Have been silent up to this point as I didn't know if making the reunion (50th of course) was going to be possible. My wife's (Elizabeth) health has been something less than good. We now seem to have all the major issues under control and will be traveling to Borger via motor home from Spokane Washington, road distance about 1500 miles. Will be leaving Spokane July 5 (lousey timing I know, but I've made reservations for RV parks along the route already). Didn't think my body could take more than about 300 miles per day. We plan on staying in Fletcher's Daze End RV Park while we're in Borger.

The reunion has become the focal point in our lives (at least for 2008). Actually acquired the motor home specifically for this purpose and are making short trips in the local area to get comfortable with the machine. Liz wanted me to let you know we would even be bringing the cats (a pair of siamise who hate each other). Also, chose July 1 as the retirement date from my present employment ((Asst VP North Coast Life Insurance Company) (fancy title for computer systems manager)).

Elizabeth has never been to our part of the country (she's Canadian) so this will be a new experience for her (damn little difference actually).

I sort of figured you'd be starting to put a planned attendnce roster together about now so thought I'd see if I could get my name close to the top of the list. I'll try to put a bio together later.

David Thrams

1/10/08 - Edith: My heart is broken, I was Hansel in Audrey Ochs Powell's photo, and I had a major crush on her at the time. I am sure she doesn't remember it. I have looked through everything I own, for a photo of our Bunavista seventh grade football team, and can not find it. If anyone has it, I would sure love to have a copy of it. Please tell Audrey I am looking forward to seeing her at the reunion. Best Regards, Richard Martin.

Hi Edith, Thanks for all the good info in your emails. I read with interest the comments of Audrey Ochs, and I do remember her. The Hansel and Gretel play at Bunavista did star Diane Branch as Gretel and maybe Richard Martin as Hansel. I have a photo of Diane with the angels and the choir. I also have two class pictures: Miss Brown's 4th grade class and Mrs. McGee's 6th grade class. No. 59 in the "School Days" pictures on the website is Mrs. McGee's class, and the unknown person next to me is Evelyn Griffin. I also have a photo of a carnival coronation. Danny ? and I represented our class and were in it, but did not become prince and princess. That was determined by the amount of money your class could raise. My mother gave me a quarter to give for that purpose, but I spent it on candy instead. We lost by 25 cents!

I will attempt to scan the pictures and send them to you. Teachers I remember from Bunavista are Mrs. Gallegher, Mrs. Grotjohn (Dale's mother), Miss Brooks, Miss Brown, Mrs. Jackson (my favorite), Mrs. Greiner, and Mr. Dickinson (he made science fun).

Other memories include getting my hand spanked by Mrs. Gallegher in first grade for leaning back in my chair, being the editor of "The Puppy Tale" and using a messy mimeograph machine, not making the baseball team, splitting my head open playing Red Rover and being stitched up by Bob's dad, Dr. Kimball, and Fred Hoffman stepping on my feet in choir. Janice Tyra was a good friend as were our parents, having come from the same town in Oklahoma. She was a "blue baby" and died in Baltimore (I think) following heart surgery. Mrs. Jackson helped our class get through that sad time. In Jr. Hi. I remember two dirt storms that turned day into night at school, and Mr. Brooks teasing Mary Ann about having green hair!

I could go on with memories but will save them for the reunion.I do look forward to contacting Janice and Lynda and others and hope to see them at the reunion.

I did not graduate with the Borger class because I moved to Stinnett my junior year. From there I went to nursing school in Amarillo, then to UT for my degree, then to seminary in Fort Worth. After living in Texas and Tennessee, I have been settled in Colorado since 1983. I have two sons, Brady in Boulder, and Andy in NYC. My husband, Bob, and I are mostly retired.
Thanks again for all your work.

I don't remember the school (Bunavista) flooding, but will ask my sister who was teaching there in late 40's or early 50's. It's frustrating - but having lost all my personal mementos from my school days has not helped my memories of those days.

I do remember the skunk getting under the cafeteria. Ugh! It was sheer misery for days and days. Has anyone else from Bunavista mentioned that?

I remember the special "field trip" in first or second grade where were were taken, not to the funeral, but to the church where our little classmate lay to file by her open casket. I think I was traumatized for life by that experience. Many of us probably were.

I'll call Lynda Simmons Cunningham if you'll give me her number.

Here is an excerpt from an email from my sister JoAnne Cantrell Stearns. (She types about like I do....)

Hi----I taught first grade, Bunavista-1951 but 1952 and 1953 I taught 3rd gd in the big building. The first grade was in a separte building across the bridge. They tore down the big building in the late 50"s. When I gave some pictures to the Borger museum, they did not even know the school had ever exsisted. If I ever find my pic of the school , I will donate it. If any of your classmates have a pic of the Bunavista school,make a copy of it and donate to the museum. It is a part of Borger history. I also attended Bunavista in my sixth grade and also the eighth but too hard to figure the dates.Ha.

She was ten years older than me, so I suppose I could figure her 6th & 8th grade dates for her (eventually).

When I was in first grade, it was in a small building behind the big school. When I began first grade, we had to go half days due to a shortage of teachers and classrooms. I don't remember the time period, but others might - it was at least the first few months, but not the entire school year. When we started going all day, I don't know where the other half of the students went, but I continued in that building. I have absolutely no recollection of any building across the bridge.

I wanted to pass this on because of her comments about pictures. I didn't even know there was a Borger museum. I have also noticed that on the website, it seems like almost all the elementary school pictures are from East Ward or West Ward. Bunavista and Weatherly alumni need to start checking those old shoeboxes of photos in the closets and attics & get us represented!

