Page 1 08/01/17 Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame (Established 1986) Kingfisher High School has a long and distinguished history reaching back to 1891 and is one of the oldest public high schools in Oklahoma. Well into its second century of existence, this school has produced graduates who were well prepared for their lives after high school and who also made a difference to their community, state and nation. To honor those who made this history and a difference, The Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame was created in 1986 by the Kingfisher Board of Education at the request of KHS students and faculty. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is twofold. First, it recognizes the extraordinary achievement of past graduates whose contributions to their community, state and nation rise above that of their peers and contemporaries. Secondly, the Hall of Fame is designed to provide current students with role models who illustrate what can be achieved with the quality education provided by Kingfisher High School. Members of the Hall of Fame are selected annually during the spring of the school year. Nominations are accepted from anyone who can provide information about an outstanding graduate or former faculty member of the school, and a committee of faculty, students and patrons review the nominations. Generally, as many as two graduates and one former faculty are chosen although more or fewer can be selected as the circumstances merit. Award of the honor takes place during the annual commencement ceremony conducted at the end of the school year. During this event, with thousands of people present, the citations are read, a plaque and the KHS Distinguished Achievement Medal are presented to the recipient or a family member. Also, a formal plaque of recognition is hung in the high school halls. Since its beginning, the Hall of Fame has inducted more than 75 men and women. They come from every walk-of-life and every background, however, one thing they share in common is the foundation for their lives that was, at least partially, laid during their years at KHS. Kingfisher High School building completed and occupied in 1995.
Transcript
Page 1 08/01/17
Kingfisher High School
Hall of Fame (Established 1986)
Kingfisher High School has a long and distinguished history reaching back
to 1891 and is one of the oldest public high schools in Oklahoma. Well into its
second century of existence, this school has produced graduates who were well
prepared for their lives after high school and who also made a difference to
their community, state and nation. To honor those who made this history and a
difference, The Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame was created in 1986 by
the Kingfisher Board of Education at the request of KHS students and faculty.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is twofold. First, it recognizes the
extraordinary achievement of past graduates whose contributions to their
community, state and nation rise above that of their peers and contemporaries.
Secondly, the Hall of Fame is designed to provide current students with role
models who illustrate what can be achieved with the quality education provided
by Kingfisher High School.
Members of the Hall of Fame are selected annually during the spring of
the school year. Nominations are accepted from anyone who can provide
information about an outstanding graduate or former faculty member of the
school, and a committee of faculty, students and patrons review the
nominations. Generally, as many as two graduates and one former faculty are
chosen although more or fewer can be selected as the circumstances merit.
Award of the honor takes place during the annual commencement
ceremony conducted at the end of the school year. During this event, with
thousands of people present, the citations are read, a plaque and the KHS
Distinguished Achievement Medal are presented to the recipient or a family
member. Also, a formal plaque of recognition is hung in the high school halls.
Since its beginning, the Hall of Fame has inducted more than 75 men and
women. They come from every walk-of-life and every background, however,
one thing they share in common is the foundation for their lives that was, at
least partially, laid during their years at KHS.
Kingfisher High School building completed and occupied in 1995.
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1986 ALLEN E GREER
Class of 1936
Allen E. Greer was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in the spring of 1936. He received his
Doctor’s Degree in Medicine in 1942 from the
University of Oklahoma. After serving as an intern in
Denver, Colorado, he served in the United States Army
until 1946.
Following his military service, Dr. Greer studied
General, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in
Cleveland, Ohio, and then returned to Oklahoma City to open a private
practice.
Since 1951, Dr. Greer has become known nationally and internationally as
an eminent Heart and Thoracic Surgeon. He has published widely and has
served as Associate Professor of Surgery for the University of Oklahoma.
Dr. Greer is associated with the St. Anthony Hospital, the Baptist Medical
Center, the Mercy Health Center and the Presbyterian Hospital. His long career
of service and achievement stands as a lasting influence for the students of
Kingfisher High School.
1986 RICHARD F. DANNE
Class of 1952
Richard F. Danne was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1952. He attended Oklahoma State
University and the Graduate School of Design at the
University of California in Los Angeles.
