Lamar High School - Houston
              Class of 1959 Web Site:             Lamar59.org

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Reunion Logo for 60th

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new postingHot News:  Classmate needs help!
 Redskins Forever!    The Houston Café Commune
Lamar Ladies at Cafe ExpressUnruly classmates at Black Walnut
 new posting Plethora of Houston Venues:   1 February 2024, 71 degrees, nice Houston day, Groundhog Day Eve, and Houston is barely big enough to accomodate all the Lamar '59 gatherings!   At left, the Lovely Lamar Ladies at the Cafe Express location include Lou Parks Gorski, Sharon Anderson Rose, Gail Larue Layne, and Barbara Pickard.  And at right, at the Black Walnut on Memorial Drive, one additional Lovely Lady was surrounded by the less lovely gender.  Clockwise, we have Phil and Bette Azadian Leonard, Rick McDowell, Joe KeathleyLawrence Thompson, Ross Margraves, Larry Hitt, Victor Driscoll, and Tom Herren.  We note Larry Hitt holding a gingerbreadman cookie and pointing to Bette a.k.a. the Christmas Cookie Lovely Lady. Bette didn't make the December lunch so kindly brought the (not a bit stale) cookies to this lunch.  March lunch will be out on Black Walnut patio.  Join one (or both) of these Houston groups on the first Thursday in March and we'll get you a cookie!  
Houston Lunch Bunch 7 Dec 2023



 7 Dec 2023: Houston Lunch Bunch - going clockwise around the table are Lee Seureau (first day to drive after recent shoulder surgery), Travis Broesche, Sharon Anderson Rose, Barbara Pickard, Lou Gorski, Sukey Fenoglio, Joe Keathley, Lawrence Thompson, Gail Layne, Larry Hitt, and Rick McDowell. The Christmas cookie exchange was fun. Bette Azadian Leonard, originator of the cookie exchange many years ago, was missed!
2023 Oct - Black Walnut #2
5 Oct 2023:   Black Walnut Rules!  (clockwise from left) Rick McDowell, Frank Kelly , Joe Keathley, Lawrence Thompson, Ross Margraves, Larry Hitt, and Rick Lilliott. A first time for Ross attending, looking for Wendell to buy his lunch.. Black Walnut Restaurant on Memorial Drive just east of Memorial Park.  And where are Lou, Barbara, and Sharon?   Wait until next month!  The rain cometh!  
26 Sept 2023 - Travis and Blackledge26 Sept 2023:   The Albuquerque Contingent of the Lamar Class of 1959
gather at El Patron Restaurante y Cantina, and talk about the Houston Contingent.
(left to right)  Travis Broesche, Mike Blackledge
(right to left)  Mike Blackledge, Travis Broesche

Lamar High School 85th Anniversary T-Shirts were on display.
No margaritas were consumed on the premises.
The Black Walnut - Sept 7, 2023Old Webmaster with new T-shirt provided by Bette Azadian - Lamar's 85th
New Restaurant with Old T-shirts!  Great lunch on 7 Sept 2023 at The Black Walnut on Memorial Drive near Memorial Park. (CW from left) Sharon Anderson Rose, Bill Higdon, Malcolm Bell, Bette Azadian Leonard, Lynn Hughes, Phil Leonard, Jack Kamrath, Larry Hitt, Rick Lilliott, Joe Keathley, Rick McDowell. Thanks to Betty for the 85th anniversary Lamar high school (opened in 1938) T-shirts (sample at right, with old webmaster). What a turnout. A good time was had by all. Finally found a lunch place close enough to town so that both federal district judges and unindicted former beer tavern entrepreneurs will appear.
2023Aug03 at Beck's Prime, Memorial Park
  New location, old lunchers!  Lamar Class of '59 just keeps growing and going. So now we have two lunch bunches going on in Houston.  Here we see the group at Beck's Prime in Memorial Park area.   (CW, from lower left)  Bette Azadian Leonard with husband Phil, Larry Hitt, Bill Higdon, Joe Keathley, Rick McDowell, Rick Lilliott, Frank Kelly, Victor Driscoll.  Next month, the group will try the Black Walnut and then vote on a favorite.  Meanwhile, Barbara Pickard still hosts the lunch group at Café Express.  So many choices!  Come join one!
2023 July 6 Houston Lunch Bunch
 We got cake!  Celebrating the 4th on the 6th of July 2023, at Café Express in Houston.  (CW, from lower left)  Larry Hitt, Sharon Anderson Rose, Bill Higdon, Phil Leonard (honorary 59er), Bette Azadian Leonard, Barbara Pickard, Frank Kelly, Victor Driscoll, Gail LaRue Layne.  Cake!  Life ain't so bad!
   Lamar of the Future
 '59ers in Galveston:    24-26 October 2014       Click here
How Redskins Became Texians