Betty Cantrell Howard

Tell Audrey Ochs that I remember the flood at Bunavista Elementary. I don't recall the exact year but our family (mom, dad and kids) all helped in cleaning up the mess. "Somewhere" I think there are some photos of the flood that dad took, but they would be with my sister JoAnn in Pawhuska. I'll ask her to have a look.

Also, as best I recall all my siblings (JoAnn, Velma, Earl, and Emily) attended kindergarten when Mrs. Ochs was the teacher. I'll check with them but the time frame is right.

I remember the Hansel and Gretel play, have you posted the photo? I looked but didn't find it. Just need the the picture number. I'll probably recognize some of those in it.

Keep the stories coming! Best regards, John Hubby Class of 1953 - 1/10/08

Would you pass this on to Audrey.

I remember the flood and also that the bridge going to the school got washed out and there was lots of mud.

I also remember lots of stranded fish when the water went down.

I remember Janice Tyra very well and I still think of her now and then . She lived directly behind me in Bunavista. We were very good friends. I remember her telling me that she was going to Maryland to have an operation so that she would be like everyone else and not blue. I also remember the whole class going to the funeral. we were in Mrs Jackson's third grade class at the time. It makes me feel good that Audrey also remembers her.

Paul Wiggin - 1/10/08

Edith, Do you know how to reach J.D. -Jimmy Brown? I have lost touch with him and would love to catch with him.

Larry Foster - 1/10/08

I thought some of our classmates might want to know that Peggy Aull will be 90 on Jan. 14. She would love to get cards at 1300 S. Harrison, #308, Amarillo, TX 79101. Vera Jo and I are having a reception for her on Jan. 18 at that address from 3:00 till 4:00 PM, and everyone is welcome. Mom doesn't have e-mail, but I would be glad to print out and give her any messages sent to me.

George Ann Aull Neas (contact Edith if you'd like George Ann's email address)

Hi, Edith, I was happy that you found me, it was a total surprise. I found the class web site and it was nice to see the pictures of the 45th class reunion. I will send you a picture of my husband and I later so that you can recognize me, at the reunion. I hope that I can make it. In June my husband's family is having a family reunion in Canada. That is where my husband was from.

I am still trying to cope with my husband's death. He suffered a year with bladder cancer, but by the time the bladder cancer was discovered it had already gone to his lungs. He had chemo treatments and that was very hard on him. He died Sept. 1st of this year, he was only 74 yrs. old.

I will tell you a little about me and my family. I married my husband David in 1959, in Spearman Tx. I was a nanny for a very nice family outside of Gruver. David was a forman for the family who had a cattle ranch. Altho he was an engineer, he enjoyed country living, and we lived on this ranch for a year, then we moved to Borger and lived there for seven yrs. He worked for Phillips for those seven yrs. David worked with Gary Horton.

We moved to a ranch 23 miles north of Pierre SD, where we raised cattle, but the weather was very damp there for my son and I, so in 1969 we moved to Rapid City SD. We had our second son in 1970, and we had a daughter in between the two boys.

My husband David worked for Nash Finch, a food chain, for 37 yrs. I worked for a dept. store and later was a sales rep. for a local cheese co.

I have 7 grandchildren,and 2 greatgranddaughters. My daughter, and my oldest granddaughter live in VA, my youngest son lives in PA, my oldest lives in MN.

I plan to move where ever my youngest son moves. His co. is going to transfer him soon but he still does not where or when this is going to take place. I am getting my house ready to put it up for sale.

While we lived in Borger, I took some courses at Frank Phillips and a business course at a business school located on main st. There I came accross Betty Jo England. We got reacquainted. I really liked her, and I noticed on the memory section of the website that she passed away. I am sorry now that I did not graduate with the class, but after meeting my wonderful husband all I wanted to do is marry him. My mother insisted on a picture of me after my sister Joyce's graduation, so I am sending that picture. It is a lot better than the one on the website,so this is how I looked like in 1959. I will send you a recent picture later. Thanks for looking me up.

your friend,
Mary

Edith,

Thanks so much for sending me this summary of Borger folks' stories . . long story short I very well remember Audrey Ochs and J. C. Tipton. I also seem to remember Glenda Mullins but not sure.

Tell Audrey I remember when her family moved to Dumas, her father Herman was active in our church in Bunavista. She may remember my sisters JoAnn Hubby Gibson, or Velma Hubby Bernard, and more than likely my brother Earl Hubby who was in your class. My sister Emily Hubby Jefferies was only 9 years old when we left Borger so unlikely very many will remember her.

I've not attended a reunion in Borger but sure would like to, considering 2008 will be the 55th for the 1953 graduating class. I've not heard from anyone if there is something happening to get that bunch together. I think the 1953 class literally scattered to the four winds, and at this moment I only know the whereabouts of maybe a handful of classmates.

Here is some info for my siblings:

Earl Hubby (class of '58, graduated Pasadena High School, Pasadena, TX)
JoAnn Hubby Gibson (class of '55, graduated Pasadena High School, Pasadena, TX)
Velma Hubby Bernard (class of '56, graduated Pasadena High School, Pasadena, TX)
Emily Hubby Jefferies (class of '62, graduated South Houston High School, Pasadena, TX)

All of us are still kicking and enjoying life . . perhaps a little unique is that all five of us have lost our first spouse, and three have remarried (me twice, I lost both my first and second wives to cancer). Emily lost her husband Jim two years ago in October and Earl lost his wife last March. JoAnn attended the 1955 class reunion two years ago in Borger.

Our family moved to Borger in 1943 from Bartlesville, OK, Dad worked for Phillips at Plains Plant as the Chief Mechanical Engineer, and we lived at 311 Estireno St. in Bunavista. We moved to Pasadena, TX in the summer of 1953, so all the kids but me graduated there. I graduated from the University of Houston in 1958 in Chemical Engineering, worked for Phillips my whole professional career (1957 to 1996).