Following his university studies, Mr. Danne
began his work in the Graphic Arts. From his studio in
New York City, he has been recognized nationally and
internationally for his work in design.
He has been largely responsible for graphic designs for the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration and designed the insignia for the Space
Shuttle Columbia. For his efforts, he received the “Award of Excellence” from
President Ronald Reagan.
In addition to his work for NASA, Mr. Danne has also designed material
for the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Aviation Administration.
He also teaches in the School of Visual Arts in New York City, holds important
positions in his professional organizations and serves on the Advisory Board
for the New York Public Library. Mr. Danne’s achievements reflect great
credit upon himself and upon Kingfisher High School.
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1986 ENID SCOTT “MOTHER” BUSWELL
Class of 1915
Enid Scott was graduated as Valedictorian of the
Kingfisher High School class of 1915. She received
degrees from the Kingfisher College and from Central
State College aimed at a teaching career.
She taught in the Kingfisher schools at various
times from 1915 through 1940, often as a substitute
since married women teachers were not allowed to teach
“full time.” Beginning with World War II, Mrs. Buswell
chaired the KHS History Department until 1961 when she retired having taught
almost all history courses plus sophomore and junior English.
In 1957, she was named the Kingfisher County Teacher of the Year. One
of her students said of her, “I knew the only reason for her being in the
classroom was to care about the students in her class. She made learning fun
and made each day of school a joy both in and out of the classroom.”
Enid Scott Buswell is the only Kingfisher teacher ever to be accorded the
title, “Mother.” “Mother” Buswell taught, loved and inspired generation after
generation of Kingfisher High School students. As a graduate of this institution
and as a former faculty member, she has provided an example to which we can
all aspire.
1986 MARY AGNES THOMPSON
Class of 1931
A Kingfisher native, Mary Agnes Thompson was
graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1931. In
1940 she began work at Enid radio station KCRC and
the next year she joined the staff of WKY Radio as head
of the script department. In 1951 she left that position
to write professionally.
Her book, The Hay in My Hair sold well and she
received numerous awards for excellent in radio writing.
As a freelance writer, she began to sell her work to major magazines including
the Saturday Evening Post. Many of her works were converted into television
and motion picture scripts including “Call from Mitch Miller,” which became
the Elvis Presley film, “Loving You.”
She also wrote plays and several textbooks. In 1958 she was named as
one of the Outstanding Women in Oklahoma City.
Mary Agnes Thompson loved writing and wrote often of the state she
loved. A friend said of her, “Her warmth, compassion and sympathy for others
and her deep religious convictions contributed to the happiness she radiated to
those around her.”
Mary Agnes Thompson died in April of 1959 at the age of forty-four. She
left behind her not only written works, but also a life of inspiration to all who
knew and remember her.
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1986 K. F. “JACK” MUSICK
Class of 1930
K.F. “Jack” Musick was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1930 and from the United States Naval
Academy in 1935. During his Naval aviation career, he
achieved the rank of Captain. As a flyer, he was
decorated many times as a torpedo bomber pilot flying
from aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific Ocean.
Upon retirement from the Navy, Mr. Musick
returned to Kingfisher to make his home and taught in
the Kingfisher schools for fourteen years. Following his second retirement,
“Captain Jack” as he was affectionately known, continued to serve his
community through civic leadership and volunteer activities.
Captain K. F. “Jack” Musick has led a life of service dedicated to God,
country and community. Through his service to the United States, the state of
Oklahoma and the community of Kingfisher, he has set an example of courage,
character and honor for all who know him.
1987 MARY GILMOUR
Class of 1923
Mary Gilmour was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1923. After graduation she qualified for her
teaching certificate and taught in many rural schools. In
1931 she completed her studies and received her degree as a
registered nurse.
She returned to Kingfisher to start a community
hospital in 1932 located at Main and Sheridan which
operated until 1940. In 1942, she joined the US Army
Nurse Corps and served in England and France during World War II returning home
in 1945 to be discharged as a First Lieutenant.
