Sunday, July 29, 2012

......LHS News......
Originally sent July 22

Wesley Best, '58, has just completed a series of 10 - 5ft x 2ft - angels to hang in the Liberty Heights Christian church, Lawton. The project took over four years to complete.  Wesley has had an interest in art since second grade and definitely has talent. He retired as Senior Illustrator from civil service back in 1993.  The newspaper photo shows Wesley with the panel titled 'flute player'. See photo at right side of page.

OK.......gonna play Guess Who?  Two LHS bathing beauties enjoying Doe Doe Park, circa 1956-7.  Do YOU know who they are??  Appreciate Luther Green, '57, for the great photo and hope the beauties don't mind sharing! psssstttttt....bet they didn't know Luther had this photo???????


Barbara (Odom) Smith, '56, has gotten settled in Panama City, FL.  Barbara recently moved from Houston to be near her two daughters and grandsons.  She's most happy to no longer be a homeowner, but an apartment dweller where she can call someone else to take care of problems! Plus, she says shes in a smaller community!


Herb Jacobs Sunday column in The Constitution - 'Where Are They Now' - keeps turning out great memories of LHS sports.  In column of July 15 - page 6-C, "Baseball Turned Out to be Tannery's Forte", Jacobs once again writes of another great LHS baseball player Dick Tannery, '62, and another championship season.  Old friends, old schools, old memories....ALL great!  If you can get a copy....enjoy!


Some from class 1957 are working on a 55th reunion.  Details soon!


Class of 1972 - 40th reunion is coming up fast! Friday August 31& Saturday September 1.  Events include a 'meet n greet' sat Mikes Sports Grill; LHS/Eisenhower football game; golf tourney; party at Camerons McCasland Ballroom. $35. to register.   Contact Edna Guzman, 2126 NW Bell, Lawton, OK  73507 or email OR Dan Collier <turf101@aol.com>*******************


Sue (Riddle) Carey, '54, wrote and asked me to share this 'news'...... her husband Buddy suffered a heart attack some months ago while they were at their home in Vail, CO.  Some stints, rehab, then other 'strange' happenings.  Buddy has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They are back at their home in PA, Buddy has been taking chemo, and doing 'better'.  Scans scheduled soon to see where they are with treatment.  I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.


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Johnny Jay 'John' Breathwit, 58, of OKC passed on July 4.  John was LHS class 1972. We were told it was a heart attack. John was stand-out basketball player for LHS with many of his records still unbroken. John was an attorney.  He is survived by his wife Babette (Patton); son Jake; stepson David;  his mom Carolyn (Love); a brother Jerry; an uncle Pete Love; extended family.
Services were July 10 at St. Johns' Episcopal church in OKC.  Graveside services and burial were in Lawton.
Extended obit in Sunday Constitution, July 8.  <http://www.swoknews.com/>


Billie J. Traughber, 70, of Lawton passed on July 2.  Billie was LHS class 1960.  He is survived by his wife Virginia Ryans (Cox); 2 sons; 5 daughters; numerous grand and great-grand children.  Services were July 7.
Extended obit and guest book at:   <http://www.grayfuneral.com/>


Zearl T. Harmon, 91, of Lawton passed on July 2 in Denver, CO.  Originally from Hollis and Arnett, he came to Lawton in 1954 where he taught science at Central Jr. High, was Principal at Roosevelt Elementary, Asst Principal and Principal at Central and Asst Superintendent of LPS until retiring in 1983. He is survived by a son Rick; two grandchildren, extended family. Services were July 14 in Lawton with burial at Hollis.
Extended obit and guest book at:  <http://www.beckerfuneral.com/>


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


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All I can say is....it's HOT in Lawton, America!  Hope this finds YOU cooling your heels!  Georgia

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

......LHS News......
Originally sent July 4


I apologize for typo in last news. I called Patsy, Nancy. It IS Patsy (Sherratt) Theobald. So sorry for the gaff as I knew better!!!!!