Classmate Information


Robert "Bob" Hammann, c. 1959




Linda Hudson, c. 1959



Asa Weldon, c. 2012



Don Noble, c. 1959





Nancy Culbertson, c. 1959





















Carolyn Carothers c. 1959


Patsy Kennedy, c. 1959



Susan Ellis, c. 1959


Dianne Wall c. 1959



Danny Tompkins c. 1959



Bain Williams c. 1959


Nancy Smith Stewart


Anne Watts c. 1959





Our most recent classmate news


new posting Bob Hammann  - Our classmate Robert "Bob" Hammann died on 12 May 2023 in College Station, TX.  Bob was on the Debate Team with Gene Clements and Mike Hall, and on the Lamar baseball team that played for the State Championship in 1959.  During the summer he was a lifeguard at the Shamrock Hilton Hotel.  In 2015, he and Betty moved to College Station to be closer to family - yeah, grandkids will do that.

Orenda page       Obituary


Linda Hudson  - Our classmate Linda Hudson died peacefully in her sleep on 7 October 2023 after a lengthy stay in a nursing care unit in Kyle, Texas.  Linda lived a full life, being inducted as a Houston Debutante before heading off to Newcomb - -Tulane University in New Orleans.  She later pursed her Masters Degree in Psychology at the University of Houston to launch her career as a therapist with the Houston Independent School District.

Orenda page       Obituary


Help for Asa  - Our classmate Asa Weldon has fallen on most difficult times, both medically and financially. Asa has already sold his family china and his prized Bianchi bicycle. What can we do? 

If each of Asa's '59 classmates would donate $59, the stated goal would be achieved. His GoFundMe page outlines the situation and had raised $2,275 prior to the Class email.  It is now up to $4,361 and we need another $59.  Would you contribute?  

Orenda page          GoFundMe page        Facebook page


 Don Noble  - Our classmate Don Noble died on 5 February 2024.  Don had attended Univ of Texas where he pledged Sigma Chi, and later transferred to TCU where he graduated.  He then returned to Houston and went to work in the oil business with his father.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, 1 March at 11 am in the Jasek Chapel of Geo H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.  Re Don's wishes, guests are kindly asked to dress in western casual attire, no ties.

Orenda page       Obituary


Nancy Culbertson - Our classmate Nancy Culbertson (DeLorenzo) died peacefully on Sunday 26 November 2023.  A memorial service to celebrate Nancy's life will be held at Houston's First Baptist Church Chapel on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10am.  Full details are here

Orenda page       Obituary    

Nancy is seen here with our classmate James Davis at our Galveston Reunion in 2014: Nancy with James Davis, Galveston 2014


Carolyn Carothers - Our classmate CarolynCarolyn-c1980 Carothers (Doege) died on 13 August 2023 in Cypress, TX.  Carolyn earned her masters in biology and chemistry at Sam Houston State and taught for many years in Texas.  Her obituary captures a life of many interests and accomplishments.
 Orenda page   Obituary and Memorial Video


Patsy Kennedy - Our classmate Patsy Kennedy (Paine) died on 14 July 2023 at her home in Garland, TX.  A viewing was held on 22 July.

Orenda page   Obituary


 Susan Ellis - We were saddened to hear that our classmaSusan Ellis, c. 2020te Susan Ellis (Cooper) died on 14 April 2023 at her home in Dallas.  Forever seared in the memory of many of our classmates, Susan performed a steamy rendition of "Steam Heat" [The Pajama Game] with Tommy Tune '57 during our sophomore year.  
Memorial service held at  Highland Park United Methodist
Church in Dallas on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.  

Orenda page   Obituary


Diane WallDianne Wall Nail c. 2010Our class has learned that Diane Wall (Nail) died in her home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma back on 5 February 2021.  Diane and her husband were both veterinarians and well loved in the community.  

