Lamar Class of 1959

new posting Susan Ellis - We were saddened to hear that our classma Susan Ellis, c. 2020 te 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 Wall - Dianne Wall Nail c. 2010

Our 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

Our classmate Butch Looney died Saturday, 17 Dec 2022. Via Larry Hitt: "We have lost a good guy. I heard from Tom Henderson yesterday that our classmate Butch Looney died Saturday night in Austin. According to Tom, he had been dealing with the effects of a brain bleed suffered 2-3 years ago. Butch's good friend and UT classmate told me that following a bad fall on Saturday, Butch was hospitalized and ultimately passed away at 11:30 pm that evening. Brain surgery was considered but the doctors there did not offer any hope it would be successful."

Memorial Services for Butch will be held Saturday,January 14th at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas 78757.

Orenda page Obituary Classmate Remembrances

Bluegrass Interview - In Nov 2022, our classmate Tony Ullrich provided a YouTube video history of his amazing life and career with Bluegrass and Country Music, much of it in Kerrville. You can locate it by searching for YouTube: Van Buren Variety, Under that channel, operated and hosted by Bob Van Buren, you can find Tony's interviews (and see his original banjo) under Episodes 85, 86, and 87. Yes, he plays live as well!!

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 were held 8 July 2022 at 10 am at the Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Galveston, TX. 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.

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 were held Saturday 28 May. Details are in her obituary, linked below.

Orenda page Obituary

Classmate Information
	Our most recent classmate news Susan Ellis - We were saddened to hear that our classmate 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 Wall - Our 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 Our classmate Butch Looney died Saturday, 17 Dec 2022. Via Larry Hitt: "We have lost a good guy. I heard from Tom Henderson yesterday that our classmate Butch Looney died Saturday night in Austin. According to Tom, he had been dealing with the effects of a brain bleed suffered 2-3 years ago. Butch's good friend and UT classmate told me that following a bad fall on Saturday, Butch was hospitalized and ultimately passed away at 11:30 pm that evening. Brain surgery was considered but the doctors there did not offer any hope it would be successful." Memorial Services for Butch will be held Saturday,January 14th at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas 78757. Orenda page Obituary Classmate Remembrances Bluegrass Interview - In Nov 2022, our classmate Tony Ullrich provided a YouTube video history of his amazing life and career with Bluegrass and Country Music, much of it in Kerrville. You can locate it by searching for YouTube: Van Buren Variety, Under that channel, operated and hosted by Bob Van Buren, you can find Tony's interviews (and see his original banjo) under Episodes 85, 86, and 87. Yes, he plays live as well!! 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 were held 8 July 2022 at 10 am at the Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Galveston, TX. 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. 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 were held Saturday 28 May. Details are in her obituary, linked below. Orenda page Obituary
65th Reunion
Unfounded Rumours	This page captures some of the buzz, innuendo, and just flat Fake News swirling around these days about possible celebrations in 2024.
Fredericksburg 2021	Classmates (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 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?