"Just to add a note to your Colorado fire coverage...an old broadcast pal of mine asked me to join him, his two Golden Retrievers and cat for a drive from Key West, Florida to the west coast of Washington state. Four thousand miles in four days....no kidding.
Both Bob and I worked in Denver for several years and were interested in the big Fort Collins fire. On June 11, we bypassed Denver and drove north to Wyoming. Our plan called for taking a shortcut in the Fort Collins area. No chance, the fire, visible from afar, changed our plan and the smoke was moving east & north in a big way. We were coughing all the way through Wyoming. The new fire, near Colorado Springs, may be worse than the Fort Collins blaze. Apart from the loss of human life, wildlife and homes the damage done to habitat and mountain terrain is heartbreaking. Fire season is getting off to a very rough start in the mountain west and I fear it will be a devastating summer."
Charles Darling - Charles was with ABC News many, many, years! Cat? 2 dogs? Mercy!


Saundra (Garrison) -Abadji, '61, moved back to Lawton in 2008 to care for her brother '59 classmate Keith Garrison who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Saundra has since retired from nursing at Memorial Hosp and if you want to know what she is doing, Saundra has a webpage on Facebook called Saundra's Corner. Hint: she lived in the middle east for several years!


Appreciate Nino Marinez, '55, for sending a picture of his brother Eddie Martinez, '64. Eddie is with Senator John McCain and Gov Mitt Romney in San Diego at the Veterans Museum for Memorial Weekend. The Vietnam Veterans of America host the annual observance as a tribute to Veterans. Eddie said excellent turnout of about 5000 patriotic folks.


Again, Herb Jacobs writes "Fargo Led LHS to Surprising State Hoops Title". July 1, Sunday Constitution, page 3-C. A look at a great season (1961-62) with LHS's super talent and ability. More names of classmates that you will remember. See pix.


Charles Ellenbrooks, '56, column 'Wichita Mountains Field Notes' is most interesting - Constitution, June 26, page 10-A. Charles and classmate Kenny Dorrell, '58, hiked to the old mining shaft in the Wichitas known as the Bonanza Mine. The Bonanza Mining Co was founded in 1903 with hopes of finding a rich vein of gold or silver. Started by a railroad depot agent from Indiahoma, other rail workers were recruited to help develop the mine. You'll enjoy the read. Picture shows Kenny and is looking west up Fawn Creek at the foot of the mine shaft.

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


Ronald C. 'Ronnie' Gaskins, 76, of Lawton passed on June 30. Ronnie was LHS class 1954. Ronnie was a Golden Glove boxer and won the State title in the feather weight division. He is survived by two daughters; a son; numerous grandchildren; a brother Donnie Gaskins and a sister Linda (Gaskins) Wilson. Services were July 3 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.beckerfuneral.com

Velma Lee (Hobbs) McCune, 83, of Lawton passed on June 30. Velma Lee was LHS class 1948. She is survived by her husband of 62 years James Patrick McCune; a son; 2 daughters; numerous grandchildren; a brother Ray Hobbs, '52; a sister Pat. Services were July 3 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guest book at:  www.grayfuneral.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones.

*************************
Have a safe 4th! God Bless America! Georgia


Pix 1961-62 LHS team: Kneeling front left, Jim Fargo; right, Bill Thomas; Back row l-r: Wes Hamm; Robert Williamson; Scotty Long; Pete Dosser; coach Kenny Bridges. Note: sadly, Bill Thomas is deceased.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 27

Lon Parks, class '53, is MAJOR biking enthusiast. Last month he and fellow 'bikers' - Joe Cox and Terry Spradley - rode their bikes from Lawton, America to Breckenridge, CO. Keep in mind, all three men are in their 70's. Lon is 77. They took only wallets, cell phones, and a few changes of clothes in saddlebags. They peddled about 60 miles a day for 11 days to make the approx 675 mile trip. They drove back. Quite an accomplishment and a great read in Lawton Constitution, Saturday June 23, B section. Lon is LHS class 1953.
Photo below shows Lon of left, Joe Cox on right.

