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

Originally sent November 25

Very sorry to report the passing of Lena J. (White) Sapp - Burks, 94, formerly of Lawton. Lena passed on November 23 in Prague, OK. Originally from Walters, Lena was mom of LHS classmates Donnie Sapp; Kenneth Sapp; and Patricia Sapp Mewborn.
Graveside services will be at Highland Cemetery in Lawton, 1:00pm on Friday November 26.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And sadly, we have lost more classmates:

Stephen Keith Parris '64, classmates say we knew him in high school as Keith Gaskins. Keith passed October 1 from complications of liver cancer. Per his request, no funeral services were held. Keith had been a physician in Ontario, Oregon, for most of his adult life. From the Times-Record:
Dr. Stephen Keith Parris, formerly of Grandfield, Okla., died at his home in Ontario, Ore., on Oct. 1, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Mollie M. Parris; son, Elliott N. Parris, all of Ontario; his mother, Marjorie E. Parris Gaskins and sister, Karen Parris Vandiver, both of Wichita Falls.

Pat sent this item.........."Geraldyn Smith, class of '49 passed. She was sister to Barbara Smith, '55.She was retired and living in Prescott, AZ. She was a long-time friend."
Pat (Gray) Jones, '50; Norman, OK

Also, received news of the passing of Mary Jane (Steele) Byrn, 75, who passed November 17 in Virginia where she has lived the past 32 years. She is class '53. Services were November 20 in VA. I have contact info for her son - James Byrn - should anyone need it.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.claytorrollins.com

And a lady I personally knew, Kathleen Speer Peace, 101. Kathleen was living in Houston when she passed. She graduated LHS in about 1927 and was captain of the LHS women's basketball team that year winning the National Championship in Wichita, KS. Kay also won her first - of three - All-American basketball awards that year. In early '30's she moved to Dallas and while working there, was on her companys basketball, track, and softball teams - the Golden Cyclones. With friend and team-mate Babe Didrikson Zaharias, they led the team to the AAU All-American basketball championship in 1931. If Babes name sounds familiar...she was BIG golf star in years following.
I knew Kay from some local art classes and she wrote poetry. Very quiet, genteel lady. Would never have suspected her being a power house in sports! She never married. Services for Kay were November 15 here in Lawton.
Interesting obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Our sympathies are certainly with those who have lost loved ones.

I reported the passing of Bea (Watters) George in last news and mis-spoke by saying she lived in Texas. Actually she lived here in Lawton. She was also cousin of Cherie (Weightman) Willis.

From the eMail bag:

Happy Birthday - Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52; and George Gill, '63 - both on 24th!!!

Some one has asked who..??? is keeping records for class of 1966? Anyone??

On the Whittier reunion....
..."just a note to tell you the Whittier reunion [November 7] went very well. We had 12 people with lots of pictures of those years. I had brought some news clippings and full sheets of newsprint from the Tatler. Lots of pictures were taken, and I told them if I didn't see some of those pic's in your newsletter or on FB very soon, I was gonna "name names", so you should be getting them soon!!! Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.
Bob Lacy, '62 (honorary)

No pictures yet!!!!

From Washington School alum - Robert (Dr. Bob) Crumpton. Was great to see Bob last fall for 50th reunion class '59 even though he had to move before graduation:
"I loved seeing the old pictures of Doe Doe Park. It brought back some fond childhood memories. I hope you are doing well. I am so glad that I made the effort to come and see my old grade school friends. If you see them tell them I said hello. Bob."

"Georgia, Hola, from Baja, Mexico:
I look forward, to your newsletter, and love to relive some of the great memories I have of Lawton. Class of 1951. Your article and video, on Doe Doe Park, really sparked my memories of the times we had at the Park. Most, I can't discuss. (:-)
Harold "Mac" McNiff, Bobby Mansell and I were life guards there for many summers. We worked from 10 AM till 10PM every day. We made the big money of $1.00 per hour. Bobby was the head guard and Mac and I were his assistants. Bobby was an excellent diver.
It was standard procedure, for us, to bring dates and climb over the fence, at night, to go for a swim. We also went, for a swim, every valentines day as a ritual. It was usually not too cold but the water was of course freezing. I think it was a guy thing.
Interesting note, of all the people we pulled out of the water, when they were in trouble, most got mad at us and almost none ever said thank you. I guess they were embarrassed.
Needless to say we did enjoy the attention the gals gave us when we were guards. Nuff sed.
When I was not working a the pool I was strapping on skates a the rink. Doe Doe Park was a big part of my life when I lived in Lawton. I, too, am sorry it had to be closed."
Eddy Jones, '51

Note: When this was taking place, I was about 6th, maybe 7th grade. My dad didn't allow 'us' to go to Doe Doe....but mom did. Not a lot but every once in a while. I remember Eddy and Bob quite well...both really cuties!!!! I don't really remember 'Mac' but met him years later at a reunion or two. Sadly 'Mac' passed away not all that long ago. Bob Mansell is still in Lawton & I just visited with him & wife Deloris (Pannell) few days ago.