After serving in many positions as nurse and administrator in facilities around
the United States, she returned to Kingfisher where she served as County School
Nurse until 1960. She taught at the Oklahoma College for Women until retiring in
1970.
Retirement for Miss Gilmour meant returning to her home town to continue
community service. She has remained active in the First Christian Church and the
Oklahoma State Nurses Association which chose her as President in 1960 and Nurse
of the Year in 1968. In addition she has been active in the American Legion and the
Legion Auxiliary as well as several retired persons organizations.
Her love of children so clearly displayed in her nursing care is also seen in her
work with children and young people’s organizations. She has been Resident Nurse
for Girls Scout camps, 4-H camps and Girls State for 20 years.
In 1980, this remarkable woman was named Kingfisher Citizen of the Year.
Equally remarkable, this woman continues to serve God, Country and Community
and she still works at her profession giving home health care, often to people many
years her junior.
Mary Gilmour, by her life of service and many contributions, stands as an
example of the impact the life of one graduate of Kingfisher High School can have.
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1987 DR. ARTHUR BUSWELL
Class of 1944
Dr. Arthur Buswell was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1944. He completed his undergraduate
work at the University of Oklahoma and his medical
degree at OU in 1952. An enlisted veteran of World
War II, Dr. Buswell returned to military service as an
Army doctor in 1952 serving until 1954. He re-entered
the Army in 1961 retiring at the rank of Colonel in 1983.
During service to his country, Dr. Buswell was
division surgeon for the First Armored Division during tours in Vietnam from
1963 through 1965. During the remainder of his career, he served as
commander of various US Army medical facilities and was instrumental in
creating numerous programs for improving Army medical service.
Recognized as an outstanding physician and soldier, Dr. Buswell has been
awarded the Legion of Merit on three occasions, the Soldiers Medal, the
Bronze Star with “V” for Valor on two occasions, the Meritorious Service
Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and four Air Medals.
Not content to end his public service with retirement, Dr. Buswell returned
to Kingfisher to become a civic leader. Presently he is president of the
Kingfisher “Friends of the Library” and has been large responsible for
successfully raising thousands of dollars toward construction of a Kingfisher
Community Library.
The life and deeds of Dr. Arthur Buswell, Colonel, US Army retired, stand
as an example to emulate for students of Kingfisher High School.
1987 RODGER HOWELL
Teacher 1944-1964, Principal 1965-1981
Rodger Howell, a native of Cashion, Oklahoma, began
his teaching career in 1942 at Hominy High School. In
1944, he was hired as a teacher in the Kingfisher Public
Schools.
He served as Vocational Agriculture Instructor from
1944 until 1964. During that period of time, the Kingfisher
Future Farmers of American chapter became known as one
of the premier FFA chapters in the United States.
The Kingfisher chapter, under his guidance, produced more American Farmers
than any other chapter in America, a distinction the chapter still holds to this day.
Mr. Howell served as Principal at Kingfisher High School from 1964 until his
retirement in 1981. His dedication to Kingfisher High School has been an
inspiration to teachers and students alike.
Mr. Howell is a member of the Kingfisher First Christian Church and served in
various capacities from Board Chairman to Elder Emeritus. He is also a long time
member of the Rotary Club and has always been active in community affairs.
Rodger Howell guided Kingfisher High School through turbulent times and
helped establish a curriculum and activity program which has made this school one
of the outstanding high schools in Oklahoma.
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1987 FLOYD THROCKMORTON
Class of 1927
Floyd Throckmorton was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1927. Always dedicated to
public service, Mr. Throckmorton served in many
county positions, first as Deputy Clerk of the courthouse
in 1934 and later as Court Clerk.
He served in the United States Navy during World
War II and returned to Kingfisher to open the
Throckmorton Insurance Agency. His love of his
community was always evident and he took on many tasks to help kingfisher
including serving as a member of the Chisholm Trail Museum Board.
Mr. Throckmorton was elected to the City Commission on two occasions
and served as Kingfisher Mayor four times. He was also President of the
Chamber of Commerce in 1962.
