REUNION - Classes 1954, 1953, 1952, et al

So much info, decided to post here. gjw

Dates:  Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3, 2013 

Place:  Lawton, during the week of Lawton’s Birthday

Friday, August 2:  Ramon John’s

Saturday, August 3:  New Atrium at the old LHS

Cost:  $50 per person

Deadline for reservations for the reunion - July 15, 2013

Deadline for hotel reservations - July 18, 2013

Special note:  Whether you will be coming or not, you are invited to send a note to your classmates that we can share at the reunion!  Just e-mail it to edharp@swbell.net

CLASS OF 1952 - SEND RESERVATIONS TO:  (ON OR BEFORE JULY 15
                           PLEASE MAKE CHECK OUT TO AND MAIL TO:
                           MARCILLE (BURNS) COVEY
                           709 NW 36TH STREET
                           LAWTON, OK  73505
                           580-355-0708
                           marccvy@sbcglobal.net

CLASS OF 1953 - SEND RESERVATIONS TO:  (ON OR BEFORE JULY 15)
                           PLEASE MAKE CHECK OUT TO AND MAIL TO:
                           RICHARD HOPPER
                           23336 ST. HWY 58
                           LAWTON, OK  73507
                           580-529-2158 (CELL)
                           grasshopper@mptelco.com
                          
CLASS OF 1954 - AND CLASSMATES FROM OTHER YEARS
                           SEND RESERVATIONS TO:  (ON OR BEFORE JULY 15)
                           PLEASE MAKE CHECK OUT TO AND MAIL TO:
                           JANETTE HANES
                           6 DULZURA LANE
                           HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, AR  71909
                           602-881-1823 (CELL
                          jhanes@stellar.net

With your reservation please include the names of those attending (including maiden names), your address, phone number, e-mail address, and which class you were in.

Friday, August 2 -  Ramon John’s
Address - 1902 SE Bishop Road, Lawton, OK  73501.  Map is attached
Time - 6:30 PM
Food - Catered by Salas
Dress - Casual, (very casual)
FOR THOSE NEEDING ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR PARKED CAR TO WHERE THE TABLES WILL BE SET UP, RAMON WILL HAVE A GOLF CART AND DRIVER TO HELP YOU
Volunteers

Saturday, August 3, - New Atrium - Old LHS
Address - Still 9^th and C.  Entrance to the Atrium is on the West or 9^th Street side.
Time - 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tour of old LHS - Starting around 3:30 PM - See the renovation, the restoration, the archive room with memorabilia, and the decorated lockers! - It is great to see and will bring back a lot of memories!
Food - Catered by Salas's - Will be finger food, not a sit down dinner.. Water and cold drinks will be provided.  A bar with beer and wine will be available - tickets will be sold for the beer and wine
      Food will be available from about 5:30 to 7:00
Dress - Western/casual  (Since this is the week of Lawton's birthday, I thought Western/casual would be appropriate)
FOR THOSE NEEDING ASSISTANCE, PLEASE DRIVE TO ENTRANCE OF THE ATRIUM AND YOUR CAR WILL BE PARKED FOR YOU

Hotel Reservations - Deadline:  July 18, 2013

APACHE CASINO HOTEL
2315 EAST GORE BLVD
855-248-5905 OR 580-248-5905 OR
apachecasinohotel.com
RESERVATION CODE - G138LHS
$89 PLUS TAX PER NIGHT

HAMPTON INN & SUITES
2610 NW CACHE ROAD
580-355-8200
RESERVATION CODE - LHS Class '54 Reunion
$89 PLUS TAX PERE NIGHT

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES MARRIOTT
201 SE 7TH STREET
580-248-5500
RESERVATION CODE - Class of 1954 Reunion
$89 PLUS TAX PER NIGHT - STANDARD KING AND STANDARD DOUBLE
$92 PLUS TAX PER NIGHT - KING SUITE AND DOUBLE SUITE

A generous donation has been sent by Woody Wolverton.  If there are others who would like to make a donation towards the cost of the reunion, please send to:
Richard Hopper
23336 State Hwy 58
Lawton, Oklahoma  73507

If there are funds left, the funds will be donated to:  LAWTON PUBLIC SCHOOL FUND

A special Thanks to Ronald and Helen Ramming, Jane (Taylor) Green, Louise (Blackwelder)and Peggy (Elledge) Long for the footwork done for me in Lawton

OTHER CLASSES ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO JOIN US.

