High School reunions can be a competitive sport. At early reunions classmates compete with each other about jobs and incomes; at the 25th it is spouses and children. After that they brag about their grandchildren and vacation homes, while regarding with envy or glee classmate's waistlines, hairlines and wrinklelines. With a 50th reunion comes a new phase of competition, the one described by Woody Allen when he said, "Ninety percent of life is just showing up." (Written by Alyne EDMONSON SWEET for the 50th reunion of the Class of 1936.)Attention Class Reunion Committees! The Walters Educational Foundation will mail your reunion announcement letters for you. Just furnish them the letters and the mailing list. All they ask in return is for them to include a WEF brochure in the envelopes. This is good advertising for the Foundation and the classes do not have to pay postage. Contact the Superintendent's Office.The Walters Alumni Reunion was held Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 25, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. The evening began with a Coffee, Refreshments, and Visiting time. Jimmie Dedmon, WHS Alumnus and Superintendent of schools, spoke to the group about the great things going on at our school and how they are preparing the school and the students for the future. Logann Cooke, WHS Alumnus and recipient of the 2006 Alumni Scholarship Award, entertained us with several songs. This was followed by the introduction of classes and the singing of the school songs. After the program, visiting and reminiscing continued.Association dues are $5.00 for the two years and go to support the Alumni Association and the Scholarship Fund. We will also sell chances for a drawing of several school and Walters related items. We hope to see lots of you Alums there! For more information, contact Linda Garrison at 875-2054, or Johnnie and LaVena Parrish at 875-3273.
The Cotton County Museum, located at 116 N. Broadway, was open from 4-6 p.m. that day.
The 2004 Alumni Reunion is now a thing of the past. As we had not had a speaker at the dinner the last several times, the committee invited Michael Gibson of the class of 1988 to share with us his experiences. Michael was in a building adjacent to the World Trade Center when it was attacked on September 11, 2001. He served as General Manager of 7 Hanover Square and he and his team were able to restore the building to full operation by September 15, 2001. He currently serves as Vice President and Group Manager of Jones Lang LaSalle's New York Operation. He also has had interesting experiences while a Naval Officer aboard the USS John L. Hall. His primary duty while in the Navy was to conduct counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean as a boarding officer. We were also very pleased that Cookie Smith Payne, class of 1978, was here to provide the musical entertainment. She sang several numbers, including O Holy Night, and was well received. She was accompanied by one of her daughters singing high harmony, and assisted by her husband handling the technical side.
Linda Garrison and Sharon Wiley opened the new Cotton County Museum from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. that afternoon. Those who came by saw the progress we've made and enjoyed looking at the items that have been collected and donated. We think you will be pleasantly surprised when you visit it. And be thinking if there is something you have that you might be willing to donate to the museum (we even take money!).
Visitation began at 4:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall The dinner began at 6:00 p.m. in the new Cotton Electric Meeting building. The new building is a great addition to our town and we really enjoyed being one of the first groups to use its facilities.
In 1998 the Association instituted a $5.00 bi-annual membership dues. The Silent Auction, Alumni Basketball game and Alumni Association membership dues have all helped to put on the Reunion and allow us to offer scholarships to deserving Seniors. In 2003 a $300 scholarship was awarded to Landen Cooke and in 2004 a $300 scholarship was awarded to Tracy Murphy. The 2005 winner was Logann Cooke. We will also be very happy to receive donations to the Scholarship Fund.
We want to thank Philip Hart for the fantastic job he has done as president for the last three reunions. We look forward to seeing you here in 2006!