The American Legion was also one of his great loves and he was active in
Legion activities until his death in 1985. Prior to his passing, Mr.
Throckmorton served on the Board of Directors of the American Legion
Children’s Home and in many other Legion service and social activities.
The citizens of Kingfisher recognized Mr. Throckmorton’s contributions
to the community by naming him citizen of the year in 1976. Floyd
Throckmorton’s life was one of kindness, care and concern and stands as an
inspiration to the students of Kingfisher High School.
1988 GEEN GILMOUR
Educator 1928-1941, 1946-1966
Geen Gilmour was a teacher and administrator in
the Kingfisher Schools for more than thirty years. He
began as a coach in 1928, took time out for World War
II and served as Junior High and Elementary principal
until his retirement in 1966.
During his time as teacher and principal, he
influenced so many adults and children that he is the
only man other than George Washington whose name
has been given to a Kingfisher School. The Gilmour School remains a lasting
memorial to his memory.
Mr. Gilmour served with distinction overseas in World War I and World
War II. He was a man whose life was dedicated to public service and he was
active in professional education organizations, the Lions Club, and his church
where he was a deacon. He was especially active as a member of the
Kingfisher American Legion Post.
Perhaps he was most proud of his work with the Boy Scouts of America.
Serving the Scouts in several capacities, he attended state and national
jamborees and worked directly with the youth of Kingfisher.
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Geen Gilmour had a life which left a lasting impact upon the community
and upon the Kingfisher Schools. His memory continues to inspire those who
would serve their fellow man and make the world a better place.
1988 ROY C BOECHER
Class of 1924
Roy C. Boecher was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1924. Since that time, Mr. Boecher has been
active in every aspect of making his community and state
better places to live.
From the 1930s when he served as an extension
engineer for Oklahoma State University through the
following decades where he was instrumental in the
electrification of western Oklahoma, Roy Boecher has
devoted himself to improving the quality of life of this state.
In 1948, he was elected to the state senate where he served for nearly thirty
years. During that time, he chaired most major committees, served as Majority
Floor Leader and eventually was the Senate’s highest officer, the President Pro
Tempore. Senator Boecher was particularly interested in the preservation of the
state’s heritage and way of life so sponsored much legislation which made possible
local museums, preserved wildlife, and helped create state parks, highways and
flood control projects.
Mr. Boecher’s accomplishments are too numerous to mention but he is
probably most proud of his contributions to his community. In 1936, Roy Boecher
was instrumental in the establishment of the Cimarron Electric Cooperative and was
its general manager, and in 1953, it was his senate bill that made Pioneer Telephone
Cooperative possible. He was involved in the management of this enterprise for
more than 30 years. Later, the four lane highway from Dover to Okarche resulted
from his work.
It would be hard to imagine what Kingfisher would be like had it not been for
the efforts of Senator Roy C. Boecher.
1988 ALICE MAE GOODBRAKE
Class of 1918
Alice Mae Goodbrake was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1918. Following her graduation, Miss
Goodbrake began a distinguished career in education which
extended for 53 years.
Miss Goodbrake was more than a teacher to her
pupils, she was a friend and counselor. Besides school
subjects, her classes included good manners, courtesy and
how to be successful in life.
Her career spanned teaching assignments in Oklahoma, Colorado and New
Mexico. Perhaps her greatest moment was when she saw one of her young Hispanic
students grow up to be inaugurated the Governor of the State of New Mexico.
Others of her students have been likewise successful. All remember Miss
Goodbrake as the teacher who “went the extra mile” for her students.
Always active in her profession and community, Miss Goodbrake held
membership for more than half a century in Kappa Kappa Iota and Delta Kappa
Gamma professional sororities and remains to this day active in her church work.
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In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Education, Miss Goodbrake
was inducted into the New Mexico Education Hall of Fame. Today, at age 91, Alice
Mae Goodbrake continues to inspire those who knew her for she remains a caring,
loving person and continues to give of herself helping others.
1988 SAMUEL ROBERT STEELE
Class of 1938
Samuel Robert (Bob) Steele was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1938. Mr. Steele attended the
University of Oklahoma where he worked toward his
doctorate in Chemistry. His university studies were
interrupted by service in World War II.