With our Nations bday fast approaching, brother Mike Gill will be opening his BigShot Fireworks stand this week. Mike, who is LHS class '71, has been making and working with fireworks since Junior High. In the past, Mike made some of the fireworks shot at the Statue of Liberty during the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. And, he did the fireworks for a Donny & Marie Osmond show in Norman, OK some years ago. Mike is lifetime member of the Pyrotechnics Guild International. If you need something to light up the sky or just wanna say 'hi', Mike can fix you up! He stocks wide variety of consumer fireworks and has vast knowledge of them all! He is located 5 miles west of 82nd street on old Cache road.

This message..... "Hi Classmates, Jo [Riley] and I have been getting inquiries as to when and where the next LHS 49, 50, 51, 52 Reunion will be. We both have too much on our plates to continue "hosting" the reunions. However, we saved all our information on a flash drive and printed an extra set of labels. We were hoping someone would take over, but so far we have had no volunteers. Please won't someone volunteer? Spread the word to those who do not have email. What a shame if there are no more reunions." Tommye (Boudreaux) Hobbs, '52
Can contact Tommye at:

"Diane (Daniels) and I spent our 33rd anniversary in New York at the end of last month. She sang in a 300 voice choir for a Memorial Day concert. For anniversary night we had dinner on a glass boat in New York Harbor. It was Fleet Week and there was over 16 tall ships with lights in rigging at night. The Statue of Liberty in the moonlight is awesome. We came home by way of Niagara Falls. Had a great time there getting wet over, under and around the falls." Ed Adams, '59

My husband and I are on our way to the Oregon Coast for two months. Our hometown, St. George, Utah, can get to 115 temperatures in the summer and the Oregon Coast is so cool. We completed a transatlantic cruise in April to the British Isles and France. One of our tours was the Normandy Beaches. It was very memorable and Point Du Hoc and Juno Beach has been left like the days of June, 1944!"
Patsy (Sherratt) Theobald, '59

 "I lived across the street (Elm) from the Bullocks. I remember the cave very well. Dick and I played in often. I remember the Bullocks owned a midget racecar and stored it in their garage on Elm. I remember once, Bill fired it up and ran it all over that part of Lawton. Bill was the wild one of all them. What a kick. Always something happening."
Gordon Griswold, '58.
 Remember 'wild' is in eye of beholder also! ahhahahha

 It's in the National news, but '59 classmate Phil Wilder - a resident of CO - sends this report:
"I'm sure you are aware of the Forest fire west of Colorado Spring. Thought I would bring you up to date: 5100 acres burned so far, the fire started Sat. afternoon off Hwy 24 west of CO Spg. For those familiar with this area is heavily forested and in a canyon that is hard to get to. So far 5100 acres have burned west of I-25 to Manitou Springs and North to the Air Force Academy. All Air Force support personnel have been relocated to Fort Carson, and I assume the cadets will be located in the Denver Area. There are over 2000 fire fighters involved along with 4 C130 planes and 25 helicopters dropping water and slurry on the fire. It is a raging fire and has covered the area with thick smoke that looks like the bowels of Hell. One reason the fire is so hard to fight is the steep slope of the canyons and the hot temps. It has been over 100 for the last 10 days and less than 8% humidity. So far over 10,000 people in Colo Springs and the surrounding areas have been evacuated. Pray for them!"
Phil

There are numerous former LHS grads and Lawtonians in CO. All those living or visiting in CO will be in our prayers!

Herb Jacobs continues with great columns on LHS. Sunday Constitution, June 24, page 6-C, "Dosser Witnessed Home of Champions Lore", features an interview with '62 grad, Dr. Pete Dosser. Dosser - son of educators Glenn and Midred Dosser - was in town for his 50th reunion. Again, lot of memories, familiar names, and Petes perspective on how LHS became known as 'Home of Champions'.

 Sing Happy June Birthday to my Bill [Williams].....!!!!