..."Thank you so much for the video of Doe Doe Park! I spent the better part of my childhood there. I became quite the accomplished skater and also swam in that pool sooo many times. It may have been what started my love of swimming. Later on in life I got my Life guarding and WSI. I was 32 and it was great. I used to think a lot about those happy times at Doe Doe Park. I also wanted to comment on the Vaska theatre discussion. My Dad was in the service at Ft. Sill, but he also moonlighted at the Vaska. I thing I saw every musical created, over and over again. God bless you all in Lawton. I love you guys and gals."
Laurie Ann (Abshire) Patterson, '56

"Thanks for sending the videos of Lawton, Doe Doe Park, etc. There was an article in my tribal newspaper ( I'm a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Okla), that might be of interest to our classmates. Each year AARP recognizes 50 members of Oklahoma tribes as AARP honored elders. One of those honored was Barthell (Buddy) Little Chief. He would have been in the class of 1960. He represented the Comanche Nation and was honored for his art work. I last saw Buddy at the first Michael Martin Murphy Westfest at Copper Mountain, CO. in the late 70's or early 80's. It was a Cowboy and Indian art and music festival and Buddy and a friend had a booth selling Buddy's artwork. He said he was living and working in Cement, OK but had a studio in Taos, NM at one time. I have two of his paintings that my dad bought from him early in his career."
Phil Wilder, '59

"I really enjoyed watching some of these on the mountains and Rose Bianco. I've known her all those years and always go in to have lunch or dinner."
Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman

Appreciate classmate John Mercadante for sending Boston Globe story to me and David Dom who sent link as did Murdoch Matthew along with this interesting note.....

"I once mentioned Meers to Olga Litowinsky, a book editor friend of ours in New York City. Olga was from New Jersey; her family was from the Ukraine. I think I was mentioning the fried okra at Meers and she said matter-of-factly that she'd been there. She had been giving a talk at Cameron College (as it was in my day) and the reception committee had taken her to Meers. Small world."
Murdoch

Sam Hamra, '55, was in Lawton for the class '55 reunion back on October 9. He sent this picture (above) along with note:

"Was so much fun and a wonderful gathering of friends. In this photo Alvin (Skeeter) Winham and I are standing (admiringly) with the three fastest humans in Oklahoma in 1955---Ronny Jones, Jimmy Butemeyer, and Dee Givens, three of the championship 440 yard relay team, still looking sleek."
Sam

Sam is right! The trio, along with classmate Norval Locke (sadly deceased), set all kinds of records and won numerous awards in their day.

On a personal note.... life always takes unexpected turns at unexpected times. My Mom fell on 13th & was in hospital for 3 days (fortunately nothing broken) but doc said she cannot stay at home alone anymore. My dad has been gone 19 years this Thanksgiving. So, frantic set in, but, we managed in very quick order (much help from sister-in-law and brother-in-law) to get a place, items from home, etc. & took her kicking and screaming to her new 'assisted living apt' which is very nice. Actually she handled it better than expected. Been trying to do this for several years, so was taken care of in way that took some heat from us kids! I know many of you have had the same situation with your parents and/or spouses so you know what I have been doing.

I want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We do have so much for which to be thankful........Georgia

Photo above: L-R: Sam Hamra; Jim Butemeyer; Ron Jones; Alvin Winham; Dee Givens.

......LHS News......
Originally sent November 11

Appreciate Mitch Braley for sending this great link. I do not know who put it together. If you're 'home-sick' it may help or if you aren't, you may be after watching this. Scenes of Doe Doe Park; Waynes; Biancos; and other great area landmarks and Oklahoma venues.

Well, we had some news with no losses to report, but sadly, we have lost several classmates recently.

Bea Lynn (Watters) Harrison George, 64, passed on November 5. I believe she was living in Texas but services will be in Lawton, 11:00am on Friday November 12, Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran church. Burial at Ft. Sill National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, November 11 at Becker Funeral Home, 6:00-8:00pm.
Extended obit and guestbook at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/
Bea went to Central but I don't think she graduated from LHS. She left early to get married, but would have been class 1964.

Patricia K. (Jones) Alderson, 67, of Lawton, passed on October 31. She was LHS class 1961. Services were November 6 in Lawton. An extended obit and guest book at:
http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Also, Charlotte Garvene (Ray) Ivey, 83, of Lawton passed on October 31. She was LHS class 1944. Services were November 3 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Ruby Mae (Walker) Sparlin, 91, of Lawton passed on October 21. Ruby was LHS class...maybe '37 - '39? Not sure. Services were October 26 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Truly one of our Golden Wolverines, W.W. 'Bill' Greb, 101, of Lawton passed on November 5. Services were November 9 in Lawton. Bill attended Emerson Grade school and gradated LHS in 1931. Bill worked and was involved in many areas. Interesting obit and guest book at:
http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Always hate to hear of our classmates passing.

