the magnifying glass. This should take you to the Miracle League Lawton/Ft Sill listing. Click "Vote for this idea"

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

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 29

Sorry to report the passing of Helen (Bunch) Crow, 70, of Walters. Helen passed on June 23 and services were June 26. Helen is class 1957. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Billy John Crow; four sons; a sister, Jeanne Jarvis; numerous grandchildren.
Extended obit and gust book at: www.hart-wyattfuneralhome.com

A note from Robert L. Shotts, '54 via Ed Harp, '54, to let all know that Truman O. Pettijohn, 76, passed on June 26. He had been fighting issues related to diabetes for some time. Robert related that he & Truman go all the way back to first grade at Woodrow Wilson and that he was in Oklahoma City about a month ago to visit with Truman who was class 1953. He is survived by wife Carolyn. There will be a Memorial service at 10:00am on Friday July 2, church of the Savior in OkCity (5600 NW 63rd).
Burial will be in Sunset Gardens in Lawton at approx 1:30pm. He is currently at Smith Funeral Home in Anadarko. No obit posted as of this writing: http://www.smithfuneralservices.com/

Also passing, George Miller, 82, of Lawton. George passed June 23 and a memorial service was held June 28. He attended Lawton schools but left just 6 months before graduation to join the Navy. He married Pat (Witzel) in 1953. Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And, Vernon I. Greer, 90, Lawton, passed on June 25 after complications from a stroke in mid-May. A Memorial service was held June 28. Vernon did not attend LHS but I know a lot of classmates remember V.I. as he owned & operated Greer's Flowers from 1946 until his retirement in 1984. He made a lot of prom corsages and home-coming pom-pom chrysanthemums in 'our' day! He is survived by his wife Marian 'Tiny' (Johnson); a daughter Dixie (Greer) Walker; a son Steve, both LHS grads.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Our sympathies are with those who have lost loved ones.

Classmates in the news......Preston Holsinger, '60, who is retired and living back in Lawton, is getting involved in his community! He was recently installed as President of the Lawton AMBUCS. No doubt he will do a good job and be very busy!!!!!

Pete Costilow, '63, was featured in a story in the Oklahoman this past Sunday. Pete and two other Oklahomans who served in Vietnam were interviewed regarding their service in the war and the upcoming opening in Norman of the Dignity Memorial Wall. The three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial [in Washington, DC] will be unveiled at Reeves Park Wednesday and be open to the public through July. Pete was a Chinook pilot, flying support missions. Pete said it was decades before he could talk about his experiences and he knows other vets have the same situation. He stated...."I just hope that any Vietnam veteran will try to come..." [to visit Dignity Wall]!

My bro George, '63, is BIG into Western memorabilia these days. He has just returned from Denver where he attended a Western collectibles show AND an auction of Roy Rogers/Dale Evans artifacts from the museum that Roy started years ago. The museum was eventually moved from CA to Branson, MO. Recently the family [five children of Roy and Dale] made the decision to sell off all the collectibles. This past week-end in Denver was 1/3 of the collection, another auction was held several weeks ago, and the third and final sale of items will be held at Christies in NYC July 14.
Trigger [the original] is also going to be sold or may have been? The first Trigger, one of several horses named Trigger, was taxidermied when he died.George said some really 'nice' stuff and most went way over pre-sale estimates.
No, George didn't buy anything at the auction. The show....well, another matter!

Do you realize that after 'our' 1940's, '50's, early '60's generation(s) passes.....even now.....kids don't know who Roy Rogers is....! Sigh!

Well, to those who do remember...........Happy Trails to you........and a safe and festive 4th. We hope to be watching fireworks in Boston Harbor this week-end! And, if you don't have your fireworks yet, may not be too late, great product/great buys at: http://www.bigshotfireworks.com/..........

Fireworks ~ an American Tradition!

Happy Birthday America!

Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 22

Just few items...thought I would pass along.....

Howard Council of Lawton, who for decades has produced some of the best custom-made saddles in the world, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Western Heritage awards in Ok City next April 16, 2011. Council has made saddles for Garth Brooks, George Strait, Roy Cooper, Trevor Brazile, and the list goes on. The 2011 event will be extra 'special' and extra 'BIG' as it is the 50th year anniversary of the Museum and they are inviting all past honorees.
Howard is LHS class of 1945 and is married to Genevieve (Thomas) of Sterling who graduated LHS, class, '52.