One final note, I was really saddened to see the very long list of deceased classmates . . 98 at last viewing. That is a huge percentage of your class, and going through every one on the list I recognized well more than half of them whom I knew personally or could see they were siblings of my 1953 classmates. In the obituaries it was also found that many of my classmates had predeceased yours, my heart goes to all their families and friends.

All the best,

John Hubby
Class of 1953

October 3 - Deanya Young Britten (Class of 1959) and I are in the Edmond Newcomers Club together. Today everyone was supposed to wear their high school colors to the meeting and tell the name of their mascot. Deanya and I sang our school song when it was our turn and, of course, we both wore red and white. It was fun because we were the only ones from the same Texas high school.

October 14 - I asked Betty who the other person was in the photo 123 'Since the 45th' I took at the Class of 57 reunion. She replied: The other person with my brother Paul and me in picture #123 is my sister-in-law Linda Stevenson Holleman. The Class of 57 reunion was her first ever visit to Borger.

I met two people from Borger/Phillips areas this week. One is Betty Lucas Hess Wilson. She was a neighbor to Karla Young Bybee. Actually, Betty moved one street over from me and she moved here to be near her daughter and family. Betty graduated in the Class of 1948 from Borger..

I just met the other lady from Phillips who graduated in the Class of 1955. She only attended high school there for two years. She moved to Phillips from Dalhart. I visited with her briefly at a recent bridge game. I am trying to remember her name now and I think it was Melba Mills. I cannot remember her maiden name, but will get it later. She does not play with us on a weekly basis. It may be some time before I get the information. Her husband worked for Phillips and they have moved all over the country.

This just shows what a small world it really is and how we come full circle.

I hope you and your family are well and I am looking forward to our class reunion. It will be spectacular!!

Love, Betty

Edith, do you think we could find someone to sing this at the 50th! I've got a couple of other cute ones too if we have someone who will do them.
Mary Ellen

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jwwaller/elvis/

Mrs. Stanley; first of all, it is very nice to hear that you enjoyed the short stories on Sammy's web site. They are very close to my heart. My name is Claude Morgan; the second child in our family of six siblings; Jovena Morgan being the first. I was born in Wheeler, and we have relatives laid to rest in Mobeetie. Possibly all of us kids were in school in Borger at the same time. I managed to attend my Senior year in San Leandro California. Our great aunt Jewel Holt had two sons in Borger; Larry and Dennis. I would have graduated with Dennis in 1959. Our great aunt Pearl owned the Drug Store on main street for many years and sold out to build the Motel at the north traffic circle. I left Borger in the summer of 58, Jovena left for Oklahoma about a year before, and the family took the bus to Galveston in 59 or 60 in time to get caught near the the beach when Hurricane Carla hit, in 1961.

Edith,

Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to contact me. You are really a special person to dedicate so much of your time to others. You brought back so many great menories of my early life that were far in the back of my mind. I really enjoyed the two phone conversations we had and I have been on the web site everyday since you contacted me. It is excellent.

Here is a little background on me since I left Borger in the fall of 1956. I moved to Deer Park, Texas, a small town just outside of Houston. I finished high school at Deer Park High. After high school, I spent 7 years in the U.S.Navy. I returned to Houston where I worked for Shell Oil for 27 Years, I took early retirement in 1993 and in 2000 I moved to where you found me in New Hampshire. My son, daughter and 2 grandchildren still live in the Houston area. My wife Bonnie and I will be at the July 08 reunion. I am really looking forward to it.

Thanks again, Have a Merry Christmas and I will see you in the New Year.

Paul

I finally got in touch with Mrs. Johnson. She said that Mr. Johnson taught two years at the Amarillo Air Base after they left Borger. He taught electronics. She said that he had been in electronics when he was in the service. From there, they moved to Dallas, and he taught at South Oak Cliff High School. He just taught there one year, and they moved back to Amarillo and he started teaching at Sam Houston Jr. High. He taught there until he retired.

Maxine

Hello Edith,

What a nice surprise to hear from you. My Dad did pass away in June of 1999. I don't really know if Mother would be up to speaking with you. She has pretty severe dementia. Mother taught for 36 years, both in Borger and then later in Richardson until she retired. She is now 90 years old. She doesn't know how to use a computer, and even though we have tried in the past, she gets terribly confused. She has trouble even operating a remote control for her TV. About two years ago, she fell while I was at work and couldn't get to a phone. We tried having a nurse at the house during the day, but she kept dismissing them (they were through her insurance). We moved her to an assisted living facility so she would have constant care. I see her each morning and again on my way home from work. For her age and stage of dementia she is actually doing quite well. She knows me and my brothers, but gets the grandchildren and great grandchildren confused.

I would be more than happy to ask her any questions for you or answer anything Mike, John or I can.

Patti

Hi Edith, thanks for the info and your call. its always nice to hear from school mates of the past. Re: katrina, We were retired in Gulfport, Ms. our home was on the beach, it was destroyed as well as our whole community from waveland to Biloxi Ms. New orleans flooded because the city goverment is so criminal, the money for the new levies went into the fatcats pockets instead of the work to control the water surge. we got a direct hit from Katrina as the eye of the hurricane came over us at 175 miles an hour and a tidal surge of 45 feet. a cement slab and sand is all thats left of our home and all of our belongings. We loved living there, the community was so beautiful and the people of the south coast are very kind and friendly. We in our community were out searching for our family and friends that were missing or killed, helping each other while digging out what was left, while the people in New Orleans that have lived on welfare all of their life were blaming the goverment for their problems and demanding money. Most of them are still living on assistance and looting everything they can find. Lon and I retired in the South in 1997 and loved every moment we were there. It will be 10--15 years before the south coast will be totally rebuilt. We miss being there. We were 50 miles east of New orleans. I have over 400 photos of the hurricane and the destruction it brought with it. At this time we are not allowed to rebuild on the beach until the city rezones the the beach area. No insurance pmts. as of yet not only for us, but for over 60,000 families as well. I will never get over the loss of friends and our life there, but I am finally getting past it.