From the eMail bag:

Our daughter Leslie lives just outside Boston and called to tell us what a surprise she had when she opened the travel section of the Boston Globe last week and viola!~ a story on Meers and the infamous Meers Burger! She is saving it for us as we plan to journey up her way to celebrate Thanksgiving in the land of the Pilgrims!

For all the '50's music buffs (aren't we all)..... the Johnny Rogers show is this Friday November 12, at Medicine Park Music Hall. The doors open 7PM, show starts at 8PM. Tickets are $20. Call Brandon at (580)529-6262 or go to "Events" on web site .

I have not seen him but understand this guy does a super Buddy Holly impersonation, as well as Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Everly Bros, and several others.
Appreciate Larry Joe Thompson for passing this info along.

In a strange twist of events, I had dinner at Biancos same night as Bruce and we talked briefly but I did not know who he was and vice versa until he sent this email.....

"I am Bruce Knowles LHS class of 62, I am in Lawton for a few days to attend the Whittier get together and travel until early Dec. Then back to Alaska, We have been to Bianco's for pizza and salad dress with bread. I am trying to hit all the old places, but most are no more. When I find an Old it makes it that much better, like the Plantation and the Meers burger.It is enjoyable to be in OK again. On to On to Norman for a week to visit with Whittier class mates. Bruce"

Remembering '59 classmate Karen Dennison who passed October 24..........
MANY YEARS AGO WHEN KAREN WAS LIVING IN D.C., I WAS THERE AND WE WENT TO DINNER IN GEORGETOWN AT A RESTAURANT NAMED RIVE GAUCHE (not sure of the spelling) AFTER WE WERE SEATED KAREN MENTIONED THAT IT WAS A FAVORITE OF HENRY KISSINGERS. SHE HAD NO MORE THAN SAID THAT AND KISSINGER SHOWED UP. WE GIGGLED SO MUCH IT WAS EMBARRASSING. JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE.
DAN GLASCOCK, '59

I have had no feed-back as yet on the Whittier School get together this past Sunday! Hope it went well and maybe some one will send some info.

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

......LHS News......
Classes '49 ~ '52 reunion
Originally sent November 9

Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs, '52, sent this great re-cap of the '49-'52 classes which reuned (together) week-end of Sept. 24-25. Since it is fairly lengthy, I am just sending it alone. I know some have already received it. Plus, want to thank Jo Riley for getting me a disc with the pictures from this reunion. About 135 pictures & I hope to have them linked to the blog before Thanksgiving. gjw

Hello Classmates,

The 2010 Reunion was another success. About 110 attended the dinner; we had a few no shows and some walk-ins so it evened out. Don Bridges had a great emcee speech prepared, but sadly the PA system at 'The Event' did not work…..again! Much of the good stuff was left out because no one could hear. Eula Johnson Arnaud, '51, swept the Wolverwards receiving certificates for Traveled the Farthest (Oregon), Most Grandchildren, and Newest Newly Wed. Other awards were: Most Children - the Riley; Most Spouses - Shirley Dyer Wolf; Least Changed - Barbara McNair Hughes; Most Changed - Joe Skrdle; Longest Married to One Spouse - the Meltons; Traveled Almost as Far (Massachusetts) - Elmer Webb.

As usual the food was great, but a little late being served , the grass wasn't mowed, the kitchen and restrooms weren't cleaned. The non-functioning PA system was the last straw. Therefore, we are looking for another place to hold the 2011 dinner. The banquet facility in the “real Lawton High” will not be ready until after October (if then), and we have no date as to when the new hotel will open. Willie Martinez has agreed to help Jo at the Lawton end, so he and Jo will be scouring the town to see what facility are available.

The Tailgate Party and football game were fun. Bill Davenport brought some wonderful BBQ’d ribs and Howard Hudson’s hot chicken wings and drumsticks were the best I have ever tasted. However, there weren't enough attending to warrant another tailgate party. We will reserve Friday night for individual class events or private parties.

Class of ’52 has been doing this for years. There are different restaurants in town that will reserve a room or area for small groups and people can order from the menu with separate tickets. Once the ‘52’ers even met at a church social hall for a finger food potluck.

The Bridges have hosted several Friday night social hours for the Class of ’49. What we need are volunteers to plan these separate events. Not much is involved other than finding a place and letting us know so we can include the information in our mailings. Please someone volunteer for the Class of ’49, ’50, or ’51. We are counting on Marcille and Pat to continue with the Class of ’52.

The Saturday morning tour of LHS was a bigger success than we expected. It was very interesting to see what has been done to our old school. Some of us were interviewed to “star” forever on the kiosk that Peggy Long is putting together. We kept no record of who or how many were at the school, but we had a nice crowd. The morning gave us another chance to visit and allowed those who couldn't attend the evening functions to mingle. We would like to have another morning event next year, maybe just coffee and sweet rolls (catered by Atlanta Bread). Any suggestions as to where we could meet? I don't think the City of Lawton would want to have us back every year, but who knows?