Orenda page       Obituary  


Memorial Service for Danny - Our classmate Vann Phillips reported on Sunday 2 April 2023: "Beth and I attended a memorial service this morning for Dan Tompkins who died June 22, 2022 in California. The service was at Dan’s sister, Mary Harris’s, house here in Dallas from 9:30 to 11:30 followed by a nice luncheon at the Dallas Country Club. The service was just like being in a church with a minister and great music. Many of Dan’s relatives attended. I saw Dan frequently when we were both in business. His mother and sister lived in Dallas and we are good friends with his sister. Today would have been Dan’s 82nd birthday."
Bain Williams - Our classmate Bain Williams died 6 March 2023 in Fredericksburg, TX after struggling with Parkinsons for years. His published obituary is replete with memories and recognition from friends.

Orenda page   Obituary
Nancy Smith - The New Braunfels paper lists this obituary for Nancy Smith (Stewart) who died 11 Mar 2023.  Nancy was in our [January] Class of 1959 but attended summer school in 1958 so she could graduate early and enter Texas Tech in Fall 1958.  Thus  Nancy did not appear in our '59 Orenda but is in our Electronic Orenda. Nancy sang with the Melodots and the Choralettes and we are working with Kay Daigle and Nancy's sister Pam on a Melodots feature for mid-May to honor all 5 Melodots.  
Orenda page   Obituary
Anne Watts (Morris) - Our classmate Anne Watts died on Sunday 26 February 2023 in Austin, TX. Along with Gene Clements, Anne was one of our premier reporters on The Lancer.and from there excelled on the Rice Thresher and on into national publications and writings.  Anne's obituary was published in the Austin American Statesman on 16 March and her Celebration of Life was Saturday 15 April at Las Polomas Restaurant in Austin, TX.
Orenda page   Obituary  








65th Reunion ?
Unfounded RumoursThis page captures some of the buzz, innuendo, and just flat Fake News swirling around these days about possible celebrations in 2024.  Send in yours!
Fredericksburg 2021
Fredericksburg 2021Classmates (and guests) who showed up for this event - and two (2) links to some great photos.  Perhaps a few memories will be posted?   Click here for the list, the strudel, the links, the wienerschnitzel!
60th Reunion
60th Reunion PhotosProvides links to collections of photos as provided by our classmates from the 60th Reunion, 29-31 March 2019
60th Reunion AttendeesProvides the 'final' list of attendees for the 60th Reunion - yes, a few like Pat Haragan didn't make it, but ... here is the list!  
60th Reunion ActivitiesOur 60th Reunion  occurred in Houston during 29-31 March 2019.    Results:
           Plans        Attendees       Photos       T-shirts  
Message to the ClassOur classmate Sue Harlow (Frederick) did not attend our 60th Reunion, but sent this message (with photo) from Tennessee to you.
Classmates in Contact
59ers Lunch Bunch Wendell Mendell coordinates this monthly gathering of classmates at the Marathon Oil Building cafeteria in Houston.  Send your e-mail to Wendell@Lamar59.org to receive a reminder each month.  Or just show up!
Electronic OrendaOur class directory  based on our Orenda - even those folks who didn't get their photo in are featured here - with current hometown noted and a link to their Lamar memories and Class Photo location where known.   Send in your information to Webmaster@Lamar59.org
50th Reunion
50th Reunion Report Prepared as an article on our 50th Reunion for Fran Callahan to publish in the Alumni Assocation Newsletter, this (2MB) PDF file provides an overall summary of our Reunion and the events of the weekend, with a few photos of interest.
50th Reunion Activities Our fun-filled weekend of November 13-15, 2009.  These five events were packed into three fun-filled days!  Click here to see the list of classmates registered to attend our 50th, from Anchorage to Naples.
50th Reunion Memories The remarks (as a PDF file) presented by Lynn Zarr and Sherry Strater at our 50th Celebration (Saturday Night, River Oaks Country Club, 14 Nov 2009).
Memories
 Photos from Reunions Photos from our other reunions (Fredericksburg in 2012, 50th in 2009) are shared here  - including a few from post-reunion activities.   Includes some suggested free on-line storage sites for sharing your pics.
In Memoriam Classmate obituaries and memorial sites.  Includes link to the current (PDF format)  list of deceased classmates. 
Helping Others
Hope ScholarshipsOur classmates Frank Jones and Sukey Fenoglio worked with the Lamar Alumni Association to establish some scholarships for "B" students at Lamar to attend college ("A" students have little trouble obtaining financial assistance).   Details here