From the eMail bag:
I received a nice email from Jan (Rice) Grogan, '54, who is [finally] doing well. Jan fell back in January and had a serious hip injury that required surgery but never healed properly. Now, as of June 8, she is sporting a brand new hip and says she is doing great and will be driving again soon!

Emailed some back & forth with Ed (Eddie) Jones.....I will always remember Eddie as a life guard at Doe Doe Park way back when......anyway, Ed now lives south of the border and this is one exchange we had, I don't think he will mind my sharing....
"Things are great here in Baja. We have been here 12 years now. The Sea of Cortez is just outside our windows and the weather is great. We are not in the part of Mexico that is dangerous. we are a small fishing village and few people here. It is like living in Tipton, Ok in the 1940s."

In a longer email I received, Ed was born in Tipton and moved to Lawton when he started 7th grade. He went on to give a wonderful travel guide on the Baja area where he lives. They live near San Felipe, a sea side town of about 30,000, which includes about 10,000 American and Canadian nationals. 330 days a year of sunshine and almost any activity you would care to pursue on land or water along with upscale shopping and restaurants.

And Ed says...."A short trip from town leads to one of the ancient petroglyphs or the VALLE DE LOS GIGANTES (Valley of the Giants), home of some of the largest Cardon cacti in the world, some as high as 30 feet tall. Consag Island attracts sea lion colonies and sea birds." About 235 miles south of San Diego. No wonder hes there! Ed is class of '51 and is brother of Ron Jones, '55.

Fun (memories) email from Marilyn Celeste Morris, '56 about growing up without a cell phone! Don't know how we managed!! Also, here is link to her published books:
http://www.freado.com/users/5422/Marilyn-Celeste-Morris

Herb Jacobs Sunday column, 'Where Are They Now', is a wonderful article about the June 1950 sports scene in Lawton. Covers 30 days, and while a little early for me, a lot of LHS names (and other schools) I recognized and I know you will too: Clarence Avery; Al Terrill; Harvey Coombs; Chuck and Dottie Avera; Myron Burton; Chad Bledsoe; J.C. Brubaker; Elwin Metcalf; Ron Jones; Don McFarland; and the list goes on with different sporting events and persons and schools involved. Great read if you can get it. Sunday Constitution - June 20, page 6-C - titled, 'Sports Scene Back in June 1950 was Hectic'.

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

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

Originally sent June 19

I received the great picture (above) and this note from Nikki (Bentley) Baker, class '62:

"All of us in this picture graduated with the Lawton High School class of 1962. Most of us have know each other from pre-grade school, junior high and high school. All of us went to Central Jr. High during the 7th grade. When Tomlinson was built in 1958, we had to attend different schools and our group was split. As you can see, we have remained friends all these years even with most of us going to different colleges and living in different states and cities. We get together some place every year to renew our close friendships. This year we spent 5 days in Park City, Utah in May.

Seated top left is: Connie Kytle Mayhall, Nikki Bentley Baker, Susie Merkx Kuhlman.

Seated top right is: Tish Downing Young, Mary Ann Ashlock Swiggert, Jean Ann Highfill Robinson.

Two from our group Diane Ritzwoller Adrian and Kaye Thompson Jenkins McCarley were unable to attend this year."

Jim Nesbitt, '60, was honoree at a retirement party Friday night. Jim has been Superintendent of the Great Plains Tech School here in Lawton since 1995. Cameron University has named a scholarship after him, the 'Jim Nisbett Tuition Waiver Scholarship'. It will be for tech school students who enroll at Cameron to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Now, Jim and wife Kim are going to relax and take it easy!

Email from: Connie (Lassetter) Johnson, '56, who says she is "looking forward to next year's 55th reunion in June 2011".

Also, emails from Richard Neptune, '52; Ben Ansley, '59; Mitch Braley, '57; Reese Russell, '56, asking about the flooding in the Lawton area last week; Tom Bullock - we discuss 'politics'; Ed Adams, '59; Frankie Kinderman; Mike Wyant; Peggy (Elledge) Long; Jodi; and Kaye.

And, I heard from 'email pal' Luca over in Italy. He was collecting data for a book on Elvis and his appearances in Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma back in mid '50's. He has copy of the picture of the LHS classmates who met & posed for pictures with the KING when he played here in Lawton. I think he has corresponded with several of them. Assume the picture may be in one of the books? With collaborators, he has finished the one book on ELVIS, working on another, and I hope to have a copy one of these days!

btw...that picture is posted on the WolverNet blog.

