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

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new posting Hey, your next chance for 65th Reunion Redux!
Remember what a good time we had at the happy hour last May 7? If yes, your memory is intact! If not, scroll down this page just a bit!  We talked about doing it again in about six months, so here wego!   Kirby Ice House at 3333 Eastside St. in Houston has reserved space for us on Tuesday, November 12 from 4-7 pm CT.  Click for more information on their "Upper Kirby" location.  Be sure to let Larry Hitt know if you might be attending! new posting There may be a dinner following!  (Bette Leonard has suggested dinner afterwards at Goode Company Taqueria on Kirby for those interested.) 

Fall Food:   To the right on 3 October 2024 these folks from your class (yes, Phil is honorary!)  gathered at Houston's Black Walnut.  Clockwise is Frank Kelly, Rick Lilliott, Rick McDowell, Bette Azadian and Phil Leonard, and Vic Driscoll.  Although Larry Hitt missed this one, the group still managed to have a good time! 		Oct 2024 Lunch
This is 222KB of Kirby's
Kirby's - Rick McDowell, Malcolm Bell
       65th Reunion!  We did it!  (well, sorta)

Lamar 59ers Happy Hour at Kirby Ice House, Houston
      Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 4-7 PM CDT

Yes, 2024 is our 65th reunion year (how can that be?).

A good time was had by all at the happy hour gathering. We had around 40 in attendance for this lively (at least for octogenarians) gabfest. It was good to catch up with some classmates we hadn't seen in awhile. Here is a link to the Google Photos album including pictures taken by Larry Hitt aong with five sent by Betsy Anderson: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pRWTmfKp9fHdJqMZ9. If you have pictures to add to the album and have a Google account, open the app, then sign in and click on Add Pictures.

SOME OF THE ATTENDEES AS SEEN IN THE GOOGLE PHOTOS ALBUM
Jack and Sandra Kamrath, Joanne Edmundsen, Ross Margraves, Bette Azadian and Phil Leonard, Wendell and Pam Mendell, Malcolm Bell, Sukey Fenoglio, Rick and Gwen Lilliott, Barbara Curtis, Betsy Anderson, Lou Parks Gorski, Rick McDowell, Joe Keathley, Larry Hitt, Anne Shallenberger, Karen Tellepsen, Joe DeLorenzo, Tom Henderson, Tom and Becky Herren, Sharon Anderson Rose, Karen Taussig, Mike Busby, Lee Chatham and Glenn Seureau, Barbara Pickard, Nolan Marye


Yes, let's do this again in about six months!

 Redskins Forever!    The Houston Café Commune
Total Totality:   Our classmate Rick McDowell was provided with an excused absence from Lamar59 Lunches in Houston last week, as we was sent on a special mission to Dallas to view the Solar Eclipse.
4 Apr 2024 Barbara's 4 Cafe ExpressTrump 2024 sneakers
4 Apr 2024 Black Walnut, HoustonBette and Book
 Beauties, Booties, and Books:   4 April 2024 found friendly fellows and gals from perhaps the finest class to ever matriculate during the Holocene epoch, some 65 years in the distant past.  Above, at Houston's Cafe Express, we find Barbara Pickard, Sharon Anderson Rose, Nancy Sue Bammel, and Lou Parks Gorski.  Nancy Sue is from that endangered species, the midtermer who chooses to associate with the June grads.  Gail Larue Layne was expected to attend but was a bit under the weather and thus missed this April display by Barbara of PatriotiCustom sneakers. 

Simultaneously we found (lower photo) at Houston's Black Walnut Cafe:  Frank Jones, Larry Hitt, Sukey Fenoglio, Bette Azadian and Phil Leonard, Victor Driscoll, and Rick Lilliott.  To the right, Bette displays one of her most recent and treasured acquisitions, the 388 page tome Every Memory A Story (2023) containing 60 stories (some by classmates) as compiled by your Erstwhile Class Anecdotographer Mike Blackledge (shown on cover, right). 

Mike informs us that the Table of Contents and Order Form ($10 discount during 2024 for any Lamar '59 classmate, January or June) is available at website BlackledgeBook.org
Lamar Ladies at Cafe ExpressUnruly classmates at Black Walnut
  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 Keathley, Lawrence 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!

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.
   Lamar of the Future
 '59ers in Galveston:    24-26 October 2014       Click here
How Redskins Became Texians


Classmate Information

Asa Weldon, c. 2012


Lynn Zarr



Beth Gainey (Gay), c. 1959




Robert "Bob" Hammann, c. 1959




Linda Hudson, c. 1959







Don Noble, c. 1959





Nancy Culbertson, c. 1959





















Carolyn Carothers c. 1959


Patsy Kennedy, c. 1959



Susan Ellis, c. 1959


Dianne Wall c. 1959
Our most recent classmate news

new postingAsa Weldon  - Our classmate Asa Weldon died Wednesday evening, 23 October 2024, following several months of Hospice care at Holly Home Retirement Center in Houston.

Asa was supported by our classmate Tom Herren and his small group Bible Study at Second Baptist called The Flock, as Asa had no family.  Asa’s service was held Friday, November 15 at the Hankamer Chapel at Second Baptist Church 6400 Woodway.  On 24 November 2024, Asa was interred in the Houston National Cemetery..

 Orenda page  Obituary

Lynn Zarr  - Our beloved classmate Lynn Zarr died peacefully on 1 Sept 2024.  "Tough as nails but with a heart of gold" - an excellent obituary for Lynn, "Papa Zarr", is linked.

Orenda page       Obituary

Beth GaineyBeth Gainey (Gay), c. 2023  - Our classmate Beth Gainey (Gay) died peacefully on 16 March 2024 in a Memory Care Unit in Tyler, TX.  Beth was a graduate of both SMU (undergrad) and Texas (Masters) and taught elementary school for many years before retiring as an assistant principal in Beamont.  A dear friend to many, to include Rick McDowell who provided the link to Beth's obituary.  Beth will be remembered and missed.    

Orenda page       Obituary

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

 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
65th Reunion at Lunches
Unfounded RumoursThere will not be an 'official' Reunion for the Class in 2024 - however, the lunch gatherings (primarily in Houston) provide that atmosphere on a monthly basis.  This page captures some former buzz, innuendo, and just flat Fake News swirling around in the past about possible celebrations in 2024.  
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 here!  Thanks 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
   This page is 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.  
   In Honor Of:  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 almost every visit.  (Jack would remind you that full size photos of your classmates are available when you click on the thumbnail size photo.)
  Updated 5 Dec 2024
Contact Webmaster@Lamar59.org; and Larry Hitt:  Larry@Lamar59.org