The class of 1975 will have their 35th Reunion on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at the Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 3031 N. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. There will also be a golf scramble Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Lake Hefner Golf Course. You must R.S.V.P. for the golf scramble by Thursday, July 1st. Contact Janis Flanagan Darley at 405-413-1219 or Cassie Wilson at 405-760-3188 for more information.The class of 1990 will hold their 20th Reunion July 16 and 17. For more information contact Sheri Davis at 580-585-4930 or Monty Powers at 580-585-3488.The class of 2000 will have their 10th Reunion on August 6 and 7. Please RSVP to waltersclassof2000@yahoo.com.The class of 1962 is gathering information for an upcoming class reunion. They are requesting names, phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses of anyone who attended school with their class, whether they graduated or not. Contact Linda Hawkins Farris at lkfarris44@gmail.com.The class of 1960 will celebrate the big 50 September 10 and 11, 2010, at the Winstar Microtel Inn in Thackerville, OK. Contact Scotty Simpson at 580-704-3212 or Lynn Wilson at 405-373-3668 for more details.The classes of 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1950 sponsored a class reunion June 26, 2010, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church.The class of 1950 celebrated their 60th reunion June 12, 2010 at the Rock Island Depot inWalters. Thirteen members were present with to commemorate this occasion. Those present were: Pat Hancock Driskill, wynema Martin Marshall, Marilyn Phillips Mallow, Freda Daughterty Meyer, Mary Ann Kurtz Holman, Bill Boyer, Frank Kinney, George Epp, LaWayne Jones, Eugene Wilson, Jimmy Carl Green, Ralph Thorne and John Parrish. Class sponsor, Billie Moore, also attended.The class of 1974 celebrated their 35th reunion October 31, 2009 at the Cotton Electric Civic Center. The class of 1984 celebrated their 25th reunion August 7-8, 2009. Twenty members of the class attended the "Boogie at the Barn" on Friday at the Cotton County Expo Center. This consisted of a catered meal, games, video presentations and live music. Saturday evening was enjoyed with family day at the Walters Youth Park, with hamburgers, hot dogs and swimming. The class established a scholarship fund in memory of Tim White and John Frederick.The class of 1949 celebrated their 60th reunion on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at the Walters Depot. The reunion began at 10:00, with lunch served at 1:00.The class of 1969 celebrated their 40th reunion on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the Expo Center in Walters. The Meet and Greet began at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m., catered by Joe Keeter. A Sunday afternoon get-together was enjoyed by all.The class of 1989 celebrated their 20th reunion on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13, 2009. An adults only get-together was held on June 12th. The whole family was invited to a Cookout/Pool Party on the 13th.The class of 1953 held their 55th class reunion Saturday, May 24, 2008 at the Cotton Electric Meeting Room. The festivities began at 2:00 p.m. The classes of 1952 and 1954 were invited to join them. After an afternoon of visiting and reminiscing, Barbara (Reece) Moy [Class of 1953] and her husband and former Arthur Murray teacher, Roland, gave a demonstration of popular ballroom dances. Barbara and Roland now live in Boone, NC. Many people brought photos and school days mementos to share. After a catered dinner, the group discussed plans for the next reunion. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. The Class of 1958 held their 50th class reunion Saturday and Sunday, August 23 & 24th, 2008 at the Winstar Microtel Inn at Thackerville, OK. Twenty-four classmates gathered for a weekend of visiting and reminiscing. The weather was beautiful, the rooms were comfortable, and the meeting room was accommodating. Linda Garrison brought a number of photo albums of school days and Walters. Name tags were decorated with a photo as we were in 1958. Many amusing stories and tall tales were shared. A number of candid photos were shot and a group photo was taken. Everyone was on their own for meals and most went to one of the restaurants in the casino. Sunday morning a Devotional service was held with a necrology of our classmates who have passed on. They included fellow graduates: Helen High Smith, Truman Smith, Robert Lawrence, Joe Dwyer, Edwina Reece Abbe and Cariol White Hoodenpyle. Former classmates are: Tracy Coy, Billy Carl Gunn, Billy Davis, Calvin King, Cecil Permansu, Linda Su Cawood, Mickey Titchywy, and Norman Glascock. The group decided to meet again in three years at the same place. Those present for the reunion were: Celia Allmon and husband, Frank Doherty; Maxine Bates Mobley; Edna Jo Bridges and husband, Paul Ray; Kay Dyer and Frank Parks; Gerald Hayes & Sue; Derwin Jones & Beth; Jerry Jones & Beverly; Kenneth Jackson & Gloria; Nancy Jackson and husband, Mitch Mitchell; Susie McMasters and husband, Frank Hall; Wanda Moon and husband, Larry Johnson; Judy Nichols and husband, Doyle Martin; Linda Norman