Following the war, Mr. Steele became a research
scientist who sought to better understand the world of
physics and electronics.
Bob Steele is known internationally for his work with the Raytheon Company
where he has been the Principal Research Scientist. In addition, he has also taught
Electron Microscopy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
A distinguished researcher, Mr. Steels holds many patents and has written
numerous papers and textbook chapters. His research has taken him from Electron
Microscopes through integrated circuits and semiconductors to microwaves. Mr.
Steele’s work has let the major universities and corporations to call upon him as
consultant and teacher.
Samuel Robert Steele has been described by his colleagues as “a gentle, peace-
loving man who has contributed to the progress of science.” Truly his life and work
stand as inspiration to all who know him, and a man to whom the students of
Kingfisher High School can look as a beacon of achievement.
1988 LTC ARNOLD D. DROKE
Class of 1962 Arnold D. Droke was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1962. During his time at Kingfisher High School,
LTC Droke was not only a fine student, but he was also an outstanding athlete lettering in four sports.
Following his graduation, he attended Oklahoma State University on a Track and Field scholarship and was named an
AAU “All-American” as a member of the National 2-mile Relay
Team which set the world record time. While he was a student, he joined the Oklahoma Army
National Guard and eventually completed Officer Training and received his commission.
He served in the National Guard part time while he taught in the public schools for eight years.
Eventually, LTC Droke turned his attention to the National Guard as his career.
During his service he held positions from Platoon Leader to Station Commander to service on the Brigade Staff. He returned for a time to the Officer Candidate School as a
TAC Officer, served as the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for the Adjutant
General of Oklahoma and then became the Training Administrator for the Oklahoma Military Academy and also the Commandant of the Officer Candidate School.
LTC Droke has been recognized on many occasions for his work with the Army
National Guard. He has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, several Army Reserve Forces medals, the Selected Reserve
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Forces Medal, the Oklahoma Commendation Medal, the Oklahoma Meritorious Service
Medal, and the Oklahoma Exceptional Service Medal. LTC Arnold Droke has served his state with exceptional dedication and devotion to
duty. His example should stimulate the students of Kingfisher High School to
achievement and “to be all they can be.”
1989 C. L. “PETE” RIVERS
Class of 1936
C. L. “Pete” Rivers was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1936. During his high school career, he was
a member of the 1935 Oklahoma All State Football Team.
After high school, he played football for Oklahoma A&M
College, now Oklahoma State University. He was twice an
Honorable Mention All-American and three times All
Missouri Valley and All Oklahoma Collegiate Conference.
Mr. Rivers was selected a halfback on the Oklahoma Team
of the Decade. He also played professional football for one year in the American
Football League and was chosen as a member of the Jim Thorpe Hall of Fame.
His professional life included teaching and coaching at Kingfisher High
School for 4 ½ years and a 4 year tour with the United States Navy.
Presently, Mr. Rivers lives in Napa, California where he has taught
mathematics and coached for 25 years.
Mr. Rivers’ contribution to Kingfisher High School and to the community of
Kingfisher reflects great credit upon himself and brings honor to his school.
1989 COLONEL RICHARD C. LEMON
Class of 1962
Richard C. Lemon was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1962. He then attended Oklahoma State
University graduating with honors in 1967. The same year
he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Regular
Air Force as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force
ROTC at OSU.
During the Vietnam conflict, he served as an air
Intelligence Officer in Thailand. Following pilot training,
he received his wings in 1972 and served in various fighter squadrons around the
world including a tour as commander of the 74th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the
“Flying Tigers” from 1983 to 1985.
Colonel Lemon also served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in
Israel and Egypt during the 1978-1979 “Camp David” peace negotiations. He also
served a tour at the United States Air Force Headquarters in the Pentagon from 1986
to 1987. Following his graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces
in 1988, Colonel Lemon was assigned duty as Deputy Commander of the 51st
Tactical Fighter Wing in the Republic of Korea. He was recently named to
command the 5th Tactical Air Control Group located at Suwon Air Base in Korea.