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

 I just learned that Larry Muncy passed in Ridgecrest, CA on June 14. Larry was LHS class 1962. He and his wife of 43 years, Linda, were full time RV'ers and were in CA visiting their kids when Larry passed. Larry was brother to our '59 classmate Monna (Muncy) Taylor.

Larry Edward Graham, 65, of Norman passed on June 21 after a short fight with cancer. Services were June 25 in Norman. Larry graduated LHS but I do not know the year. 1963-64? He is survived by wife Dixie (Argo); a daughter and a son and several grandchildren.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/

Garland E. Dezell, Sr., 85, of Lawton, passed on June 21. Services were June 26. Garland was LHS grad but again, do not know what year. He is survived by 3 sons; 3 daughters 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jo Ann (Stuever).
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

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The 'home-town' is HOT! Unfortunately, I don't mean in a good way!!!! 107 at 5:15pm Tuesday, same today. Have a safe 4th and stay cool......Georgia
......LHS News......
Originally sent June 19

News continues to roll in.....

Calling LHS class of 1957!! Jerry Phelps, Bob Atkins, Sid Ahlschlager, are wanting to have a 55th reunion! They want/need some help to put something together! Contact Bob at (405) 364-6050; Jerry at: (580) 536-3381; Sid at: (580) 536-2142. Bob (laughingly) suggested this fall might be last/best opportunity for a reunion with world coming to end on Dec. 21.!!! (Mayan prediction)

Anyone have info on any other reunions coming up?
 I do know Class '72 is set for August 31 - September 1. Contact Dan Collier for details or info:

 '59 classmate Johnna (Gordon) Parks has just returned from a week in the Bahamas. She and daughter Shanna took some fun R & R.

 R. Dick and Carol Neptune and Bill and Sharon (Hartline) Stamps just enjoyed some days in old Santa Fe!

 Peggy (Elledge) Long, who has long time digs in Santa Fe, just returned to there from Phoenix where she visited with daughter Lori and attended two graduations!

Barbara (Odom) Smith, '56, is in process of moving to Florida. That is all the info I have, but she says she will be in touch when she gets settled.

 "Just spent 3 weeks in The Netherlands, 5 days at Science and Non-duality Conference in Doorn and the rest in Amsterdam. First time out of USA."
Gale McCray
All Gale really commented on [wrote a poem] were all the "beautiful" girls he saw.....I informed him nothing more beautiful than 'American Foxes'. hahahahah! "eye of the beholder"...

On reading of classmates traveling in Israel and area, David Whitwell, '55, comments...."I once conducted the National Youth Orchestra of Israel and the two weeks I was there I was followed everywhere by an armed guard, for my own protection. It was odd to conduct the joyous Dvorak G Major Symphony with people standing around with guns."

"When all of you “Dallas” fans see JR this summer, look for the credits. Our son, Taylor Hamra is a writer-producer for the new show on TNT."
Sam Hamra, '55
This show airs on Wednesday nights.

FYI: Huge 'living estate' $ale on June 26-27-28, 9:00am - 6:00pm each day. I was told there are 2 LHS yearbooks - a 1961 and a 1962. 208 NW Mockingbird Rd. (Sneed Acres).

"Just a note to say that I and my husband, Roger Brooks just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in Fort Worth. Helping us celebrate were the wife, children and grandchildren of my late brother, Chuck Avera, class of '43 and a former tennis coach at LHS."
Sincerely, Dorothy (Avera) Brooks, Class of '51

 "I was a classmate and friend of Dick Bullock. I lived one street over from Elm on Maple. They had a small cave in their yard as I recall. But what I remember most about Tom was his silver soap box derby type car. He would run it down Elm Hill. All of us wanted to drive it but he was quite selective."
 Mike Keeran, '56
Over the years, lot of stories about 'Elm hill'.

'59 classmate Tink (Belland) Glenn celebrated a June birthday also - with a week in Florida visiting with grand kids & families.