We three daughters and two sons. Cindy and Dona are my natural daughters, Scott is our adopted son ( my sister Joyce died in childbirth) Page and Cara are also adopted.( they are sister and brother) all are grown and doing well. Scott has three children and also lost his home in Katrina. He lives in Waveland Ms. We have 9 grand children and 3 great grand children. two of the 9 are idential twin boys from Dona.

We are looking for our retirement home now, but have not found anything or anyplace as beautiful as as the south coast. We are currently helping my Mom who will be 90 the first of feb. she will go with us when the time is right.

Thanks again
Nita Ponsford (Jeanetta Glascock)

Edith - a few months ago I suggested everyone try to put down a summary of what they have been up to in the last 50 yrs......seems to me I have seen submissions from Bob West and Digger, but not much from any one else. To try to kick-start this again, I'm attaching a summary of how I spent the last half century. Please feel free to distribute to our class members.....(WOW a half-century sounds like a long time....it is, it is!!)

So am sending part 1: "Mikes Travels and Travails" with a few "Life's Lessons Learned" just for flavor, but am deferring for another day other categories such as:
"favorite remembrances from school in Borger" and
"Things I did for which I do not understand why the Good Lord did not ZAP me on the spot." as well as a few more "Life's Lessons Learned" (otherwise entitled "Ve get too schoon oldt und too late schmart").

Mike

As we prepare for the 50th reunion of the 1958 edition of BHS, I thought it might make sense that each classmate set down what they have been up to since May 58. That way the rest of us can get a quick snapshot of what has been going on with “ole so-and-so”, and perhaps find some things and common interests which might not surface in the frenetic two plus days we will all be together this coming July. So, Mike’s Travels and Travails over the last half-century….. I graduated OU and was commissioned in Navy in May ’62. Becky Dunwody and I married 2 weeks later. (Becky is a former Borger resident and cousin of Joseph and Kay Johansen BHS ’60 and ’62.) We went directly to NAS Glynco, GA and active duty Navy life. I was transferred from duty stations in Glynco to Japan, to San Diego, to Newport, RI, and ended up in Norfolk, VA. I served on two WWII-vintage destroyers, as Asst Operations Officer on the first and as Chief Engineering Officer on the second. The Navy is challenging and rewarding for the service member but means many relocations, and lots of sea duty means extended deployments which are tough on family life. My 7-yr career concluded at CINC Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk. During that span, we moved 6 times and had 2 daughters - one in Yokosuka, Japan in May ‘64, her sister in Newport, RI in May ‘65 (50 weeks later). They cost $7 each. Number three was on the way, but came in Jan ‘70 in Shawnee OK….she cost $700! I joined the apparel conglomerate Blue Bell, Inc (Wrangler Jeans, Jantzen, etc.) in May ‘69 as an industrial engineer…worked in engineering departments in OK, TX, VA, back to OK, and in ’78 to Greensboro, NC, as Chief Engineer Wrangler Menswear Div. We relocated to Portland OR in ’81 when I transferred to the Jantzen division…then back to Greensboro in ‘84 when I was appointed Director of Quality and Quality Management for the corporation. The work side of my time at Blue Bell was typical corporate ladder-climbing, but frequent relocations (5 in 15 yr – “sort of like the Navy”, Becky reminded me) made things hard for the girls… pretty girls, especially new pretty girls have a hard time “breaking in” and making friends. When Blue Bell went private through a leveraged buyout in 1985, I was awarded some “management shares”. The company’s existence as a private company was brief, Blue Bell sold to VF Corporation in 1987, and I left to join LEADS Corp the next day. LEADS was a small, struggling, “boutique” quality management consulting firm. I was employee #7. In ’91, I used the nest egg acquired from Blue Bell shares to acquire all LEADS stock and obtained a contract to provide services to the US Government. Ultimately, we focused LEADS solely on Federal government contracting, providing IT and acquisition management consulting services. I made key managers partners, offered shares to all employees and, ultimately the company thrived…..LEADS was sold to San Diego-based ITS in Dec 2005. Our 3 daughters are now married, and we have 10 grandkids ranging from 18 to 3....7 live close by in Greensboro and 3 live (in exile) in CT…..having grandkids is a blast….they are funny, accepting and loving…..and you (I) get another chance! Since “retirement” in 05?...... Having all these grandkids has given me a different perspective on little kids, things (to my discredit) I was too busy making a living (as a “road warrior”) to enjoy fully when my kids were at home …...so children and families have been the focus of our volunteer work – Becky and I sponsor refugee families moving to NC from abroad and 10 children in third world countries through World Vision. We taught K and 5th grade Sunday school, and I serve on the board of a non-profit adoption agency. We spend lots of time with family “chasing grandkids” and have had the privilege of taking the entire family (all 18) to some great vacation spots… a practice we hope to continue. We are helping #3 daughter and her husband open a casual fine dining restaurant in Greensboro .... opened in Aug ’06, still a work in progress….. I retained three private sector clients for whom I still provide strategic planning/ management consulting. And, when the mood strikes (and I forget my meds), I write sporadic, unsolicited op-eds and letters-to-editors. I take family (esp. older grandkids) to at least 3 OU football games each year…all this is calculated to keep me out of trouble …sort of. Finally, what have I learned over the last 50 years? ……the truth of some “truisms”….. (just a few for flavor)…. Murphy is right: Nature sides with the hidden flaw – whatever can go wrong will….. So was Napoleon: “it is better to be lucky than good”…… It is easy to always be a hero – be consistent: underpromise and overdeliver….. Mike’s formula for business success (sum of two principles) – No one person can do all things well, so surround yourself with “good people” and Since people take better care of things they own than things they don’t, make sure those “good people” get a piece of the action. Mike’s formula for successful investing: (see Napoleon) Mike’s formula for success in life: Nothing is more important than family….friends are a very close second….never forget to tell people, both in words and actions how much you love them.. Mike’s formula for daily success: Remember - Prunes are your friend!….and finally, (and fortunately) as God promises: you never get what you deserve.