Despite his world travels, Colonel Lemon has remained in family and
community affairs including the Methodist Church. Colonel Lemon is married to
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the former Patricia Abernathy and they have three children, Margaret, Robert and
Kathryn.
Colonel Richard C. “Dick” Lemon’s selfless dedication to his country and
outstanding achievements bring great credit to himself, the Air Force, the United
States, the community of Kingfisher, and Kingfisher High School.
1989 NAOMI MAYFIELD MONTGOMERY
Class of 1925
Naomi Mayfield Montgomery was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1925. She received her
Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Wesleyan
College in Fort Worth, Texas in 1937, a Bachelor of
Arts degree from Southwestern State College in
Weatherford, Oklahoma in 1946; and the Master of
Science degree from the University of Arkansas in
Fayetteville in 1948.
Following three and one half years of study at Oklahoma State University,
she began teaching in 1929. She also taught Art and Home Economics in
college for several years.
In 1968, Naomi Mayfield Montgomery was given a life membership in the
Oklahoma Education Association and the Ponca City Public Schools awarded
her a Certificate of Merit in appreciation of and recognition for her
achievements in Education.
During her career in Education she has been a member of the Delta Kappa
Gamma Sorority, Kappa Pi, PGEA, the Oklahoma Education Association, and
the National Education Association. She has also been listed in “Who’s Who
in American Education” and “Who’s Who of American Women.”
Mrs. Montgomery’s life of dedication to public education has sent an
example for other to follow and emulate.
1989 JAMES A. YOUNG
Teacher and Counselor 1971-1978
For seventeen years, James A. (Jim) Young was
teacher, counselor and friend to the students, faculty, and
administration of Kingfisher High School. During this
time, he provided an unequaled example of
professionalism, academic excellence, and personal
compassion.
An aviation veteran of World War II, Jim brought
his love of aeronautics and mathematics to Kingfisher
High School inspiring students to high performance. S Kingfisher High School
Counselor, his compassionate care for students and educators made him loved
and respected by pupils and colleagues.
His community involvement included a highly active membership in the
Lions Club and a deep commitment to his faith. Jim’s life was a reflection of
his Christian duty to his fellow man.
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Jim passed away in 1978 after a lengthy illness. The way he had lived his
life was the way he faced death. In his honor, a special scholarship was created
to be awarded to a KHS senior whose behavior gave an indication of a future
life reflective of the life of Jim Young.
Although Jim is no longer with us, the memory of his love and courage
left to those who knew and loved him will keep his spirit alive.
1989 MICHAEL F. STAKE
Class of 1972
Michael F. Stake was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1972. Following graduation he attended
Oklahoma State University and he was graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. He then attended the
Oklahoma University School of Law receiving his Juris
Doctorate in 1979 and was admitted to the bar the same
year.
Upon admission to the Bar, Mr. State joined a law
firm in Woodward, Oklahoma and in 1988 he began his own practice. He has been
actively involved in the life of the Woodward community serving on the County
Excise Board, as Chairman of the United Fund Drive, the Lions Club of which he is
a past president, and the Woodward Chamber of Commerce of which he is a past
chairman.
He also served in the hospital foundation and in 1988 he was elected as a city
commissioner for the City of Woodward. He has said, “The most significant
influence on my life has been supportive and empathetic parents who have not been
afraid to tell me that they love me and support me even when they disapprove of my
activities or motivations. Having caring, but non-interfering parents is a rare
blessing and I have been very blessed.” In 1975, Mr. Stake married Nina Payne and
they have two daughters, Emily and Audrey.
The lesson of excellence and community service demonstrated by Michael F.
Stake stand as an example of what one individual can do and he is a credit to his
community, his home town, and Kingfisher High School.
1990 DORIS UHLENHAKE
Teacher, 1945-1985
Doris Uhlenhake completed 40 years as a teacher in
the Kingfisher School system in 1985. She has described
her career in Kingfisher as a “dream come true.”