Memories, Memories
Memory Album
A special collection where classmates are encouraged to share their memories of Lamar - and their life since.    Send your info  to Webmaster@Lamar59.org     As needed:  MS Word file or  PDF file describing the Album and offering suggestions for submittals. 
50th Reunion Cruise Journal Ignatius Snigglefritz provides his personal journal from the 50th Reunion Cruise (September 16-26, 2009),  New York City to Quebec City.  
50th Reunion Reflections The essay (as a PDF file) composed for the 50th Reunion by Jon Hugh Fleming as appearing in the Reunion Directory.  "Through the loving union of our parents, we came to this good Earth during 1941...."  
Class Photo
Where are you in this panorama photo from November 1958?   Email your Row and Position number to Webmaster@Lamar59.org if you're not already identified.   Click on one of the four sub-panels to actually see who is standing next to you. 
Lamar Lancers Here you have access to years of our Lamar Lancer papers, from  Sept 19, 1956 to May 14, 1959.  Fun reading!  
Pershing Chatters
Now available hereThanks to Wayne Shull, here are PDF files of some of the Pershing Jr High School newspapers from 1953-1956.
Fun Photos
Collection of the Senior Interest Photos from our 1959 Orenda - click on any small photo to see the larger version.
Activities Photos
Clubs, Football Photos from our 1959 Orenda - click on any small photo to see the larger version.
  Houston Photos
Provides link to some 40 historic photos of Houston during our formative years, plus comments and memories by classmates.
Commencement Exercise
Where were you on 2 June 1959 at 8 pm?   Why, in the old Sam Houston Coliseum, of course!   Click at left to display your Commencement Exercise program.  This is the only version that doesn't list Janet Junker in the Cabinet twice!  
Medicare Cruise Remember that milestone in 2006 when we reached the magic year of Medicare eligibility?  Here are photos and memories from some of the less mature members of our Class celebrating via a Medicare Cruise through the uncharted waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
45th Reunion The Class of 1959 45th Reunion Weekend:  Houston, April 30 - May 2, 2004 
Stories from '59 Some of Jon Hugh Fleming's memories from our days at Lamar - as delivered at the 45th Reunion.  [PDF file]
Roberts Elementary
  Roberts Elementary was a  feeder school to Pershing and Lanier, which fed Lamar.  Here are photos of some of our classmates back in 1951-1953.  Did we have a great childhood or what! 
40th Reunion One classmate's musings following the Class of 1959 40th Reunion Weekend:  Houston, April 11-12, 1999.
The Reunion Poem "Every five years, as summertime nears, an announcement arrives in the mail ..."   Thus begins this summary of class reunions, author unknown.  Kay Cole Segrato provided it for the Class of 1959.  If you want a version with  animated cartoons, go to this site and scroll down....
Back to the Fifties
Frank Jones suggests visiting this fun site that captures some of the spirit of our youth.   (For the 'full songs,' visit our Memory Album. )
Lost in the Fifties
A large file to download (about 6 MB) yet worth the time - fun collection of slides (PowerPoint) of 'how it was' during our high school years.


Other Lamar Sites
Lamar Alumni
This site provides information for all graduates of Lamar Senior High School, to include upcoming reunions and events. 
Class of 1958
Yeah, they're a lot older than us ... but didn't we date some of these people?
Class of 1957
At one time, the Class of 1957 had a nice web site which even included information on some of our teachers, e.g., Ms Hollingsworth, Mr. Gentry.  However, in 2019, all we can find is this incomplete commercial site.  Let us know if you find something better.  
Class of 1956
Nice job of integrating Class Bios and photos and videos where available - using myevent.com web site. 
Class of 1960
They were so young back then ...  
Class of 1962
This is the In Memoriam site for the Class of 1962
Wikipedia
Hey, you mean our High School is actually famous enough to have our own entry in Wikipedia?  With the River Oaks Blvd joke?   This is so cool!
Lamar High School
What is going on back at the mother ship?  Lamar today is an International Baccalaureate World School .... say what?
Orenda
   The purported reservation for the last of the Redskins:  Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School Class of 1959 - Lamar59.org  
   A FindAGrave Virtual Cemetery related to the Lamar Class of 1959 is here.  
   With acknowledgement and in appreciation of the behind-the-electrons efforts of our deceased classmate Jack Drummond who developed the Electronic Orenda which we use on every visit to this site.
  Updated 16 March 2024
Contact Webmaster@Lamar59.org; and Larry Hitt:  Larry@Lamar59.org