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

Originally sent June 7-8

I am sure most are well aware of the horrible tornado that came through Oklahoma on May 20.  It was a terrible weather event and so many precious lives lost in the destruction. The property damage is staggering and will be years in the re-building.  Those directly affected need our prayers and any help we can administer as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Several have asked about classmates that might have been affected.  As of this writing the only one I have knowledge of is Jan (Mitchell) Irwin, class '55.  She lived with her daughter and grandson.  They are all OK, but lost everything.  I know there are probably others who were directly affected and others close to the storm but not in the direct path.

Although retired, Dr. P.R. Ramey, '63, went to Norman Regional Hosp to help.

PS Sadly, more tornados in El Reno and OKC areas with loss of life and damage on May 31. This storm (tornado) has been recorded as the widest in history.

*****************

'59 classmate Joan (Lee) Houghton and hubby Jerry are off on a flight to Hawaii where they will board ship to cruise the Islands!  All in celebration of their 55th anniversary!  Major congrats....Aloha and bon voyage guys!

I had a lovely phone visit with Susan (Hankins) Ellington, '57, who was in the home town over the Memorial Day week-end. She joined numerous family (cousins and others) who got together for a mini (many)-reunion and some family genealogy work.  She said good to be back in Lawton even if briefly and after a wonderful visit she was headed home (Las Cruces, NM) with daughter doing the driving. 

Another good read from Herb Jacobs - Lawton Constitution, May 26, page 3-C.  1963 classmate Scotty Long, home for his 50th reunion, recalled memories of ball games gone by.  Long was a starter on three State Championship teams in the 1962 calendar year.  As a Senior ('63), he was Boomer Conference Lineman of the Year and the baseball Player of the Year.  He made All-State in both sports.  As I said, good read with lot of familiar names.

Also, Herbs column of Sunday June 2 - page 3-C, features 1952 classmate Fred Burch and his baseball expertise.  Fred is one of only 25 Wolverines who have earned selection to the All-State baseball team.  Burch was a catcher and 3 year letterman for Coach Paul Wilson. Good read.
(See pix - shows Fred today, holding a picture of himself in uniform taken in 1952.)  

Tommy (Boudreaux) Hobbs and hubby Ray, both class 1952, are planning to be 'home' for the August reunion.  They are living in CA and hope after making the long trip other '52 classmates will be at the reunion as well.  August 2-3-4.  Contact Janette (Hanes). 

jhanes@stellar.net 

A few days ago I was in traffic.  A beautiful late model, metallic red Cadillac was in front of me and the licence plate read:   [LHS4EVR] In those colors! White haired man driving.  I did not recognize him, but the tag sentiment was right-on!

Sing Happy June Birthday to:  Mike Gill, '71; Barbara (Patton) James, '57; Bill Williams, '52; Janey (Johnston) Scott, '59; Babs (Yarmuk) Givens, '59; Bussie Wyatt, '58;

*****************

Karl W. Aurell, Jr., 82, of Lawton, passed on May 15.  Services were May 17.  Karl was LHS class 1948.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.grayfuneral.com

Former LHS teacher Bob J. Roundtree, 87, of Chandler, AZ, passed on May 20.  Services were in Lawton on May 25 with burial near Sulphur, OK.  Mr. Roundtree was in the LPS system many years and taught at LHS several years beginning in 1957.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

*****************

Regards to all.....Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent May 14-15

I have had several emails returned saying 'blocked' or some kind of spam blocker program. I do send in bulk and it will usually be blocked by any such program. Just wanted you to know in case you miss the 'news'. Afraid you won't get this either! sigh!