Well, if you will excuse a personal note or two...I rarely cook lunch these days, but, for Father's Day and Bill's soon birthday, I fried the first fresh okra of the season! We love it and eat it all summer when we can get it. Plus, Bill heard a news story about the killer Joran van der Sloot and some 'Seco de Pollo' (chicken stew) they were feeding him in Castro-Castro Prison in Peru. Not sure why, but Bill located the recipe, thought it sounded good and wanted to try it, so I made it for him. It IS good. Chicken, lot cilantro, onions, garlic, peas, potatoes, carrots, served over rice. The 'carb' special! If Joern ever does get out of prison, he will be FAT!

Our plan is to celebrate Bill's bday in Houston, visiting his sister Lugene, '54, & her hubby Bill, and having dinner in whatever place has soft-shelled crabs (Bill's fav). Do you see a common thread here? How do you say D-I-E-T? Obviously, we have NO clue!

So, all this personal stuff to let you know, doesn't take much to make us happy and we are doing well. Hope all of you are also enjoying 'good eats' and wishing all you fathers a great day! Georgia

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

Originally sent June 16

Bobby Dean Knight, 57, of Lawton,Passed on June 10 and a memorial service was held this morning, June 16. Bobby was LHS class 1970. Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

Also, Memorial service for John Ferguson, 63, of Lawton, will be Thursday June 17, First Assembly of God church, 1:00pm. John passed June 4 in Lawton. John is LHS class 1965. He is survived by his wife Eugenia; a son and grandson; brother and '59 classmate Ron Ferguson; a brother Larry who is deceased; other siblings.

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

Just learned of the passing of '57 classmate Perry Martin, Sr. Perry passed on Friday June 11 after a long bout with cancer. Services were Sunday June 13, officiated by the Gibson Funeral Home of Lufkin, TX.

There is an extended newspaper obit at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/lufkindailynews/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=143502428

Also, E. Raymon Kern, 80, of Lawton passed on March 20 and a Memorial service was held June 12 in Lawton. Raymon was born in Lawton, attended schools here and graduated LHS, class '48. He married Betty Jo (Burrow) in November of 1959. She passed in 1996.

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

I know our sympathies are with these who have lost loved ones.

From the eMail bag:.....

" I forgot to send this earlier. Today (June 12, 2010) is the 49th Wedding Anniversary for Milly and me. We have been retired 5 years now after 40 years active service as Officers/Ministers in The Salvation Army. As a result of our union, we have 5 children (3 are also Salvation Army Officers), 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. We are retired in Georgia (Snellville, near Stone Mountain). God has been good! He has blessed us! Thanks for your faithful work on the LHS News. God bless you and yours!"

Glenn Fite, '59

Had occasion for a brief visit Monday with '59 classmate Sharron (Cummings) Bolt at fav local burger bar (Burgess). Sharon and hubby Joe are moving to Amarillo to be near daughter and grandkids.

And the grapevine has it that '53 grad Chad Bledsoe and wife Diane will be moving east to Carolinas to be near their kids and grandkids.

'We' understand these moves but hate to lose our classmates to other locales. Good luck to all.

Work continues on gathering first hand information (oral histories from older grads) about the Old High School which will be preserved and shared in the new archive/museum in the old restored LHS building. Peggy (Elledge) Long - one of the last to graduate (1954) from the old building - is helping with recording those oral histories from graduates. Jim Whitely, of the Museum of the Great Plains is also helping with the project. Recently, Peggy interviewed grads Clarence Aubrey and his wife Betty (Phillips). (pix above). If you have any info you feel could be of value to this project.... you can contact Peggy at: pelledgelong@att.net or call: (580) 248-4680; Jim Whitely at: (580) 581-3460. Story in Sunday Constitution, June 13.

I don't mean to brag or make anybody jealous, but........I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school.....Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 12


Have several new people receiving news.....remember, previously sent news and photos archived right HERE!

"It is with great sadness I report that on May 16, 2010, my wife Claudette Palmer Davis, class of '52, lost her battle against Alzheimer's and cancer. Although she will be missed each and every day, we take great peace in knowing that she is with the Lord... Survived by husband of 57 years, David L. Davis, daughter, Michelle Davis Bogard, and grandson, Anthony Bart Bogard."
The Davis' live in Ft. Worth area.

Also passing, Joseph E. Speare, 85, of Norman. Mr. Speare passed on May 26, services and burial held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lawton on June 1. Believe Mr. Speare was LHS class 1943. He is survived by his wife, Carlee Alice (Baur); a daughter Mary; sister, Dolores Olson; several grand and great grand children.