Mrs. Uhlenhake graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree
from Central State University in 1942. An active student,
she was named Woman Athlete of the Year in 1944 and
1945, and served in various leadership positions during
college. Upon graduation, she began teaching in Kingfisher
and then married Bert Uhlenhake in 1947.
Her distinguished career has included many honors including Oklahoma
Teacher of the Year for 1976. She also has been active in the Retired Teachers
Organizations, KKI, the Chamber of Commerce, and the AARP. She is also a past
president of Delta Kappa Gamma. Mrs. Uhlenhake was also nominated by one of
her students as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.
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Mrs. Uhlenhake said of her career, “Forty years as a teacher in the Kingfisher
Public Schools were each and every one a new and different experience (and a
happy one.)” Presently, Mrs. Uhlenhake lives in retirement with her husband,
traveling extensively, playing golf, and continuing her involvement in community
and education affairs.
The dedication and example of Doris Uhlenhake stand as a guide for the
thousands of students who have known and loved her as a teacher and friend.
1990 GEORGE BROWNLEE
Class of 1948
George Brownlee was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1948 after having attended the Kingfisher Schools for 12 years. Mr. Brownlee was active in football, band, and FFA
and was the 1948 editor of the Yearbook, the first to be
produced since the 1920s
After attending OSU for a year, Mr. Brownlee saw
military service for 2 years serving with the 45th Division in
Japan and Korea. Upon his return to Oklahoma, Mr. Brownlee worked for the Kingfisher Times and Free Press for ten years,
his last as editor. Following this time, Mr. Brownlee owned an insurance agency and
then joined Kingfisher Bank and Trust in 1965 where he currently serves as Vice-President and Trust Officer.
Mr. Brownlee has been active in community affairs for most of his life. He served
on the City Council for 27 years and was Mayor of Kingfisher for 10 of those years. He also has been active in the Methodist Church, the Rotary Club, the American Legion, The
All Sports Association, and the Kingfisher Golf Association. Mr. Brownlee and his wife Claudette have two sons, Gary and Greg (both graduates of KHS) and two
granddaughters.
The example of selfless community service set by George Brownlee stands as an outstanding example of that to which Kingfisher students should aspire.
1990 CLAUDETTE (BROWN) BROWNLEE
Class of 1949
Claudette (Brown) Brownlee was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1949, and worked for the Times Printing Company until her marriage to George Brownlee in
1950. When her husband was called to active duty in 1950, she
continued to work until his return in 1952 and then became a housewife and mother for five years.
In 1957, Mrs. Brownlee began part-time work at the
Kingfisher County Treasurer’s office. This work became full time and for the past 12 years she has served as the elected
County Treasurer. As a county official, she has been active in the Northwest District
Association of County Officials, and the County Treasurers Association of Oklahoma having served as president of both organizations.
Mrs. Brownlee has continued her education with Professional Development courses
at Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. She now serves on the Advisory Board for the Center for Local Government at Oklahoma State University. She
also helped write the procedures manual now in use in all 77 Oklahoma County
Treasurers Offices and also serves as a new Treasurer Training seminar instructor.
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Active in her church, Mrs. Brownlee serves on the Board of the Oklahoma United
Methodist Foundation. She also has served two terms on the Board of the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce and is on the Board of Kingfisher Horizons.
Mrs. Brownlee was extremely active in the Kingfisher Centennial Celebration being
particularly responsible for the Centennial wall which honors the pioneers who settled this area. She also serves as Chairman of the Kingfisher Schools Centennial Celebration
Steering Committee.
The life of Claudette Brownlee and her unselfish devotion of her time and skills to the service of others reflect great credit upon herself, her community and her alma mater.
Kingfisher students would do well to reflect upon the great service and deeds
accomplished by Claudette Brownlee.
1990 DR. GAYLA SUE (PIERSON) WRIGHT
Class of 1959
Dr. Gayla (Pierson) Wright was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1959. She attended Panhandle Oklahoma State University where she received her Bachelor of
Science degree in 1963 and attended Southwestern Oklahoma
State University where she received her Master of Science degree in 1975. Dr. Wright was awarded her doctorate in
Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State
University in 1977 Dr. Wright has more than twenty years of experience in
science instruction and elementary through college level administration. Her background
includes research and development of educational in-service programs for science related projects and activities. She is especially noted for her data analysis, technical expertise
and management of multi-disciplinary approaches to education.