And, once again computer working against me. Would suggest any email sent to me go to both address (one above + the gvinenews@sbcglobal.net) If you have replied or sent anything to me at gvine since May 8...please resend to jorjaw email. Thanks. Does Bill Gates make house calls!?

*******************

A recent visit to Burgess Grill found several other LHS grads munching away. Among them Buddy Braddy, '54; Alvin Winham and wife Mary Lynn (Marler) - both '55 grads.
Had opportunity to visit with Mary Lynn after we all left Burgess and met again by chance at Johnsons Bakery to further our calorie intake!

Marys mother was Marie (Maupin) and she graduated LHS in 1928. She worked at the Wichita Mtns wildlife refuge and Marys dad - Wilbur Marler - worked as a lifeguard at Medicine Park swimming pool. Mary said Mary Grundy - who later was principal at Washington School and taught 7th grade American history at Central - - ran a hamburger stand at Medicine Park. Isn't that interesting!


Aside...my Bills mom - Helen - used to stop by Washington School to pick Miss Grundy up and they would head to Lake Lawtonka and fish till dark.

Speaking of Johnsons Bakery....had this note from Paul Soper....... "Thank you so much for the Happy Birthday wish! I had a wonderful Birthday Party including a white birthday cake from Johnson's! They have made my birthday cake for 68 years. Always just as good as the last!"

I told Paul, Johnsons still our family fav as well!

The class 1968 has CANCELLED their 45th reunion set for September 20-21. Saving their energies for their 50th. May possibly be an informal gathering this fall? If any questions call Eddie Hamra (580) 353-5800.


Class of '54 will be joined by class 1953 and 1952 - August 2-3-4. Janette (Hanes), '54, lives out of state and if anyone in Lawton from one of these classes could/would help her in getting this together she would greatly appreciate it. jhanes@stellar.net

*********************

John Roger Wyant, DVM, 75, of Piedmont, OK, passed on May 8 following complications of a stroke suffered some years back. Roger was LHS class 1956.
He is survived by wife Lucia; 3 sons and familys; 5 daughters and family; numerous grandchildren; brothers Mike Wyant and Phil Wyant - both LHS grads. Large extended family.

A Memorial Service will be held in Ok City, 3:00pm, Friday May 18 at Southwest Baptist church, 1300 SW 54th.

Also, later same day, a service in Lawton Friday evening at the Lawton Country Club. 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm. The family hopes classmates and friends will be able to join them in remembering Roger.

Arrangements by Demuth Funeral Home and Cremation Society - OKC.

Geraldine 'Gerri' Hair, 86, has passed. Gerri was LHS class 1938. She had a long and successful as well as interesting business career. At one time she was administrative assistant to the special assistant to Pres. Lyndon Johnson. Arrangements are being handled by Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral and no details as to a service at this time. Ritter Gray (as of this writing) has not posted anything on their web site. Extended obit in Sunday Constitution, (May 12 - pg 7-A). www.grayfuneral.com

Dorotha Lou (Sullivan) Brister, 84, of Lawton, passed on May 9. Dorotha was LHS class 1946. She is survived by a daughter; a grand daughter; extended family. She was preceded in death by husband Joe William Pete Brister in 1989. Services were May 13.

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


Joseph M. Bolt, 78, of Amarillo, TX passed on May 6. Services were May 9. Joe is husband of our '59 classmate Sharron (Cummings). Joe is survived by Sharron; 3 daughters and spouses; a brother; numerous grand and great-grand children.

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

****************

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


Congratulations LHS Class of 2013.

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

Originally sent May 6-7

In a letter to the editor, M. Sue (Gee) Whatley, '57, wrote a tribute to the Boston Marathon. Good comments and you can read - editorial page, Lawton Constitution, April 27.
Appreciate LaSandra (Ward), '57, giving me a heads-up that the author was a LHS classmate.

'59 classmate Jovita (Reinwand) Weeks is in process of moving to N. California - Napa area.  She was wondering if any other Wolverines in that area? If so, she hopes she can say 'hi'.