JoLynn (Ansley) Kramer, '55, continues to recover from a fall several weeks ago in which she broke her tail bone. 'Ouch' doesn't begin to cover it. She's doing 'better'.

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

Herb Jacobs [Where Are They Now] recently had two good columns in Lawton paper: 1). Titled - 'Tennis was huge deal at LHS during 1960's'....lot of names you will recognize: Mary Ann (Ashlock) - sister Julie; Pete Dosser; Francie Green; Bill Fargo; Dick Tannery; Babs (Yarmuk) Givens; Byrl Hunt; coaches Shelby, Weeks, Spears.
Several of those mentioned were in town for the recent 1962 reunion. You'll enjoy the memories if you can get copy, Lawton Constitution, sports - C section, June 10.
Note: Mary Ann (Ashlock) Swigert was State Doubles champ for LHS in 1960. Still handling 'doubles' well with twin grandchildren - Cassie and Colt. See pix.

2). 'Health issues can't keep Dean grounded' is an interview with Jimmy Dean (in town for '62 reunion) and Deans career at LHS as pitcher. Another good read of memories and names you will remember and some about Deans current health issues. Jimmy has had two heart surgeries, lost part of left leg (diabetes and circulation) and sorry to hear, he was admitted to hospital after returning home from the reunion. We all wish him the best. Lawton Constitution, page 3 C, June 17.

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Patricia Ann (Tompkins) Payne, 71, of Duncan passed on June 15. Pat attended Lawton Schools 11 years but graduated in 1959 from Stillwater. She married Chadwick Payne in 1957, he passed in 2008. She is survived by 2 sons, Scott and Rick and their families; sisters and classmates - Mary (Tompkins) Wright and Norma Jean (Tompkins) Bowers. Services will be 10:00, Wednesday June 20, at Fort Sill Post Cemetery. Extended obit and guest book at:

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Remember, previously sent news and photos are archived at the WolverNet blog: Regards to all from the 'home town'...........Georgia

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 17


Louis Boyce, class of 1950, will be celebrating his 80th birthday June 30th at his home in Edmond. His wife, Betty (Wood) Boyce, '55, is inviting friends, neighbors, and family to come by and visit a while if possible. Anytime after 2:00pm on the 30th, which is a Saturday. If you can't stop by personally, I know a card or note would be greatly enjoyed and appreciated. 626 Timber Lane, Edmond, OK 73034. Betty says....."NO GIFTS PLEASE!"


"Seeing Ron Jones description of his trip to Israel caused my competitive juices to flow. I'll see his trip and raise him a family trip to Greece, Greek Islands, and Turkey. Our two kids, spouses, my wife and I boarded a ship/boat/yacht (four sails plus a jib, 144 passengers, 93 crew) in Athens, visited several islands and southern Turkey places and wound up spending a few days in Istanbul."
 John Waller, '55


Page 8-A of the Lawton Constitution (June 5) has a great article on Steve Southerland. Steve has just completed a very large metal sculpture of a fish entitled 'Bye, Bye Miss American Pie'. (see pix). The sculpture is Steves homage to Rock 'n Roll & features several old musical instruments. It's quite a 'big catch' at approx 10' long. Steve says he began using a torch about age 7 - Steves dad was Buryl Southerland, class '52, who was quite an artist and sculptor in his day. Buryl is deceased.
 btw....Bill & I went by to see the fish 'in person'. GREAT! Hes gone to Texas for a new home!


On another item, Steve's brother Paul has just had surgery for a rare form of stomach cancer. At this writing he is doing well. Paul lives in OKC & is a photographer for the Oklahoman. He is a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. He is LHS class 1974. Both are sons of Marcille (Burns) Southerland Covey, '52 and Buryl.


Caught Kelli O'Hara on 'The Talk' few days ago. Kelli previously starred in South Pacific and The Pajama Game on Broadway, among other productions. She is currently starring as Billie Bendex opposite Matthew Broderick in 'Nice Work if you Can Get It'. She has had four TONY nominations! It has just been announced that she will join several other stars as well as US Olympic athletes as headliners for this years 4th July celebration on the National Mall in DC. Why am I mentioning this? Kelli is native Oklahoman (Elk City) and cousin of '59 classmate Bill Scott.