Edith, I want to lend my voice to the many who have sent kudos to you for all the time and wonderful care and attention you’ve given to our 50th celebration. Reading the names has brought back some fond memories that I have enjoyed revisiting.

After 45 years of teaching, I will be retiring at the end of this school year. Some of our classmates might enjoy reading an article that was recently published in our university on-line newsletter.

http://einside.kent.edu/?type=art&id=85590&

CMS

I have a couple of pictures my dad (Roy Cole) asked me to scan and send. The pictures are from a tap/jazz class at Tonio's School of Dance. My mother, Glenda Mullins Cole is one of the students, along with some other class of '58 girls. Please let me know where to send.

Thanks, Tammy Cole Thompson

EDITH, I DID CONTACT TOMMY DALE AND MAXINE TUCKER.. YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR TOMMY DALE IS CORRECT. I THINK YOU GAVE ME HIS PHYSICAL ADDRESS AS WELL BUT IF NOT, HERE IS HIS ADDRESS 2740 3RD AVE. MARION, IOWA 52302 . MAXINE IS HIS SISTER AND HER ADDRESS IS 8225 S. HWY 23 N. OZARK, ARK. 72949. TOMMY DALE IS 74 AND I BELIEVE MAXINE IS AROUND 70-72. I LIVED IN BUNAVISTA ON A CORNER LOT CLOSE TO THE SINGLE MEN'S HOUSING AND DOWN THE STREET FROM THE GERMAN TWINS. WHEN MY FATHER DIED(LOUIS WINSTON NEYLAND) MY MOTHER WAS HIRED BY PHILLIPS AND WE MOVED TO THE APTS. IN BUNAVISTA, CLOSER TO THE PLANT. I REMEMBER A FEW OF THE KIDS IN BUNAVISTA AND I HAD A RACCOON NAMED ELMER. I THEN MOVED TO BORGER WHEN MY MOTHER REMARRIED. WE STAYED IN BORGER ABOUT 1AND 1/2 TO 2 AND 1/2 YEARS AND WE MOVED TO LOVINGTON, NEW MEXICO. PHILLIPS HAD A PLANT NEAR LOVINGTON. I GRADUATED FROM LOVINGTON IN 1959 AND SEVERAL YEARS LATER I FINISHED MY BS DEGREE IN CHATTANOOGA, TENN.WITH 2 MAJORS-PSY. AND HUMAN SERVICES MANAGEMENT. I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT REUNION. IF THEY HAVE REUNIONS FOR BUNAVISTA I HOPE SOMEONE WILL LET ME KNOW. ALWAYS, KAREN NEYLAND MCKINNEY PS WE HAVE A CARBON PLANT HERE AND I HAVE HEARD PEOPLE SAY THNEY LIVED IN BORGER AT ONE TIME. I AM ACTIVE IN MANY ORGANIZATIONS LIKE ROTARY AND KIWANIS SO I WILL ASK AROUND FOPR THOSE PEOPLE FROM 1957-1963. I JUST CAN NOT REMEMBER WHO SAID THEY HAD LIVED IN BORGER. ALWAYS, KAREN

Sept 17 -I met with Audrey Ocks Powell she attended Bunivista school for 5 years. She would like to attend next yrs renunion. She has an interesting story about getting J C Tipton thrown out of class. Would Please send her the info about our class mates and put her on the mailing list. Just attended a mini Dumas reunion in Amarillo 30 old women It was great fun. My wife also attended.
Glen Crawford

Nov 26 posted on web site contact center

I went to Bunavista Elementary until the fifth grade when I moved to Dumas. I used to return to Bunavista to spend days with Marilyn and Sue Forrester after we moved and I was a part of DeBoy (Edwards) and Marilyn's wedding years later. (They were older than I.) I have great memories of my years at Bunavista, and enjoyed seeing the pictures and remembering some of the names. I was saddened to read about the passing of Diane Branch and J.C. Tipton, two I remember quite well from Bunavista. Carmen Evans and I went to church together and later taught together in Borger. This is a wonderful websight. Someone is doing a great job! Glen told me about the reunion and I hope to attend. Probably won't know anyone, but it will be good to get acquainted. Keep up the great work!

Audrey Ochs Powell

Nov 28 - Thanks for getting back to me. I'm not sure where my pictures of those days might be, but I'll do some looking. After several moves I'm not sure where lots of things might be. I look forward to getting further information from you. ( I noticed Eddie Prater's picture in the pictures you had. I remember his name and think he lived close to us in Bunavista, but I thought he was nearer my brother's age. My brother was in high school when we moved to Dumas and he returned several years ago for a reunion in Borger.) I'll try to find some pictures, but I don't believe we had group class pictures. I don't remember having any.

Audrey Ochs Powell

Hi Edith,

This was in todays Houston Chronicle.

Thanks, for all your interest and time on our 50th.