Midshipman 2nd Class Alan Thompson - OU Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - is first person to receive
the Capt. Robert J. Kelsey Leadership Award in a ceremony on the OU campus. Thompson is a native of Katy, TX. The scholarship program was established by the Charles Kelsey family [Lawton] in honor of their son Capt. Robert 'Bob' Kelsey who passed in 1992 after a long battle with cancer.  Bobby Joe - as he was called - was LHS class 1963.

********************

Class 1963 - 50th reunion coming up fast on May 17-18.  Contact Janet (Burt) Terry at (580) 529-3208 or email

Class 1954 and some of 1953 plus any others who have interest! August 2-3-4, 2013. Contact '54 grad Janette (Hanes) for details or info: jhanes@stellar.net

BUSY week-end in September....3 reunions set:

Class 1973 will have a reunion this September 20-21.  For details/questions contact Connie (Conway) Martinez (580) 574-6601; email:  OR Lou (Jones) Jackson

Class of 1968 will be having their 45th reunion that same week-end - September 20-21.   For info contact Eddie Hamra (580) 353-5800 or email .

And, class 1958 will also be having their 55th reunion same week-end - September 20-21. For information/details contact IvaLou Gilliam at: Loretta Hartline at: ; (580) 357-3762. Or Kenneth Easton at:  < kennetheeaston@yahoo,com>; (580) 353-6252.
The Apache Casino Hotel (2315 East Gore) will be the hdqrts for the reunion and site of the Friday night event. Special rates are available but limited.  Contact one of the above for details.                  

Reunion info is posted on the WolverNet blog: <http://www.thewolvernet.blogspot.com/>

*********************

More April Happy Birthdays to classmates:   Monta (Sanders) Burt...101 years old! And her best friend and same year classmate Juanita (Bowman) Perkins just turned 102.  Wow.  Really golden Wolverines!
Also, Emmet Meraz, Jr. 90 years young.

********************

Doyce Grayson, '57, is better after hospital stay and treatment due to diabetes.  Hang in there Doyce.....reunions coming up!

Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52, continues treatment for cancer.

Herman Wainscott, '54, also fighting cancer.

Imogene Bridges broke a finger.  It hasn't been fun, but shes on road to mend!

Our prayers are with all who are taking treatment or resolving other health issues.

********************

James Via, 81, of Lawton, passed on April 26.  James was LHS class 1951.  James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ida (Conner); 3 daughters and their spouse;  a son; numerous grand and great grand children.
Services were April 30 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:   www.grayfuneral.com

Jim Botkin of Norman passed on April 22 after an extended illness.  Jim was LHS class 1964. He was preceded in death by his wife Marne (Harveland).  He is survived by 2 daughters and a son.
Extended obit can be read on the Norman Transcript obit page.
  http://normantranscript.com/obituaries/x63040001/Jim-Botkin

Paul Edwin Swanson, 79, of Weatherford, OK, passed April 29 at a Springfield, MO care center.  Paul was LHS class 1953. Paul is survived by his wife of 60 years Pat (Harned) and one granddaughter.  Services were held May 3.
Extended obit and guest book at:   http://lockstonefuneralhome.com/obituarydetails.aspx?did=5195ef57-824e-4bca-8143-e49d8dd39037

John Edward Lansden ll, 44, of McKinney,TX, passed on April 29.  John is the son of '59 classmate John Lansden Sr. and his wife Karen Ann (Blankenship).  He is survived by his parents; 3 sons;  an uncle Joe Lansden and wife Vonda (Pipes); an aunt Gwen Vandiver.   A memorial service was held May 4 in McKinney.
Extended obit: http://www.turrentinejacksonmorrow.com/component/tjmremembrancenter/john-lansden-ii-48423

Our sympathies and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones.

****************

Possibly see some of you at one of the reunions.  Regards to all........Georgia

 

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

Originally sent April 26

Color me happy!  Finally got to bottom of my on-going computer problems.  Just as I had been telling them...it's the phone line stupid! Was!  New one!  So far so good! Because of being off-line most of the past 2 weeks (and before), some news is older, but note worthy and lot of it! 