Allison Louise Drewry is a teacher in the Garland, TX ISD. She has just been awarded Teacher of the Year for 2012. Allison is LHS class 1994 and went on to graduate OSU and receive a Masters from SMU!


 Beverly (Gaston), '59, and hubby Edd Shelton, '57, just celebrated their 53rd anniversary! And they said it wouldn't last! haha! Bev says obviously they "haven't shot each other yet" and 'more in love than when they got married'. Takes work folks! Congratulations guys!


Reunion Re-cap:
 "Our 50th reunion was a big success. We had over 150 there. I think everyone had a good time. Thanks to all the helpers decorating the L.C.C. for Friday night and McCasland Ballroom on Sat. I couldn't have done without all of the hard working classmates. Also thanks to those who donated some fantastic art and items that made our silent auction a huge success . I especially want to thank all of my wonderful classmates for the generous gifts they gave me. You went way beyond generosity. I wish for every class who has a reunion coming up to have a fun-filled and successful one too."
Kaye Lee (Thompson) McCarley, '62
I believe Kay has added some reunion photos to Facebook. I don't do Facebook, so, on your own!


"The Class of 62 Reunion was great thanks to the hard work of Kaye Thompson McCarley class of 62 and her husband. The reunion was a three day event starting with an informal get together Friday June 1 at the Lawton Country Club, a dinner dance Saturday at Cameron's McCasland ballroom and a buffet breakfast Sunday at the Lawton Country Club. Over 160 people attended the dinner dance Saturday night. The evening was filled with lot's of laughs provided by classmates Bill Fargo, Johnny Mackey, Kirk Rothell and many others."
Glenn Nolan, '62
Glenn sent some pictures that I hope to have on the blog soon.


Remembering:
"Tom and Bill Bullock were older but Dick and I were pals from Whittier through LHS and OSU. I do, however, have a clear image of Tom stretched out on his bed upstairs on Elm Street with the LHS relay track team baton hanging by a string over his bed. Not a bad image of a really nice guy."
Don Yancey


 I know I will overlook people but, sing Happy June Birthday to classmates: Barbara (Patton) James; Bussie Wyatt; Mike Gill; Babs (Yarmuk) Givens; Diana (Lewis) Gross; Janey (Johnston) Scott; Louis Boyce.


 **********************


Jeff David Swindle, Jr., 88, of Lawton passed on June 9. Services with full military honors were held June 13. Many will remember Mr. Swindle as he taught mechanical drawing at LHS for several years. He is survived by wife Virginia (Priest); 3 daughters, numerous grandchildren and extended family. Extended obit and guest book at:


Everett Alfred Mietchen, 88, of Lawton passed on June 5. Services were June 8. Alfred was LHS grad but not sure of year. He was a member of the LHS marching band. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Marion (Anderson); 3 sons, a daughter; numerous grandchildren and extended family.
 Extened obit and guest book at:


Emily Kay (Phariss) Bengfort, 53, of Lawton, passed on May 27. She was LHS class 1977. She is survived by a daughter Sharon and a son Edward. Several siblings and extended family.
Extended obit and guest book at:
Our thoughts and prayers are always with those who have lost loved ones or incurring health problems.


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


Hope all you dads had a great day! Regards to all.........Georgia

Thursday, June 7, 2012

......LHS News......
Originally sent June 4

So....how was the class 1962 - 50th reunion held this past week-end?

I had opportunity to visit with James Bassel - 'Jim' to his friends. Jim was here for the '62 reunion and said so far, it was GREAT! Jim lives in CA and was also able to visit with his sister, '59 classmate Sally (Bassel) Wiseman while here. They were both dining on Burgess burgers Saturday. Jim is retired from the US Forest Service.

 Ron Jones, '55, is recently back from an extended trip to Israel and the Holy Land. He says it is fantastic and is a 'must do trip/pilgrimage'.