Jo and I figured out how to copy the rosters to her computer, so now she, too, can update the rosters and do the labels and name tags. However, another back-up computer person is needed in case either or both of us become unable, disabled, or incapacitated. It would be good to have someone in Lawton area so that a committee could help with the printing and mailing. All that is needed are minimal computer skills and a computer with Microsoft Excel and Word and, of course, your time and effort. The rosters would not have to be re-typed. Let one of us know if you are willing to help. Thanks much!

And speaking of rosters, who “accidently” picked up the Class of ’52 roster at the reunion dinner. If you have it, check to see if there any changes written in that need to be made and let me know.

Save the date---September 24, 2011. We are (tentatively) sticking with the 4th weekend in September which coincides with the International Festival. This gives out-of-towners another reason to come to Lawton. Wouldn't it be nice if OU scheduled an away, afternoon game to accommodate us? Already looking forward to seeing you next September.
Take care,
Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs, '52

GO WOLVERINES!

......LHS News......
Originally sent October 31

The City of Lawton is offering YOU the opportunity to be a permanent part of [the old] Lawton High's legacy. You can purchase a seat in the recently restored historical LHS Auditorium. For a one time donation you can:
*choose your seat [location]
*personalize an engraved plate that could include your name, date of attendance and graduation
*'own a piece of Lawton's history to honor all those who attended.
Cost is $500.00 per chair. Personalization is MAX of 30 characters. If you have interest, contact Larry Mitchell at (580) 581-3301; or email Lori Kerbo:
lkerbo@cityof.lawton.ok.us

From the eMail bag:

The girls want some corrections on class 1962 - 50 year reunion in 2012. Contact with info on 1962 grads is:
Kaye (Thompson) Jenkins McCarley at: kayetmc@copper.net or Geneva (Harris) McIntosh at: WGM1943@aol.com

"I, too, was in the Easter Pageant, and enjoyed it a lot. I'm not sure how I got into it, but someone mentioned Rainbow Girls, and that must have been it. I was an angel. I have also tried to find a copy of the movie,with no luck.
Previously, people mentioned the Smith sisters...my mom was great friends with them..played bridge and so forth...anyway, a few years ago they came into Baltimore on a cruise ship. Mom was living with me here in the DC area at the time and I drove her up to Baltimore to see them. We had lunch and had a good time. Miss Bernice was my Jr English teacher, and a great favorite of mine, so it was special for me too."
Elaine Paine, class of '58

John Long, '63, and his sister, Nancy Long, '65, toured Scotland and Ireland not long ago. John's daughter, Jennifer toured with them. They commented..."It was so exhilarating to wade in the Irish sea and tour the Edinburgh castle along with Loch Ness and other areas. The Irish and Scottish people wonderful people and the countries are so clean. I have copied [comments] to John in the event he has anything to add."
Nancy Long

John did add this...."... the Irish pubs were fantastic and the Guinness was natures best."
John S. Long

"I smiled when I saw Ronnie Poole’s note about working at all the theaters in Lawton. One memory I have is that for some stupid reason, he and I got into a fist fight at Austin’s Drive where we both worked. His arms were longer than mine and he got in the first punch, and I gave up! So much for bravery very huh!! It was good to hear that Ronnie went on to be a pilot in the Air Force. Hopefully I will get a chance to visit with him at the 56 reunion next year,"
Reece Russell, 56

HOOLIGANS! hahahhahahha

I had a great visit with Doyce Grayson a few days ago at lunch...where else....Burgess Grill. We covered a lot of 'things'. Doyce is already working toward the 55th reunion of his class of 1956 next June - 2011. Also, had brief visit with Tom Bullock lunching there!

Ralph Purvis sent a cute picture of himself and granddaughter (above). Ralph has really had some ups and downs with cancer but is hanging in there!

Melvin Sexton, '59, sent a great picture of Lawton...the way it used to be - 1940's, that he & wife Betty purchased at the State Fair this year. (below). It's on corner of 5th & D, looking east, north is to left in picture.
He added this remembrance...."As a side note Reverend Wallock married my birth mother and dad. My natural mother died when I was 9 months old. My dad married again and Reverend Wallock performed that ceremony also. I was told that my dad helped to carry a piano up the hill for the first Easter Pageant service".
Melvin

This note and fun picture (above) from Trellys (Wilson) Erwin....along with remembrances....
"I have wondered many times what happened to Rosalie Thomsen. In the early 40's her family lived next door to mine on 17th Street, I believe her dad was in the Army . . . she was best friends with my sister, Sherry. Sherry was the first polio case of the 1949 (Sept) season and passed away in September of 1950. The picture below was taken in 1943 or 1944 at my birthday party.
First row: William "Fritzy" Thomsen, (Rosalie's brother), Betty (Cole) Selvey, Trellys (Wilson) Erwin, don't remember his name. . .
Top Row: Rosalie (Thomsen) Mitton, Sherry Wilson, unknown girl, Johnny Inglis, and Roberta DeWolf. Would like to know who the two are that I don't remember, perhaps Rosalie will remember."
Trellys Wilson Erwin, ('58)

From my Haunted House to yours - Happy Halloween - Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent October 26

Classmates, we're a busy bunch! [that's a good thing]. The 'news' continues to roll in and the list of recipients continues to grow! Other than losses of classmates, enjoy!

