Lamar Class of 1959

Margaret Sinclair - We had announced earlier th Margaret Sinclair, c. 2010.

at our classmate Margaret Sinclair died in May 2021. Her son Bill Carter now informs us that Margaret's services will be held 8 July 2022 at 10 am at the Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Galveston, TX and that all are welcome to attend. Margaret's obituary with family photo is linked below.

Orenda page Obituary

Danny Tompkins - Our classmate Dan Tompkins died Wednesday 22 June 2022 in Los Altos, CA. Vann Phillips was informed of Dan's passing by Dan's sister Mary Harris. Additional details when available.

Orenda page Obituary

Cynthia Lindsey (Salvato) - Our classmate Cynthia Lindsey died on the morning of 13 May 2022. Larry Hitt informs us, "Cynthia's notice was in the Chronicle this morning. She made a number of the lunches in recent years and seemed to be in perfect health." Funeral services will be held Saturday 28 May. Details are in her obituary, linked below.

Orenda page Obituary

Charles Oldham - Our classmate Charles Oldham, a longtime resident and real estate agent of Maui, HI, died 23 April 2022 at Houston Hospice. Funeral services were held 28 April in Corley, TX; Interment in Chilton Cemetery, Big Sandy, TX.

Orenda page FindAGrave Memorial Obituary

NASA Interview - Our classmate Wendell Mendell was captured for historical purposes in this 2017 interview transcript for the NASA Science Mission Oral History Project. Yes, we have reached that point where Lamar 59ers are the keepers of the flame and the recognized voices of history! Excellent job, Wendell!

Addison Thorn - Our classmate Addison Thorn died on 8 February 2022 in Katy, TX. He was born on April 25, 1941. A Celebration of Life for Addison will be held at Houston's First Baptist Church, 7400 Katy Freeway 77024 on February 25th, 2022, at 11 am in the Morris Chapel. Our thanks to Lou Parks Gorski for forwarding this information.
Orenda page Obituary

Cathryn Meldrum - Our classmate Cathryn Meldrum (Conrad) passed away on January 16, 2022, after a long illness. She grad Cathryn Meldum, c. 1990

uated from SMU and taught history in various public school systems until retiring in 1985. She was a longtime resident of Houston until she moved to Kerrville with her husband, Jeremy Wicker, in 2012. Cathryn was laid to rest January 27, 2022, in Forest Park Lawndale, Houston.
Orenda page Obituary

Betty Dabney - Our classmate Elizabeth Vinson "Betty" Dabney (Charles) died peacefully at her home in Houston on 28 December 2021. She grew up in Houston and was educated at River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School, and Lamar High School, attended Randolph-Macon Women's College, Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from The University of Texas with a BA in history.
Orenda page Obituary

Robert Wagner - Larry Wagner, the brother of our classmate Robert has informed us that Bob died mid-December 2021.

Orenda page Obituary

Carol Childress - Rollo Storey reports that our classmate Carol Carol Childress Turnure, c. 2019

Childress Turner passed away early Wednesday morning, December 15, 2021 at Hospital Joya (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico). "Carol was a wonderful friend to all of us. We will miss her and her dedication to making contacts with friends."

Orenda page Obituary

The Wombat Beats Covid - Our classmate Kathleen Much has authored and illustrated three children's pamphlets to help assuage children's fears on the pandemic. Please contact wombatbookdr@gmail.com for more information or to acquire these.

Jim Sartwelle - Our classmate Jim Sartwelle died unexpectedly on 5 November 2021 in Sealy, TX. A private family-only funeral was held on Tuesday 9 November 2021.
Orenda page Bio:Texas A&M Honor Registry Obituary

John McCaskill - Our classmate John McCaskill died suddenly on 4 August 2021 as the result of an accident at his second home in Galveston, TX.
John loved tinkering with his boats, fishing and crabbing in the bay.

Orenda page Obituary

Denny Reed - Our classmate Dennis Dale Reed passed away July 21, 2021 in Kerrville. He married Jean Teel on July 25, 1964 in Dallas.
Memorial services were held on August 14, 2021 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville, Texas.

Orenda page Obituary

B.E. Buschardt - Our classmate B.E. "Bud" Buschardt died 15 March 2021 in Carrolton, TX. A well known TV and radio personality in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Here is a video of Bud providing a trip down memory lane on campus at UNT. Donations can be made to a scholarship fund in Bud's name at the University of North Texas as noted in more than one of his on-line memorials linked from his obituary..
Orenda page Obituary

Charlie Ward - Our classmate Charlie Ward died on 15 June 2021 from complications of heart disease. A founder of Media Communications and later, Idea Works Global, he reached the pinnacle of success in luxury marketing. A private celebration of life will be held in Santa Barbara, California.
Orenda page Obituary

Johnny Dull - Our classmate Johnny Dull died on 1 June 2021 in Houston. His memorial services were held on 11 June at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. Donations may be made to the Houston Alzheimer's Association at this special page for Johnny..
Orenda page Obituary