Gale McCray writes that you can type in '2013 High Chaparral Reunion Rudy Ramos reads Geronimo' on YouTube and get this LHS grad reading the early stages of a one-man show he has in progress.

'59 classmate Sam Joyner of Tulsa has been doing photography work for many years now.  Sam currently has an exhibit of 34 prints that will hang in the Capitol Building Gallery in OKC through June 16th. There is an Opening Reception on Tuesday April 30, 4:00pm ~ 6:00pm. Sam said he would "love to see any classmates come by".
Beverly (Dayton) Hardcastle, '60, writes that she would love to hear from any classmates who were friends of her brother Billy Dayton. Billy was class '59 and sadly is deceased. <beverlyhardcastle@ymail.com>

I received my copy of Mike Wyants new book - 'Nasha Bil Hoga'.  Beautiful cover (photo taken by Mike), windmill and 'plains' look we in Oklahoma take for granted. Haven't had opportunity to read it yet, but soon.
Available through Amazon.com.

Tempe "Tip"(Cockrell) Brown, '57, stayed with '60's grad Judy (Brooks) Clark on a recent trip to FL. Wrote they had "a grand ole time reminiscing." Tip went on to say she has a childrens book coming out soon.  I asked her to keep me posted and I will share the info. Tip lives in SC.

Sing Happy April Birthday to:  Gwen (Wood) Phelps, '59; Don Dayton, '57; Suzy (Gill) Salas, '64; Kay (Holsey) Strickland' 59; Jerry (Sasser) Childs, '59 - Jerrys is April 1!  No kidding!
Sorry I missed Paul Sopers special day in March.  Very Happy belated Paul! 

btw....Don Dayton and wife Margie (Johns) celebrated their 54th anniversary on April 18th.  Major congrats guys!!!

Typo....Marilyn Morris lives in Ft. Worth, NOT Boerne as previously mentioned!!!
btw....AuthorMarilynCMorris.wordpress.com
Appreciate kind emails from LHS grads, some just saying 'hi', others with news.  Sarah (Beasley) Wheatley, '69; Vreda Corinne (Decker) Schieman, '51; Connie (Conerly) Pollner; Mary (Bowman) Thigpen, '49; Mary (Simpson) Milby, '56; Ron Jones, '55; Wanda (Pahdoco) McDaniel; Judy (Brooks) Clark, '60;  Sue D. Burpo, '54; Dan McBee, '59, and wife Susan; Ronnie Cochrane, '58 and wife Carolyn.
*********************

Kenny Dorrell, '58, had hand surgery recently. Think he is doing well.

Recently learned that Judy (House) Hargrove, '59, fell on March 3 and broke her shoulder.  Shes had surgery, plate inserted....staples have been removed and she is in therapy. Improving.

Jerry Doughty, '56, is undergoing treatment for a type on skin cancer.  Not the worst type, not the least. Jerry is married to '59 classmate Pat (Dunn).

John Mercadante, '64, is in process of hip replacement surgery.  This to replace a previous hip replacement that went awry!

Numerous others re-cooping and/or taking treatment.  I know our prayers are with them all for speedy and full recoveries.

********************

Richard O. Morrison, 85, of Georgetown, TX, passed April 7.  Richard was LHS class 1946. Richard loved airplanes and flying.  He is survived by wife Joy; 2 sons and spouses; numerous grand children.
Services were Friday April 26, First United Methodist church in Georgetown.  Burial followed in Killeen, TX at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery - 11463 State Highway 195.
Extended obit and guest book at:   www.ramseyfuneral.com

Thomas James Hendershot, 91, of Lawton, passed on April 20.  Services were April 24.  Thomas was LHS class 1941.  He is survived by 2 daughters;  numerous grandchildren and several good friends.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.grayfuneral.com

Leslie (Hamm) Maddox, 70, of Lawton, passed on April 1after a long illness with diabetes. Leslie was LHS class 1960. She was the daughter of Dr. Les and Alice Hamm and Leslie spent her professional life in education and leadership training.  She is survived by husband Jim, LHS class 1956; 2 daughters; a son; grandchildren; 2 brother - Tom and Jimmy.  A memorial service was held April 5 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.beckerfuneral.com