I am so very sorry to report that our '59 classmate Karen Dennison passed on Sunday Oct. 24. Karen has had health problems for some years. So very happy she could be with us for our 50th reunion in October of 2009. A grave side service will be at 11:00am, Monday November 1, at Sunset Memorial Gardens (west Lawton). It is suggested that any remembrance be sent to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
Services handled by Becker Funeral Home: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

This past week I received news that '56 classmate, John Larry Overby, passed on April 1, 2004. At the time, some at least were not aware of John's passing, the 'news' was in infancy, so I am sending this information along so those in Johns class - as well as others - will know. John married a MI native, Constance Joan (Quigley), in 1967. He was a career Army artillery officer, retiring in 1980 as Lt. Colonel. His two children, Linda and Larry, both graduated in Lawton - MacArthur.
John has two sisters, Betty Overby Marcum, who is LHS class '60 and an older sister who attended LHS for a while but did not graduate, Josephine. Connie is retired as a nurse in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and lives in Georgia.
I appreciate Betty and Connie for sending this information.

From the eMail bag.......

The LHS class 1962 is already beginning the [big] job of locating classmates for their 50th reunion in 2012. IF you are or know of, a '62 grad, please contact Kay (Thompson) Macleary at: <> or email Geneva (Harris) McIntosh at: It IS a big job, so if you can help....contact one of the girls.

And, a novel idea.....a reunion of ALL those who attended WHITTIER Grade School between 1950 - 1956. All went on to become LHS grads. Sunday, November 7, 2:00pm, Old Plantation at Medicine Park. Husbands, wives, kids, grandkids are ALL welcome. For more information or to let 'them' know you are attending, contact Mary Ann (Ashlock) at:

swchemco@sbcglobal.net

Classmate Minette Page helped with guided tours to the public of the old high school/central building last week. The city has been moving in and from number of cars around the building now, seems OPEN for business! Building looks great and most classes returning 'home' for reunions have had opportunity to tour the Lawton landmark.

"I am home from eastern Europe. Much more beautiful than I expected. Poland was a treasure and the food is great. Minsk is a beautiful city. No graffiti. Had the best chicken Kiev in Kiev that I have ever had. Romania and Transylvania are wonderful. I got to go to Dracula's castle. Great. Slovakia, Checks Republic and Germany all great, especially the cruise down the Rhine. A castle about every mile. Only two of the countries ( Slovakia and Germany) use the euro. All the others were down right cheap. Glad I went. One of my best trips."
Dan Glascock, '59

'59 classmate Willie Guest is President of the local chapter NAACP and recently joined Cameron University President Cindy Ross in presenting awards at the Annual Freedom Fund Banquet.

Someone asking if anyone knows whereabouts of Sandra 'Sandy' Tilson, who would have been class 1960...BUT moved after Junior year or maybe shortly after start of Senior year! Anybody?

[referencing the recent picture] "Kay, Connie, Myrna Kay and Yvonne were my classmates. I was also at St. Anthony's with Kay till an awful bout with strep throat cut short my attempted nursing career. I did not have the opportunity to go back and wondered if she in fact stayed in school there. I guess these things happen for a reason as I liked my job at Ft. Sill and working with John Denny and also the Red Barn. I'm fortunate to be within short driving range of Gwen Patterson Carle, Norma Curry Gardner and Charlotte Magill. Get to see Sue Grimes Ott and Barbara Cunningham Keys and sometimes Marilyn Morris when in Lawton. It's so great that we all can stay close to friends. The internet helps a lot."
Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman

More Lawton memories and comments.....

"As an aside, I remember the director of "The Lawton Story" flying in on his private airplane (a Lockheed Hudson) and parking it at the Johnson flying service where I worked. He offered me a $100 to wash down the airplane. I passed because it would have taken me a week to do it by myself. They were there for a week while filming parts of the movie. I never got to go out to watch the filming or the pageant because I was working all the time. Holding down three jobs was the pits! The crew I ran with were Wayne Walker, Reese Russell, Gary Star.
We worked all five Lawton Theatres including the Drive in on Cache road. I worked at the airport for flying time and had flown over 30 different aircraft by the time I turned 17. What a blast. I also got a bunch of people interested in the Civil Air Patrol and one of them was Floyd Porter. He learned to fly and logged as much flying time as I did in the Air Force. I retired from the Air Force in 1977 with twenty years of service. Flew B-52's and FB-111's and pulled a tour in Viet Nam. Had a great life so far. 5 Kids, 18 grandkids and 4 great grandkids. so much for a short history on Ron Poole."
Ron Poole