Classmate Information
	Our most recent classmate news Margaret Sinclair - We had announced earlier that our classmate Margaret Sinclair died in May 2021. Her son Bill Carter now informs us that Margaret's services will be held 8 July 2022 at 10 am at the Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Galveston, TX and that all are welcome to attend. Margaret's obituary with family photo is linked below. Orenda page Obituary Danny Tompkins - Our classmate Dan Tompkins died Wednesday 22 June 2022 in Los Altos, CA. Vann Phillips was informed of Dan's passing by Dan's sister Mary Harris. Additional details when available. Orenda page Obituary Cynthia Lindsey (Salvato) - Our classmate Cynthia Lindsey died on the morning of 13 May 2022. Larry Hitt informs us, "Cynthia's notice was in the Chronicle this morning. She made a number of the lunches in recent years and seemed to be in perfect health." Funeral services will be held Saturday 28 May. Details are in her obituary, linked below. Orenda page Obituary Charles Oldham - Our classmate Charles Oldham, a longtime resident and real estate agent of Maui, HI, died 23 April 2022 at Houston Hospice. Funeral services were held 28 April in Corley, TX; Interment in Chilton Cemetery, Big Sandy, TX. Orenda page FindAGrave Memorial Obituary NASA Interview - Our classmate Wendell Mendell was captured for historical purposes in this 2017 interview transcript for the NASA Science Mission Oral History Project. Yes, we have reached that point where Lamar 59ers are the keepers of the flame and the recognized voices of history! Excellent job, Wendell! Addison Thorn - Our classmate Addison Thorn died on 8 February 2022 in Katy, TX. He was born on April 25, 1941. A Celebration of Life for Addison will be held at Houston's First Baptist Church, 7400 Katy Freeway 77024 on February 25th, 2022, at 11 am in the Morris Chapel. Our thanks to Lou Parks Gorski for forwarding this information. Orenda page Obituary Cathryn Meldrum - Our classmate Cathryn Meldrum (Conrad) passed away on January 16, 2022, after a long illness. She graduated from SMU and taught history in various public school systems until retiring in 1985. She was a longtime resident of Houston until she moved to Kerrville with her husband, Jeremy Wicker, in 2012. Cathryn was laid to rest January 27, 2022, in Forest Park Lawndale, Houston. Orenda page Obituary Betty Dabney - Our classmate Elizabeth Vinson "Betty" Dabney (Charles) died peacefully at her home in Houston on 28 December 2021. She grew up in Houston and was educated at River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School, and Lamar High School, attended Randolph-Macon Women's College, Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from The University of Texas with a BA in history. Orenda page Obituary Robert Wagner - Larry Wagner, the brother of our classmate Robert has informed us that Bob died mid-December 2021. Orenda page Obituary Carol Childress - Rollo Storey reports that our classmate Carol Childress Turner passed away early Wednesday morning, December 15, 2021 at Hospital Joya (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico). "Carol was a wonderful friend to all of us. We will miss her and her dedication to making contacts with friends." Orenda page Obituary The Wombat Beats Covid - Our classmate Kathleen Much has authored and illustrated three children's pamphlets to help assuage children's fears on the pandemic. Please contact wombatbookdr@gmail.com for more information or to acquire these. Jim Sartwelle - Our classmate Jim Sartwelle died unexpectedly on 5 November 2021 in Sealy, TX. A private family-only funeral was held on Tuesday 9 November 2021. Orenda page Bio:Texas A&M Honor Registry Obituary John McCaskill - Our classmate John McCaskill died suddenly on 4 August 2021 as the result of an accident at his second home in Galveston, TX. John loved tinkering with his boats, fishing and crabbing in the bay. Orenda page Obituary Denny Reed - Our classmate Dennis Dale Reed passed away July 21, 2021 in Kerrville. He married Jean Teel on July 25, 1964 in Dallas. Memorial services were held on August 14, 2021 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville, Texas. Orenda page Obituary B.E. Buschardt - Our classmate B.E. "Bud" Buschardt died 15 March 2021 in Carrolton, TX. A well known TV and radio personality in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Here is a video of Bud providing a trip down memory lane on campus at UNT. Donations can be made to a scholarship fund in Bud's name at the University of North Texas as noted in more than one of his on-line memorials linked from his obituary.. Orenda page Obituary Charlie Ward - Our classmate Charlie Ward died on 15 June 2021 from complications of heart disease. A founder of Media Communications and later, Idea Works Global, he reached the pinnacle of success in luxury marketing. A private celebration of life will be held in Santa Barbara, California. Orenda page Obituary Johnny Dull - Our classmate Johnny Dull died on 1 June 2021 in Houston. His memorial services were held on 11 June at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. Donations may be made to the Houston Alzheimer's Association at this special page for Johnny.. Orenda page Obituary
60th Reunion
60th Reunion Photos	Provides links to collections of photos as provided by our classmates from the 60th Reunion, 29-31 March 2019
60th Reunion Attendees	Provides 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 Activities	Our 60th Reunion occurred in Houston during 29-31 March 2019. Results: Plans Attendees Photos T-shirts
Message to the Class	Our 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 Orenda	Our 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
	Our 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?