Later,
Richard Bostick

Edith – wanted you to know that I’m retiring (finally) eff 11-1-07 and will not have access to email after that….maybe I’ll be able to make the reunion but it’s a wee bit early for me to know for sure yet…

Sue Boyter

Dear Edith,

It was good seeing you at Owen's Phillips reunion. We saw a few people from Borger. You are doing such a good job on our reunion, thank you. We will be at my reunion next year and Owen, Buzzy's next year. He hasn't been called that in a long time. We haven't been to Borger since my Mother died sixteen years ago. It brought back a lot of good memories. My mother taught many of you when you were in the fourth grade at East Ward. She took me across the hall and gave me to Mrs Jackson. She loved teaching. A couple of my five kids spent a few weeks with grandmother learning to read better. We will be looking forward to coming next year.

See you again soon,
Ruth Ann Wilbanks Smith

PS: Owen says the dream of every girl was to marry a Phillips boy, I guess I got my dream. I think it is the other way around.

We too are enjoying reading about our classmates. Royce wants to contact Digger.

Edith,

Thanks for your prompt response to my Sherry Hogan inquiry. I made contact with her tonight and we had a two hour journey down memory lane. The memories she had of our childhood experiences in Phillips were hilarious....what fun. You've made a great focal point -- thanks for all you've done to stimulate interest in the web site and the class reunion.
Carole

I talked to Martha (Griffin) Friday and she is very excited about the reunion and hopes she can make it. She asked about Louetta Hammons and a few others. She remembers Gene and Rasalee Mason and is anxious to see everyone. Do you have Louetta's phone number or address. We would like to contact her.

Geri

I met with Audrey Ocks Powell she attended Bunivista school for 5 years. She would like to attend next yrs renunion. She has an interesting story about getting JC Tipton thrown out of class. Would Please send her the info about our classmates and put her on the mailing list. Just attendeed a mini Dumas reunion in Amarillo. 30 old women. It was great fun. My wife also attended.

Glen Crawford

Edith, it was good to get your e-mail. I am hoping that you were just busy and okay.

Nancy

Edith, my hubby subscribes to this newsletter and sent this "movie" (it is only a couple of minutes long) on to me. In light of our asking our teachers to the 50th reunion, I thought it might be a nice reminder to our classmates if we could each remember to bring a letter to give to the teachers (or at least our favorite) in attendance to tell them "thanks". They too, may want to read them "until the day they die"! So, will you forward to our list of classmates?

Thanks,

Mary Ellen

Dear Edith,

I can't tell you how much Sonny was looking forward to the upcoming Borger Class Reunion.

Many of his friends left ahead of him, but he so wanted to see the ones 'still around.' He called it his "Farewell Tour", kinda like the Rolling Stones!

We all miss him, especially his 3 kids and me - but you can bet he'll be at the Reunion in spirit.

Enclosed is a page from the 2007 Columbine High School yearbook, where the students dedicated a page to him.

Thanks for keeping in touch.

Kathy Herring

I just wanted to update you that Linn Staley (class of '58) passed on August 27th. If you have any questions, my email and phone number are listed above.

Thanks,
Brent Staley

I haven't been able to find the obit online in the newspaper yet. I will send the newspaper version as soon as I find it. If I am unable to locate it, I will scan the physical copy I have and email it to you (that will give you a recent picture too).

One last thing, I have the three annuals ("The Borgan" 1956, 1957,1958) that dad had in his closet. My sisters and I enjoyed reading them, however, we have no long term sentimental attachment to them (However, I am wondering if you ever became an "interior decorator or fashion designer"? FYI, you inscribed your picture to dad with "Lots of luck - Edith" in the 1957 edition). Would you or any of your classmates be interested in them? I also wondered if the library maybe needed a copy... Let me know if anyone needs them and I'd be happy to mail them out.

Thanks,
Brent Staley

Edith, I have enclosed two files. One is his obit with his picture and the other is a picture of him with two of our dogs. We sure like the one with the dogs but for cropping sake we'll understand if you have to use the obit pic. You do have our permission to publish the image of the dogs, I'll keep the legal releases on file if you need them... :)

Yes, dad was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of an unknown primary. The doctors said it had been probably building in him for 12-18 months and it was on his liver, lungs and pancreas. They also said it was probably elsewhere but it really didn't matter at that point. He was diagnosed on Aug 16th and dead on Aug 27th. Pretty stunning to say the least.

I will send the annuals as soon as I get them wrapped up and ready. I'm glad they will be put to use.

Your tale sounds kinda like dad's. He was going to California (the land of opportunity). He made it to New Mexico, when he and a friend ran out of money and started building cabinets. He always fancied himself good with a hammer but (and my sisters agreed) in reality "handy" he was not... He met my mom and they married pretty quick and he had to settle down with a family. They had my oldest sister right away too. And kept having kids (4 total) until 1969 (me). My brother was born with Downs Syndrome and died at age 3. He started college but never completed it but was very proud that all three of his kids did.

Regards,
Brent

Brent, Thanks so much for the picture and obit. I hope you'll be pleased with the results on the memorial page for Linn at www.borgerhigh1958.com. I wanted to use both pictures and chose to use the obit picture on that page since it looks so much like the high school picture. But I really like the one with the dogs, too, so it is in the 'Since the 45th' section, photo #133. Also, I will use the content of your e-mails in the note I send to classmates as I know they will be interested in knowing more about Linn's life. I've been very lazy lately with the class correspondence and am very far behind, but will try to get another out within the next week or so. Once it has been sent, you'll be able to se it in the 'News' section. Thanks again for your pictures and information about Linn. Edith Guynes Stanley

Edith,

It looks great! Dad would be wondering "how that works!" Thank YOU for all your help. I hope ya'll have a great 50th next summer!