"I remember La Sill's because it was within a few blocks of where we lived and it was there that I first saw a bank check written..I was in the second grade at Emerson Elementary and our teacher marched us to La Sill's. We didn't know where we were going but we followed. What a surprise.... She treated us to an ice cream cone of our choosing, absolutely unbelievable for those times. She wrote on this piece of paper and the attendant accepted it for payment. There were about 20 or so in the class so the check must have been about a dollar plus......what a memory."
Ed Hessler, '52

"Well, a lot of the things remembered about La Sills are probably true( tainted by time), but I can assure that a lot of local icons worked there. The Aldridge family AB, "Pop" (the dad) started with my dad in 1940, then Bill, Darrel, Bob, AB, Jimmy, and Wicky. I know Darrell and Bill worked for several years and my dad thought the world of them (AB,the son, was a grouchy kid so my dad fired him) (just kidding A.B.) Jimmy,as I recall, worked with his dad and Smitty (Ed Smith,the great guy in charge of making the ice cream) and probably Darrel in the production area. Wicky,as I knew him,was about 4 or 5 and his job was to come over each a.m.and pick up the trash (well,maybe Wicky was 7 or 8; there were no child labor laws and La Sill jobs kept a lot of kids out of trouble). I ran across some photographs that were on the wall for the last few years that we began having made at the end of each summer from about 1967 through 73 or 74 of the fountain help that made it through the summer. I will get the same computer enhanced and send for your photo gallery in the next few weeks (Roy House and my nephew, Bill Dudley Kilpatrick were the only little kids I ever tried to drown). I couldn't sign off without mentioning other families at La Sills - the Daytons, Darrel, Bobby, and Neal and the Smiths Bob, David, Mike, and Terry. All quality young workers . My dad and I and Dudley and his mother (my sister) were lucky to be associated with them and many, many other employees at La Sills.
Allen Johnson, '54

"My wife and I live in Norman (go to the same church as coach Bodenhamer). We live about 2 1/2 miles from the epicenter of the Wednesday (OCT 13) earthquake. We have felt lots of earthquakes in California, including the Northridge quake. But, this one was the loudest one I have ever experienced. The house shook for a few seconds,
followed by what sounded and felt like an explosion. Then there was a rumble that resembled the effect of a washing machine on spin cycle that is out of balance magnified by a large factor.
I graduated in the class of 1958. My brother Walt graduated in 1957. My sister Mary Ann
graduated in 1955. My sister died in 1995. All of us went to Woodrow Wilson."
Charley Crabtree

"You should have been in Norman---actually shook the walls of Adams Hall (the business school building at OU) Which was built with real concrete and steel."
Ken Gross, '59

"I want to share some wonderful pics and memories of a visit I had recently with some old friends from back in the day. Otto Martinez and brother Eddie Martinez and his wife Inez came to the East coast to visit their daughter Lisa Archibeque in Alexandria, Virginia. Lisa was giving a concert in D.C. at the Casa Italiana celebrating their Columbus Day Celebration. It was an operetta of many familiar Italian songs that were performed by a company led by a truly gifted maestro. It was a dynamic performance by Eddie's daughter and Otto's niece. She has a beautiful soprano voice that was mentioned in an article in the Washington Post in 2008. It was a lovely evening that my husband and I enjoyed and were so touched by the invitation from old friends."
Karen (Choney) Culloty, '59
Picture above: l-r: Lisa's husband Vince, Lisa, Mom Inez, Eddie and Otto Martinez

I receive so many great pictures. I can't always use all of them in the news but I do plan and am working toward a file for all the pictures I have received. Will eventually be available at the blog. So...meanwhile...say 'cheese'!!!!

Still working on reunion(s) re-cap but this is all the news for now.........Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent October 19

Sadly, we continue to lose classmates.
Prentiss Everett Swann, 82, of Lawton, passed on October 13. He was LHS class '47. He married Virginia Lou (Johnson) in 1950, she passed in 2008. He is survived by 3 daughters; a brother; numerous grandchildren; extended family. Services were Saturday October 16 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

And, Donald Buford Lutz, 87, passed on October 15. Lutz is LHS class '42. He married Marjorie (Porter) Jones who survives him along with a daughter Melissa and two step-daughters. Graveside services were October 18 and burial with military honors at Cache Cemetery.
Extended obit and guestbook at: www.grayfuneral.com

I received pictures from the recent class '60 - 50th reunion that were taken by J. Bob Howard. Great pictures with some interior shots of the Central Jr. High building as well as pictures taken at Billy Bevilles car museum. And it's really great that Bob put names on them! Right had side of blog with 'class '60 - 50th reunion' tag. Appreciate Sandy Joyner for sending them. More reunion(s) news and pixs soon!

Had a request wanting to know who around Lawton area might be a good historian for the railroads that served Lawton in 1943. Does anyone know?

Also, have someone looking for Jackie (Jaquetta) Upjohn. After graduation she worked at PSO in Lawton. Anyone?