Marlene (Clements) Scott, 78, Elgin, passed on April 18.  Grave side services were at Highland Cemetery in Lawton on April 22.
She was LHS class 1952.  Marlene is survived by husband Ronnie; a son; a daughter; several grand children.
Extended obit and guest book at:   www.beckerfuneral.com

Richard Lee Doye, 85, of Lawton, passed on April 8. Richard attended Lincoln grade school, junior high, and LHS, graduated about 1944-45? He worked at his fathers grocery store on 2nd street.  He is survived by his wife Mary Lou (Owens); 5 children and spouses; numerous grandchildren.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.beckerfuneral.com

Our sympathies are with those who have lost loved ones.

******************

Spring still eluding us in the home town.  Had a freeze Tuesday/Wed morn April 24.  My plants are worn out from being moved out and in! Regards to all..........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent March 30

Betty Boyce, '55, says she and hubby Louis are living in an assisted living facility as Louis has Parkinsons. OKCity area. She would love to hear from any classmates who remember her/them. bettylb21@gmail.com
 
Sing belated birthday wishes - February bday for Ron Poole, class '55, who slipped on some ice mid-February and severed ACL in right knee.  He is re-cooping and sends regards to class 1955.

Marilyn Morris is back at her home in Boerne, TX.  She has been gone taking care of her 92 year old mom.  Mom is all better and Marilyn is buy writing and blogging once again!

David Whitwell has some 31 books in print [music].   You can check them out at Amazon by using his name.

Received a nice package from Don Sapp.  Don sent us a couple of his cd's featuring classic songs and one that he wrote himself. Very nice!  Don has been singing for many years and 'works' all up and down the east coast! From press clippings I have seen, he's been very successful.

Sunday Constitution, March 17, page 7-C, Herb Jacobs talks about the careers of Duard Givens and Abe Deutschendorf. (both deceased).  Also Clarence Avery who quarter backed the LHS football team to a record 7-3 in 1948.  Clarence is also deceased. Lot more names you will recognize. 

Gayle McCray, '60, is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research and he has written a one-act play which he performed January 18 at FonteraFest at Hyde Park Theatre in Austin, TX.  He mentions Lawton several times and you can watch and hear at YOUTube.

Appreciate the great picture of the turkeys that Bert Click sent first part of February. He says about 100 of them around & roam and nest in groups of 14-15 in his area. Carol took the pix.  

And, more singing for March birthdays:  Doyce Grayson, class '57; 
LaRue (Locke) Hogate.*******************

Marlene Scott, '52, has been having rehab in Duncan.  Do not know for what? Possibly home now.

*******************

L. W. Duncan, 87, of Lawton passed on March 13.  Services were March 15 and burial with full military honors.  LW was LHS class 1943.
Extended obit and guest book at:  <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Ruth (Keating) Wiles, 84, of Houston, TX passed on March 16. Services will be in Houston on March 26 with burial at Highland Cemetery in Lawton.  Ruth graduated from LHS but I am not sure what year.
Extened obit and guest book at:  <www.beckerfuneral.com>

Debra Ann (Mavity), 61, of Lawton, passed on March 22. She is LHS class 1969.  Services are 2:00pm, March 26 at Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.
Extended Obit and guest book at:  <www.grayfuneral.com>

Sorry to report the passing of Newby Ellington, 79, of Los Alamos, NM. Newby passed on February 27 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was husband of classmate Susan (Hankins) Ellington. A visitation and wake was held March 3 in Los Alamos.
Extended obit and guest book:   <http://www.devargasfuneral.com/page_manager/obituary.php?obit_id=1314>

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and those who have health issues.
*******************

Happy Easter ~ Happy Spring!  Georgia

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

Originally sent March 7

Dorothy (Dawson) DeMoro was all stocked up on candles, batteries, food stuff, ready to battle the second winter snow storm!  (she survived).  I know other classmates have also been impacted by the weather.  Dorothy was hanging tight as she is departing mid March for a Caribbean cruise.  Sounds like great change to me! Bon Voyage!~

Robin (Alford) Adams, '52,  is off soon to Japan. I belive Robin does some missionary
 work but she also lived in Japan in the '50s when her father was stationed there.