Chlorica (Stephens) husband Loyal Farmer is quite ill - heart attack about 3 weeks ago. He is critical condition in a hospital in OKCity. I know they would appreciate your prayers.

From the eMail bag:
Remembering...."The news of the passing of Stephanie Lester is particularly sad. What a vivacious and talented person."
Jack Rhodes, '59

Gale McCray, currently appearing in Oklahoma down Dallas way, sends picture of himself and another actor in production who is originally from McAlester! I would say....certainly gives authenticity to the play! (photo above - Gale on left) www.artisanct.com

Wedding bells set to ring toward end of the month for Terry Bell and Janice (Parker) Drewry! Terry is LHS class '53, Janice is class '55. Congrats guys!

In a recent contest sponsored by Budget Travel magazine, Medicine Park was named 9th in 'America's Coolest Small Town' contest! And rightfully deserved in light of the past few years of restoration and new building that has gone on in MP. Check it out when you have opportunity.

Hope all enjoying the 'summer'........ Georgia

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

Originally sent June 1

Very sorry to report the passing of our '59 classmate Stephanie (Lester) Sosa Beatty, 68, of NYC. Stephanie passed Sunday evening, May 30, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Stephanie was the daughter of Phil and Mayme Lester. Phil was killed in WWll and Mayme later married Ben Hutchins, Jr. Stephanie held a BFA in Theater and Dance from the University of Oklahoma and danced with the Neubert Ballet at Carnegie Hall for ten years. Stephanie was a Certified teacher and trainer at the New York Pilates Studio. Stephanie is survived by her husband Dr. Ed Beatty; daughters, Thais Sosa, Maria Sosa Beatty, and Joanna Beatty Maddock; son, Richard Beatty; seven grand children. She will be cremated and a Memorial service will be held later this summer in NYC.

Also passing Billie Karen (Mercer) Sims, 67, of Aledo, TX. Billie passed on May 29. She taught school at several places in Texas and later at Eishenhower Middle school in Lawton. Billie was class '61. She is survived by her husband Jim; two sons, Ron and Blake Baker; daughter Michelle Anderson; 3 stepchildren: Jerrery, Jimmy, and Janna and numerous grandchildren. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lawton at 1:00pm Wednesday June 2.Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.galbreaithpickard.com/obituary.aspx?MemberId=74226&MName=Billie%20Karen%20Sims

And, Roy Noble, 92, of Duncan passed on May 29. Mr. Noble is father of our '59 classmate Larry Noble and father-in-law to Larry's wife Reba (Strickland). Grave side services will be at 11:00am, Wednesday June 2, Highland Cemetery in Lawton. Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Again, our sympathies and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones.

This note from Susan (Hankins) Ellington.......

"Jane (Kinzer) Lewis (my very good friend and sis-in-law) tells me that Gussie Barnett is in the Memorial Hospital on Gore. She's been there two weeks after falling and having her hip replaced. She will be transferred soon to a Wichita Falls facility for additional rehab. Mrs. Barnett taught shorthand at LHS for a year or two during the 1955-1956 time frame before she moved to Grandfield, and she also taught bookkeeping there. I saw Mrs. Barnett several years ago at Jane's mom's funeral in Grandfield, and she still had her red hair, her big smile, and was very trim at 80+ years."

'59 classmate Dan Glascock made a quick trip home just before the holiday! He was here to see friends and to celebrate the 80th birthday of Homer Page, class '48. Homer and Minette (Zak) Page are long time friends. Johnna Parks & I along with my Bill, had a fun lunch visit with Dan. We enjoyed many shared stories of school days past and current events as to travels and experiences after LHS! Dan resides in CA and is a world-wide traveller (53 countries) with lots of interesting stories. He looked great and still has a wonderful sense of humor and he is still very tall! (pix above). Dan & I and Ellen (Ewing) Jahnke.... used to do 'news' at LHS while students in one of Opal Fords classes.

"I just looked at the 'church camp' picture on the Wolverine blog. In the first row standing is my sister Pat Odom (class of 54) and her boyfriend Jess Jackson (not sure when he graduated LHS). They were married in 1955."

Barbara Odom Smith, '56

Emails from: Luther Green; Tommy Cook; Paul Soper; Doyce Grayson; Kay (Holsey) Strickland: Iva Lou Gilliam.

After all the ice and snow, it's near 100 today! Our weather is certainly ver-sa-tile! I have been watering (mostly) potted plants last few days and the wasps and butterflies follow me.....it's dry and they are thirsty!

Regards to all.... Georgia