Regards,
Brent

The Class of ‘65

By TAD BARTIMUS

Do not waffle about going to your class reunion; do it.

In the six months before I swung open a hotel lobby door and walked 40 years into my past, I was ambivalent about reconnecting with people I barely remembered. What if I didn't recognize anybody? What if I didn't care when I did?

An uneasy sense of time passing got to me on the plane; who is this white-haired woman staring back from the mirror? Perhaps she won't be around for her 50th. At the reunion, it sometimes felt like I was watching a split-screen TV. Embracing a graying father of three daughters, I was also hugging, in my mind's eye, a sweaty 17-year-old basketball player in the euphoria of victory. That investment banker's sky-blue eyes were exactly the same, but where did all that thick chestnut hair go?

Life has roughed us up. Our brows are worried and our daring tempered. We scattered into a country dominated by Vietnam, Nixon and the Cold War. We reunited as suicide bombers blew up the London subway, a gallon of gas rose to $3, and a secure retirement is defined as a seven-figure savings account.

The quietest guy in the class now complains non-stop about public schools, television and electricity. Three star athletes who survived wartime service in the Air Force worry their decades of commercial flying won't yield them pensions if their bankrupt airlines go under.

My best pal in 1965 was widowed young. She raised two babies by herself and is now a grandmother who oversees a busy office, takes college courses and owns her own home.

Also circulating around the room was the tallest girl in the class, a once-awkward, now willowy and elegant woman who carried a baby boy in her graceful arms. "Your grandchild?" I inquired. "No, my new son," she replied. She took the biggest leap of faith of all of us when she adopted a Russian orphan last February at the age of 57. Her joy and his contentment made all of us feel younger.

Moving from empty chair to buffet table to bar stool, I connected not just with old classmates but with interesting, engaging people who've learned hard lessons, accomplished much good, and value their families and friends. Catching up and sharing photos, we slipped an arm around each other or held hands; our need for intimate connection went unspoken but deeply felt; we were aware it might be our last embrace.

The best part of the reunion was the absence of ego. It didn't matter where we'd gone or what we'd done; what was important was that we shared common memories and experiences from an out-of-focus time when we brimmed with optimism.

The person I enjoyed most at my reunion was myself. I, too, was on that split-screen TV in my mind. The awkward, driven egghead who couldn't wait to graduate had given way to a relaxed sentimentalist bursting with affection toward people she'd foolishly thought no longer mattered. I was shocked to realize my Belton (Mo.) High School classmates had exerted a greater influence on my character, career, values and attitudes than I'd recognized until I reunited with them.

They were the first to praise my fledgling writing efforts in the school newspaper. Many came from Air Force families who'd lived all over the world; their stories of different cultures and exotic locales fueled my imagination to see beyond my flat, midwestern horizon. The local kids who lived on farms never complained about milking cows before school and bailing hay after football practice.

Our collective pranks, SAT tests, homework, dances, football games, crushes, heartbreaks, dreams and fears also shaped our individualism. To embrace them was to embrace myself.

Log on to www.tadbartimus.com to order Tad's book, "War Torn," share your thoughts, read great stories and visit with her. You can also write to Tad c/o The Women Syndicate, P.O. Box 10169, Columbia, Mo. 65205.

© 2005 by The Women Syndicate

I remember, I think, that my comment in the '58 annual was something about "being a success in whatever I choose to do." I'm not sure how close I came but my life has been good.

I graduated from North Texas in January '64 with a BBA; stuck around until May for a BS in psychology. I tried to join the Marine Corps but had a medical disability. Ironically, it would keep me from joining any of the officer programs but not from being drafted (remember the draft)? I had surgery to correct the problem but spent '64/'65 at North Texas getting my M.S. in psychology.

I joined the Marine Corps in May and attended the officer candidate course in the fall of 1965. I was commissioned a 2nd. Lt. on 18 December. After a short leave, I attended further training at Quantico, Va. and arrived in Vietnam July of 1966. I remained in Vietnam until November 1968, serving as an infantry platoon commander, force reconnaissance (the Marine equivalent of the Navy SEALS or Army Special Forces) platoon commander and an advisor with the South Vietnamese Army. I returned home and was released from active duty in December 1968.

I returned to North Texas and was admitted to the Ph.D. program in psychology. I lost interest after a semester and ended up working for the Central Intelligence Agency in the directorate of operations. After a year of training I returned to Asia, this time to Laos, and spent 26 months there. I returned home in December 1972 and worked at Langley for a brief time; went through more training and went overseas again, this time to the Middle East. I'd gotten married in August 1973 to an American Airlines flight attendant (in those days they were stewardesses) Dudney O'Guin but couldn't take her with me. I got back in the summer of 1975 and was assigned to Langley again.

Everyone has their own ideas about what it's like to work for the CIA but, believe me, it's much different from what people think. You can't discuss your work with your wife, you can't tell people who you work for and when you're overseas you sometimes use a different name. All in all, very hard on family life. After I got back from the Middle East I decided that I needed to make a change. After talking it over with my wife, I resigned from the agency and was fortunate enough to be accepted back into the Marine Corps in the fall of 1975.

For the next 17 years we lived in various places, Quantico, VA. Okinawa (just me), Hawaii, Ft. Bragg, NC and finally Camp Pendleton, CA. While commanding 1st. Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton in 1986, Clint Eastwood made the movie "Heartbreak Ridge" using our battalion area as one of the main sets of the film. Dudney and I are actually in one of the scenes, the receiving line at the club just prior to the departure for Grenada. Eastwood is a really nice man but I can't recommend the movie.