I appreciate Richard Neptune letting me know that one of our former teachers, Bernice Smith, fell recently and broke her leg. She was in the hospital but has now returned to her home at the Monte Vista Retirement Center in Lawton.
If you would like to send a note or card, address is c/o Monte Vista, 7604 NW Quannah Parker Trailway, Lawton, OK 73505. Main number at the facility is (580) 536-2866.

From the eMail bag, miscellaneous comments........

"We were sorry to miss Bob and Beverly's 50th but it was the same time as the 49-54 LHS reunion. It would have been fun to see Kay and Connie again."
Al Dayton

"I too remember Dutchers and LaSills ice cream...good memories! Pat Burris was one of my best friends when we were teenagers."
Paula (Reed) Avrit, 57

"I worked at LaSill's for about a year while in high school. I used to make a "mistake" malt every now and then - had to eat our mistakes! [] Most of my family worked there at one time or another. My Dad made ice cream there for years, as well as brothers Darrel and Bill.
Mr. Johnson was a grouchy kind of guy, but a good man. I liked him, even though he eventually fired me."
A.B. Alldredge, '57

Hummmmmm.....red flag with this 'mistake system'. Have anything to do with getting 'fired'? hahaha!

"My parents took me to LaSills during the summers and we always took my dog along. We always got him a "tiny" cone that I think was free. He loved them as much as we did."
Beverly (Carnes) Carlson, '60

"I lived across from the Daytons while in high school. I remember Allen had this gorgeous Oldsmobile that I envied. I didn't get a car until after I got out of high school. He was already in college by then."
Frankie (Ingraham) Kinderman

..."Just wanted to say that I used to work at La Sill milk co. in the late 50's with my best friend Bill Kilpatrick. He was the grandson of Herbert Johnson the owner of La Sills. I worked the counter which appeared to me at least a block long and always dreaded Sunday afternoons because it was so busy we could hardly keep up; I think there was 6 or 8 of us working that day.When we made malts we always served the whole canister that we mixed them in with a glass. It was at least a malt and a half !
Bill & I went swimming every day at their house in the summer, (that's where I learned to swim) and Allen, [class '54] their son who we called "Boo", would hold us and then jump into the deep end and play like he was going to drown us.A note of interest is that Mr. Johnson bought a Rolls Royce,a Silver Cloud or Silver Shadow--can't remember for sure---and that he built a fence with a canopy over the top around the Rolls so people could look at it any time of the day on the west side of the building.Each night he would stand up on top of the counter to reach the safe that was suspended from the ceiling to put in the days take. He was quite a guy and very successful. Thanks for the great newsletter Georgia, it helps bring back some wonderful memories."
Roy House

"Claude [son] and I spent last two weeks of August going to Vegas, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon (including Skywalk!), Yellowstone and northern Idaho, driving thru Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.
Absolutely spectacular scenery! We both thoroughly enjoyed it. I look like a midget in the picture (below) as my little 15 year old baby boy is at least two inches taller than I, and out-weighs me by 20 pounds. I've threatened to stop feeding him! Best regards,"
Larry Joe Thompson, '59

"Larry and I just celebrated our 50th Anniversary on October 6th with a trip to Phoenix. We already had celebrated early with a Cruise Tour to Alaska with our son, Chris and his family in early June. Then we flew to Phoenix to celebrate on the actual day, which was also Chris' 44th birthday. The Lawton High Class of 1960, 50th Reunion was the same weekend we were in Arizona, so I missed that. Got to play golf and went to see the Arizona Cardinals play the New Orleans Saints." (pix below)
Larry and Gerda (Keas) Campbell, '60
Larry is '55 grad of Enid HS.

Herb Jacobs, Sunday Constitution column (Oct. 17 - pg. 8-C) 'Where Are They Now', gives great recall of Coach Duard Givens. Names and place 50's - '60's grads will recall for sure. btw...Duard was uncle of Dee Givens, '55.

btw....LHS won their recent homecoming with one of highest scores EVER.....86-zip! Go Wolverines!
Note: felt sorry for US Grant - OKC - who seemed way overmatched in this game.

From the home town, regards to all......Georgia

......LHS News......
Originally sent October 14

Thought I was in CA.....Yours truly was up early Wednesday but flopped down on the bed again (watching them rescue the miners) just in time to feel some 'slight shaking'.....I knew - or was suspicious - as had happened before! Earthquake! centered 6-8 miles east of Norman - 4.5 - 5.1...? We don't get a lot of excitement (haha), so quite the news story around here and made FOX news. Happening more frequently in Oklahoma or maybe better reporting! Hope we don't 'shake' off into to the Red River!!