 '55 classmate Paul Massad has been busy around Norman. Paul recently was seen at luncheon honoring the new dean at OU's College of Education dept. (see photo - Paul on left).

Lawton is happy to welcome home '59 classmate Patsy 'Pat' (Sheppard) Holcomb. After several decades of living 'away', Pat is moving back this month. Packers and movers already hard at work and Pat will be settling in around 10th of June.

Sing Happy Anniversary to '58 classmate Ellen (Ewing) and hubby Ken Jahnke who celebrated their Golden 50th this past Sunday. A reception hosted by family and friends was held at the Kemp Center in Wichita Falls. Ellens brother Leigh Ewing, class '56, was also there to celebrate! Major congrats you two!!!!

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

Sadly more losses.......
So sorry to report the passing of Col. (rtd) Tom Bullock, 79, of Lawton. Tom passed on May 31 after battling cancer for some time. Tom was LHS class 1950. Tom is survived by wife Barbara; 2 daughters Kathryn and Pixie and their families; a son Vic and his family; brother Richard; numerous grandchildren and extended family. Services will be 2:00pm, Tuesday June 5, First Baptist church. Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Tom was such a nice person. He had an exemplary and extensive military career & was very involved in his community. He always had a friendly hello and something complementary to say. He will be remembered and missed by many.

 Jimmie N. Hinson, Jr., 91, of Lawton passed on May 30. Services were June 2 in Lawton. Jimmie attended McKinley grade school and was LHS class 1939. He was married to '39 classmate Dorothy Jean (Kemp) for 55 years until she passed. He is survived by two sons, Mike and John and their families.
 Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

Carroll L. (Williams) Peck, 69, of Norman passed on May 26. Carroll is wife of '55 classmate Jim Peck. Services were May 29 in Indiahoma. She is survived by Jim; daughter Charlotte and extended family. Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Mary L. (Lawson) Bull Pattee, 88, of Lawton passed on May 25. Mary was LHS class 1941. She is survived by 2 daughters Judy and Tammy; numerous grandchildren and extended family. Services were May 30 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guestbook at: http://www.grayfuneral.com/

David Wayne Winham, 77, of Edmond passed on May 20 and services were May 24 in Edmond. Wayne was LHS class 1953. He is survived by wife Sandra; sons Terry, John, & amp; Dan and their families; step-children and extended family. Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.matthewsfuneralhone.com/

Mary L. (Camp) Hagler, 69, of Lawton passed on May 20 and services were May 24 in Lawton. Mary was LHS class 1959. She is survived by daughter Serita and Belinda; son Joey; numerous grandchildren and extended family. Mary was preceded in death by husband Donnie Hagler, LHS class '58.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

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

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

I hope you won't mind my using this informal means to thank so many who sent cards, notes, emails, and/or made calls to me and my family in the recent loss of my mom. Each and every one were greatly appreciated. Regards to all............Georgia

Congratulations to the LHS graduating class - 2012!
'Once a Wolverine......always a Wolverine'

Thursday, May 24, 2012

......LHS News......
Originally sent May 13

I had reported some months back that LHS grad Dr. M. Charles Gilbert had put together a beautiful and informative [color] brochure - The Wonders of the Wichitas - it should be available now at the visitors center in Wichita Mtns.  You can also check out the Wichitas at:  <http://www.ogs.ou.edu/>
Charles is Professor Emeritus, Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, OU.

April 12, Lanny Edwards was inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame along with two racing legends - driver Tony Stewart and owner Richard Childress. In addition, the late Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon was also inducted posthumously.  Lanny had already been inducted into the Sprint Car and National Midget Hall of Fames. Lanny started 52 years ago with purchase of the Lawton Speedway and his racing empire has grown to include the most well-known dirt track in Texas - the Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite - and a variety of projects including organizing the World of Outlaws racing circuit and promotion of the annual Chili Bowl in Tulsa.
CBS contacted Lanny and filmed some of the Chili Bowl action that is included in its CBS Sports Spectacular. Lanny has been involved in numerous other speedways including the Oklahoma State Fair race track.  Suffice to say, Lanny has done well with his knack for fast cars and business sense. Lanny attended Lawton schools but not sure year he graduated or if he graduated?  Seems he may have left early to go to work. Good story, page 1 and 2-B, Lawton Constitution, April 12.