Garrison; Barbara Otis & husband, Charles Hibbitts; Sherry Parks; Bob Shelly & Betty; James Teakell; Mike Thompson & Dee Dee; Billy Jeff Welden & Rhonda; Roy Williams; Linda Urice and husband, Chester Phillips; Donnie Martin & Christine; George Fielding; and former classmate, Freddie Cook & Lynn. The Class of 1948 held their 60th reunion on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Cotton Electric Community Room. They enjoyed a day of reminiscing, catching up on current events in their lives, entertainment by vocalist, LynsieADene Thompson, and a good lunch catered by Linda Houston Cromwell. Those who attended were Dan Gene Bigbee, Zona Red Elk Suminski, Kendal Bales, June Mershon Copeland, Jim Wilson, Jo Nell Moorman Wilson, John E. Taylor, Jo Franklin Klein, Lois Turner Snider, Marilyn Varner Kidd, Bill Kidd and James Thacker.The Class of 1966 held their 40th reunion on Friday, November 24, 2006, in the Cotton Electric Civic Room. The evening started with a Mexican Fiesta with Mexican decor and great good. The grad who traveled the farthest to attend was Regina Rippee Slonicker from Virginia, the one with the most grandchildren was Horace Nichols with 14, and the ones who were voted to have changed the most were Kenneth Kidd and Nadine King Wilson. Taylor Hart, granddaughter of Larry Max Phillips, sang several 60's songs. Visiting and reminiscing were the order of the evening and a great time was had by all. Contacts for more information are: Marylyn Hawkins, 875-2523; Linda McDavid Hefler, 342-6282; or June Cromwell, 875-2748.The Class of 1981 held their 25-year reunion in November 2006 at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.The Class of 1991 held their 15-year reunion November 24, 2006. For more information contact Joey Parks Scherler at 875-3634 or 585-1989. The Class of 1996 met October 21, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at Mike's Sports Grill in Lawton to celebrate their 10th year reunion.The Classes of 1955, 1956 & 1957 gathered July 1, 2006 at the First United Methodist church for a reunion. Mistress of Ceremonies for the occasion was Pat Simmons Zachary, Class of 1957. After a catered meal, the classes were welcomed, paying special attention to the Class of 1956, celebrating their 50th anniversary. Entertainment included the 1956 Boys Quartet of Nick Carter, Richard Smith, Joyce Mason and Bill Penn singing "Just a Little Talk With Jesus." They then asked the Girls Quartet of Rheu Nell Fudge Horton, Dixie Speir Spencer, Frances Brown Zisman and Anita Thompson Bateman to join them in singing "Mansion Over the Hilltop" and "I'll Fly Away." Bill Penn then followed this with his cornet solo of "Sugar Blues." There were 54 members of the three classes present, plus their spouses and some guests, including Coach Ralph Whitely. A great time was reported to be had by all.The Class of 1967 celebrated their 39th graduation anniversary on Saturday, July 1, 2006. The festivities began at 1 p.m. at the Expo Center at the Fairgrounds. Family and friends and others who went to school with the class were welcome to join in the reunion.The Class of 1948 met in Walters on May 6, 2006 for their 58th reunion. There were 9 classmates present. Those answering the roll were: John Taylor, Edmond; Fred Harris, Corrales, NM; Mildred Fletcher Fullen, Joshua, TX; Jo Franklin Klein, Lawton; Rev. Reaves Nahwooks, Cache; June Mershon Copeland, Edmond; Jim Wilson, Wichita, KS; and James Thacker and Jesse Sheppard, Walters. Plans are underway for their 60th reunion in 2008.The Class of 1965 held their 40th reunion in November, 2005. The Class of 1960 held their 45 year reunion September 9 & 10, 2005 at Microtel Inn & Suites, I-35, Exit 1, Thackerville, OK. This is located half-way between Oklahoma City and Dallas and two hours from Walters and Lawton.The Class of 1955 held their 50th anniversary on Saturday, August 13, 2005, at Sultan Park. Twenty-four class members plus spouses attended and enjoyed the day of reminiscing and great food. Everyone agreed how thankful we are to have been raised in Walters during the 50's.The Classes of 1945, 1946, 1947 and 1948 held a joint reunion Saturday, May 7th, 2005, at the Cotton Electric Civic Center. The large group enjoyed the day.The Class of 1950 held a reunion celebrating their 54th anniversary on Saturday, November 27, 2004, at St. Patrick Catholic Church Hall. This is the 12th time they have met as a group since graduating. Twelve members of the class were in attendance, as well as family members. That evening they attended the Alumni Banquet as a group. They plan to meet again in 2006.The Class of 1954 held their 50th Reunion, November 16-18, 2004, in Branson, Missouri. Seventeen classmates and most of their spouses were in attendance. A great time was had by all.The Class of 1974 held their 30th Reunion Saturday, November 27, 2004.The Class of 1979 held their 25th Reunion Saturday, November 27, 2004, at the new Cotton Electric Meeting building. Thirteen members gathered for reminiscing.The Class of 1994 held their 10th Reunion, Saturday, November 27, 2004, in the high school cafeteria.The Class of 1964 held their 40th Reunion, Saturday, December 11, 2004 in the high school cafeteria.
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