I've traveled to some interesting places, in addition to Vietnam and Okinawa I was in Grenada and Beirut with the Marines and, with the agency, most of Asia and part of the middle east. Dudney and I have traveled much of the world and enjoyed many places. Next month we will go to Tahiti on our 14th cruise to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary.

I retired from the Marine Corps in the spring 1992 and we decided to remain here. We live in a small beach community about 25 miles north of San Diego. Dudney continued to fly for American until 2000 when she retired. She now stays occupied being a docent at a local wildlife foundation and with various American Airlines groups. Naturally she spends a good amount of time supervising me. :-)

For a short time after retirement I worked as a defense contractor. I spent some time as a professional bodyguard (including doing one movie with Julia Roberts) and then, in 1995, went to Atlanta to be the transportation security manager for the athletes of the 1996 Olympic Games.

Following the games I returned to California and eventually went to work for a major company in San Diego. The company had a contract with department of state to train foreign police officers in antiterrorism matters. The actual training was done at the state police academy in Baton Rouge, LA. So, for the past 10 years, I've traveled to Baton Rouge several times a year to teach/train foreign police officers. It's been a great job and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately we lost the contract and my last trip to Baton Rouge was November of last year.

About the only sour note in my life took place in January 2003. When I left Vietnam I never intended to go back for a visit. Well, in January 2003, Vietnam came to visit me; I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) which is one of the "Agent Orange" diseases. I went through chemotherapy until July when I was told that I was in remission. I wanted to attend our 45th reunion but my Dr. advised against traveling at that time. I still go in for a form of preventative chemotherapy twice a year, January and July, but it doesn't make me sick and I fully intend to be in Borger for our 50th.

Edith, you're doing a great job with the web site and class news. I enjoy reading about our classmates.

Digger O'Dell

I am really enjoying reading all your updates, even though I don't know that many of the people involved. It is fun for me when I do know them. I remember Carlene Chester and Ronald Barnett from grade school days. Wish our group here in Lubbock had an Edith to do such hard work. You really deserve a big star in your crown. I am still looking forward to next summer. We had a smallish 49th here at our house a couple of weeks ago. We only had about 50 people here. Most people who have to travel are waiting for the big one next year. I find that the small ones are almost more fun than the big ones, because you can really get in some quality visiting time.

I am feeling much better these days. I really did appreciate the phone call from you, and I will be looking forward to next summer, too. I also got a call from Ruth Ann, Ann Bonafield, Carmen and Ruthie. It was almost worth it to be so sick just to hear from everybody.

Keep up the good work. Love you,
Kay Carmichal Kirkpatrick

Edith,

It was so nice to hear from you. The picture of Larry and his wife, Karen, was taken in the summer of '93. I wasn't sure how much, in any, information you wanted about Larry's activities after graduating, but here is a short history.

After Larry graduated from High School, he worked on the horserace tracks in Texas, New Mexico and other 'circuits' as a groomsman, eventually wanting to be a jockey. To his great disappointment, he shot up in height and became too tall to be a jockey. By that time our parents and I had moved to Tracy, CA. Larry moved here and enrolled in Humphreys Business College in Stockton, CA. He graduated with honors in Business Administration. He worked as an Office Manager for a construction company in Stockton for some time and then went to work for General Mills as a computer specialist and Office Manager.

Larry was diagnosed with cancer in February 2007 and died in March 2007.

Yours truly, Carolyn

Edith, thanks so much for doing all the hard work that you have done for this reunion and thanks for going to so much trouble finding me. It will be a long year waiting to see everbody at the reunion, I can't wait. Thanks again, Linda Leder Levy

Hello Edith, I thought maybe I should send you my new E-mail address since I have changed it. Ed Blackwell

Edith, please forward to Pat Hay. Hope she makes the reunion. We had a great visit last reunion and look forward to seeing her again. Bob West

Thank you so much for keeping us informed on everything. I know you must be very busy. Would you have any information on Martha Griffin? We were best of friends growing up. The last time I saw her was in 1965 here in Amarillo. We worked and lived together, then she met this soldier and they moved away. That was the last time I saw her. I sure would like to find out about her. If you know any one that knows about her please let me know. Thank You Geri (Geraldine Platt)

Often think of our classmates and it seems to be getting harder to remember everyone. GOD BLESS AND WILL SEE YOU THERE. EARLINE PLATT

I just returned from Bennies. We had our usual golf game, Ben,Monty,Alvin and myself. We had a great time, and I know you won't believe the tall tales about how good a gooffer he his. That is not mispelled. Your Doing a great Job, We all Love you for spending so much time. Gerald (Hazzard)

Loretta had no relations living in Borger. Randall is my cousin, but I have no idea where he lives. His family lived in Shamrock years ago. I think they were farmers. I think His Father(Randall), was the oldest son of Bill King. Maybe someone in Shamrock will know of his location. Sorry I don't have much info on Randall. Gerald

Hi Edith,
Thank you so much for the web site and the directory you sent me about our class of '58. I spent hours looking at it and reminiscing. I have found one friend that you didn't have any information on. It is Ettabelle Williams. Her husband's name is Clyde Herring and they live in Glendive, Mt. I have tried to call her, but haven't been able to talk to her yet. I did talk fo her husband to find out that this is the right person from Borger. I also tried to call Jeanie, but haven't connected with her yet either. (Talked to her husband also). Hopefully, I will get to talk to both of them soon.

Thanks again and the web site is fantastic!!! Your son did a wonderful job on it.

Take care,
Mary Kay Carithers Bush

Thanks so much, Edith. Yes, Mary Kay and I were buddies; I have pictures of us together. I will look forward to hearing from her. I will write to you for the web site some day soon when I have time. Busy summer. Love, Jeanie