So very sorry to pass along information that Sara Elizabeth (Merritt) Coughlin, 78, Charlotte, NC passed on October 10 in S. Carolina. Sara had been battling lung cancer for some time. She was LHS class 1950.
She is survived by husband of 58 years, Paul; three children, nine grandchildren; cousin, Dr. Jim Hill, '52.
A memorial service will be held 2:00pm, Saturday October 16, Harry and Bryant Chapel in Charlotte.
http://www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com/

And we have lost two more of our 'Golden Wolverines'.....Rosemary (Rayl) Parmenter, 93, of Lawton who passed September 29. Graveside service was held on October 12 at Highland Cemetery. Rosemary was LHS class 1934 and was the first Miss Lawton that same year. She is survived by son Brent, '57; daughter Lynne Vernon, '60, both LHS classmates. She was preceded in death by husband Arch Parmenter in 1975 and a brother Jack Rayl.
I knew Rosemary over the years, she was a lot of fun and a colorful character!
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

And, Donnie R. Russell, 78, of Lawton. Donnie passed October 7 and services were October 9. He attended Emerson School and graduated LHS in 1951. He married and is survived by Reta Rose (Smith); 3 sons; a daughter; numerous grandchildren.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Always sorrowful to lose our friends and classmates. Our sympathies are with their families.

From the eMail bag:

"I remember the night of the "premiere" downtown, at the Dome or maybe the Lawton theater. There were giant spot lights to the skies that we had only seen in the "20th Century Fox" intros to movies. I was there with my parents, and it was our Lawton Hollywood night. I think Millard Coody was working at the Security bank, or maybe the City National bank. I was there also at the Easter pageant the night some of it was filmed. Only problem was finding our car since parking was hardly organized. Everyone tied a handkerchief to the radio antennae to find their car. Everyone took blankets and food to sit on the side of the mountain. Staying up so late then was an unusual experience. We did it yearly. Great memories."
Sam Hamra, '55

"Another story to add: Bruce West and his sisters, Dee and Connie were in the pageant also when we were in grade school. One night the wind was so strong that as the angels ascended the stairs we each had to hold the wings of the person in front of us so we would not blow off. I remember my mother telling Bruce "don't you let your sister blow off those steps". He was 'not an angel' so not much he could do but watch from the bottom in case he could catch me if need be. Sure was cold in those tents behind the scenes and like others, staying up all night was awesome part of it. Lots of hot chocolate. Thanks for sharing and reviving old special memories."
Connie (West) Biles

Bruce was in my class , '59, and I can tell you too....NO angel. hahahahhahah. Love ya Bruce!

"Reading all the memories of the Easter Pageant brought to mind the summer program The Easter Pageant. I was in it one summer and it wasn't cold like the Easter was. It was the story of Easter. Does anyone remember this one? We didn't have near as many people attend. But it was fun to do."
Carrol (Anderson) McDivett, '59

"Can't let this go....Sweet Mr. Bish and Mr. Hancock gave all of us a pass if we were going to the Easter Pageant to be in the film, "Prince of Peace." Chesley Montague and I went once..having told Mr. Hancock we were to be in the film that day. WRONG! My dad, Louis Vanderpool, was the guard...big chested with all the armor (of his own making) and he gave me a good talking to. Daddy said if Chesley and I wanted to go anytime again HE would call Mr. Hancock. BOO! If I can find it....I have a picture of Chesley sitting on a rock and me still up on a building being an angel...in the daytime yet. Was he taking a smoke? Of course, for most of us LHSer's (there were people from as far away as Ok City for the picture "Prince of Peace") loved to go to the hill and freeze...ending up on the top of audience hill where there were eats and drinks.
Personally, the Wichita Mountains hold many, many remembrances...like Bill Williams going down Mount Scott with NO brakes. I still thank the Lord for our safe landing....it was night time in those days, with the " powers that be" locking the gate at the bottom at sundown in later.years. Does anyone remember the days when several carloads of us would go up on top of Mount Scott and turn our radios on the same station and the volume on high and dance....dance. Do we have memories or WHAT!!!"
DEE (VANDERPOOL) GLASS, '52

"I have been blessed again with another 'adventure' with some of my 1956 LHS classmates. This time, we spent days in Washington, D.C. seeing all the new - and some of the old - Memorials and Museums. #1Picture: Kay (Kimball) Scott, Connie (Lasseter) Johnson, Myrna Kay (Langley) Daley and Yvonne (Anderson) Coombs. We were hosted, feted and guided by former (and soon to be returning) Lawtonians, Bill and Cleta (Booker) Malone. Our trip coincided with the celebration of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Beverly (Kimball) Hunsaker, 1953, and her husband, Bob, picture #2, at their home in Northern Virginia. Lots of good friends and family. A joyful time was had by all.........."
Kay (Kimball) Scott
Pix above

Had opportunity for short visit with '59 classmate Babs (Yarmuk) Givens. She came up with hubby Dee for his '55 reunion. She was doing great, headed to Myrtle Beach with about 10 lady friends from her Holly Lake, TX community to relax and play some golf!!!!

Belated birthday wishes to dear friends and '59 classmates.......Marilyn (Lewis) Smith and Suzanne (Jones) Crawford. Bdays last week! Many happy returns girls!

A lot of classmates returned to Lawton over the past few week-ends for various reunions. I will have some 'news' from my vantage point soon. If any have pictures they would like to share, please send in JPEG format & I will post to the blog.

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