Mike Wyant, '57, has a new book, just published.  'Nasha Bil Hoga' follows the route of a young Navajo boy who escapes the Ft. Sill Indian school to return to his home in the Navajo Nation of Arizona. The front cover photo was taken by Mike about 5 years ago. Check it out on Amazon:
<http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nasha+bil+hoga>

Classmate Allen Johnson just did what a lot of us should do....a BIG [estate] $ale at his home here in Lawton.  But he had good motivation.  Allen plans to depart the hometown and move to Tulsa fairly soon.  Be closer to son and grandkids.  

Paul Massad was recently honored by the Oklahoma Heritage Association and presented the 'Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award' at the State Capitol.  The award honors individuals who have demonstrated volunteer and civic efforts that grow pride in their community and have helped created a legacy for future generations. Paul has been at OU over 50 years and has helped raise millions to enhance the states offerings and opportunities.  Congratulations!  Paul is LHS class 1955.

'49 classmate Ken Bridges joined other 1953 LSU classmates on February 16 for a reunion in Baton Rouge to celebrate 60 years since their basketball team advanced to the NCAA finals (final four).  Bridges later returned to Lawton to teach and coach.  Great read in Herb Jacobs - 'Where Are They Now' column of Sunday March 3, page 7-C.

'57 classmates and buds, Mitch Braley and Bill Lacy, traveled to DeKalb, TX and visited the site and wreckage of the plane that went down in 1985 carrying pop singer Ricky Nelson.  Mitch lives close by in Simms, TX. The pilots survived the crash, Nelson and other band members were killed. (see photo above of Bill at site).

 Some details on the class 1963 ~ 50th reunion - May 17-18th.  Ballroom of the Apache Casino Hotel on Friday night (east Gore). Saturday morning will include a Memorial to deceased classmates, with a release of balloons and ringing of the LHS bell that was a gift from class '63. Saturday evening will be at McCasland Ballroom at Cameron - buffet and dancing.  Contact Janet (Burt) Terry - (580) 529-3208 or .

Reunion set by class 1954 - August 2-3-4 - continues to grow with class '53 and now official '52, planning to join in.....more info as it progresses.  Contact Jannete (Hanes)

Class of 1968 will be holding their 45th reunion on September 20-21. Details and info from Eddie Hamra (580) 353-5800 or email

Ones I am aware of:  Jim Andrews, class '58 a February Birthday and Happy March Birthdays to bro Tim Gill, class '70; Johnna (Gordon) Parks, class '59; Mary Lou (Holt) Daniels, class '41. ******************

Max Goodgion is home after 6 week stay in hospital for  'Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm' surgery or Triple A surgery they call it. Max seems to be doing well.

Sue (Chalk) Briggs appreciates all the concern, prayers,encouragement, as she is back from check-up per recent cancer surgery!  So thankful that report at this time is all good!

An email from Mike Wyant to let us know his brother Roger Wyant has been in critical condition.  Roger suffered a really bad stroke about 3 - 4 years ago and progress has been difficult.  Roger is in the hospital (OKC) and our hope is that something can be done to help his current condition. 

*****************

Robert Dawson of Corpus Christi, TX passed on January 27.  A memorial service was held in Corpus on February 2.  Robert would have been LHS class 1950, but he quit to join the army.  He later got his GED.  He is survived by wife Phyllis, two sons Frank and David, and a sister, classmate Dorothy (Dawson) DeMoro.

Our thoughts and sympathies are always with those who have lost loved ones as well as prayers for those still re-cooping.

****************

Yours truly continues with PT on the new knee.  The PT classes are quite a surprising 'social' event (haha) with a cross section of classmates and other locals.  Lot of interesting conversations, catching-up, etc.  Would love to share...but...what is said at PT, stays at PT! Regards to all..........Georgia