Email from James 'Jim' Jennings, '55. Jim is in  Lakewood, CO.  Married to Pat for 52 years.  A daughter Laurie, son John, and a granddaughter!
Yes, Jim is brother to Charles Jennings.

Janette Hanes, '54, was in town recently and organized a small gathering of class 1954 at Mike's Grill on May 3.
Those attending were Janette Hanes, Scotty Wainscott, Peggy (Elledge) Long,  Jane (Taylor) Green and husband George, Louise Blackwelder and Bob Speck, Buddy Braddy, Ronald Ramming and wife Helen, Wiley and Jo Sarten ('57 Eisenhower and friends of Rammings), Johnna (Adams) Hopper, Claudia Hennessee, Virginia (Johnson) Shaw, and Allen Johnson. Janette says all were invited to Allen Johnson's home afterwards and was "very nice."  "Fun and a lot of catching up was had by all."

Maryestelle (Clare) Bishop was just presented the top award at the Southwestern Oklahoma Iris Society show.  She received the award for the best specimen of the show sometimes called the "Queen of the Show". She was also awarded the Horticulture Sweepstakes Award for having the most blue ribbons for the Ica Pearson Traveling Trophy.

I'm so sorry I misspelled Sharon Michelle Kriz name in last news.  It is Kriz, not Kriss.

More remembrances......Some may have interest....the Route 66 Museum in Clinton is set to re-open 2:00pm, May 26.  The Museum originally opened in 1995 and has been closed for renovations. On May 26, visitors can tour the Musem *free* of charge!  I know numerous remember the old Route 66. Yours truly went all the way to California on it with my dad back in 1952.  Summer and a NON a/c car at that! Still remember the sites along the way.  Motels, diners, stores....very unique!

"More about Miss Stafford.  She taught note taking and  insisted that you use her method in class.  Well, I used her method all through college, and even today.  Other people would comment on my note taking; I would tell them that I was taught by the best."
Nancy (Page) Wakefield, Class of 1959 (but I moved my senior year to Oklahoma City!)
btw....Nancy is a Washington School alumn!

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I always dislike having to send sad news, but this is most difficult for me to write.  Some already know, others may not, but I lost my beautiful, sweet mom - Lucille Gill - on May 5 after some months of difficulty following a stroke on Jan. 30. Services were May 8.
Mom was 90 and one half and lived a long, good life.  She leaves a wonderful legacy as a mom who loved her kids.  We six siblings were so fortunate to have her as a mom. We have and will enjoy thousands of treasured memories as we remember her always. We will miss her terribly as do all who have lost loved ones.
Extended obit and guest book at:   <http://www.beckerfuneral.com/>
Photo of mom when she was about 20-22 years old.

John Donald 'Don' Aust, 82, of Lawton, passed on May 9.  Don attended Washington School and Lawton Jr High and was LHS class 1948. He married Jeannine Hannah (Ewing) in 1950. He is survived by his wife; a son Stephen; 2 granddaughters; a nephew, Billy Aust Cole; nieces, Donna Littlefield, Carolyn Hardeman, Cathy Cox. Extended family members.
Services will be 1:00pm, Monday May 14, Centenary Methodist church with burial at Highland Cemetery.
Extended obit and guest book at:   <http://www.grayfuneral.com/>

Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, '52, continues with treatment for cancer as does Tom Bullock and I know there are others. Please keep these in your prayers along with those who have lost loved ones.

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Yours truly will be off-line from Monday the 14 - 20th. 

If you are fortunate to still have your mom, don't forget her special day today....and every day! Time slips by so very quickly.    Georgia