Dr. Wright has served as Community Involvement Program liaison for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Director of Youth Conservation Corps summer
programs for the U.S. Department of the Interior, and Class Production director for the
United States Army War College.
In addition to numerous consultant roles in science education related areas, Dr.
Wright has worked with the state of Texas in developing Programs for Effective
Teaching, development of the Texas Teacher Career Ladder, and as a judge of state and international fairs. Dr. Wright is a consummate educator who works with students and
teachers to help improve instruction and learning. A classmate said of her, “…she was
always an organizer and doer … she always knew where she was going and what she wanted to do all of her life.”
Dr. Wright is a true professional educator of the highest order who continues to use her skills and abilities to improve education opportunities for all associated with the
learning community. The model Dr. Wright presents is one worthy of emulation by the
students of the Kingfisher Schools.
Page 14 08/01/17
1990 EDNA HOFFMAN BOWMAN
Class of 1924
Edna Hoffman Bowman was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1924. She attended
Oklahoma City University for two years and, following
two years at the University of Oklahoma, received her
Bachelor of Arts degree. Mrs. Bowman earned a Life
Teaching Certificate and taught for twelve years until
her marriage to the noted Oklahoma pioneer attorney
and State Senator, George Lynn Bowman.
She continued her education through graduate work at the University of
Oklahoma, and Columbia University. In 1937, she participated in a 3 month
study of the Orient traveling to Japan, Korea, China, Hong King and the
Philippines. Of this event she has said, “My boat trip to the Orient in 1937 is,
perhaps, the most significant event that changed my life. It enlarged my view
and I became a world citizen.”
Frequently honored for her many contributions, she has been awarded an
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Oklahoma City University,
received the highest honor Award of Achievement from the Alpha Chi Omega
Sorority, and, in 1990, was named Director Emeritus of the Oklahoma
Historical Society. In 1970, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame
and in 1972 her portrait was unveiled in the Oklahoma Heritage Center.
Mrs. Bowman has remained active in her beloved community of
Kingfisher and the State of Oklahoma, and is particularly proud of her work at
the local and state level of the Methodist Church. She continues to support a
host of cultural and charitable projects.
Mrs. Bowman describes herself as “Fiercely loyal to her home, state, and
to her home town.” She adds that she is “deeply grateful for the solid
educational foundation she received in Kingfisher High School.”
Mrs. Bowman’s life of service and contribution has few if any equals and
demonstrates what can be done with a solid foundation and hard work. She has
set an example worthy of the admiration of all who call Kingfisher High School
Alma Mater.
“New” high school of early 1920s. “Old” 1915 high school to the right was used until
the 1950s as a junior high. The current auditorium now sits here.
Page 15 08/01/17
1991 DR. F. PERRY FRANZ
Class of 1976
Head of Plastic Surgery at Holt-Krock Clinic, Fort
Smith, Arkansas, and the only micro surgeon in the 100
physician clinic, F. Perry Franz, M.D. was graduated
from Kingfisher High School in 1976. Dr. Franz
received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology
from Oklahoma State University in 1979, and his
Doctor of Medicine degree from Oklahoma University
in 1983.
Dr. Franz spent a year in Taiwan working with internationally recognized
Fu Chan Wei, a Chinese micro surgeon, receiving advanced experience in cleft
lip and palate surgery and maxillofacial surgery. This fellowship training gave
Dr. Franz the opportunity to work with microscopic equipment in use at only
three places in the world. He currently writes for publication and presentations
at medical conferences and has appeared twice on local television as an expert
respondent to call-in questions. He is the only surgeon in the Arkansas and
eastern Oklahoma areas performing microsurgical procedures. He has
presented his research studies twelve different times in places like Michigan
(where he did his residency), British Virgin Islands, Illinois, California, and
Taiwan; he has published 13 articles and currently has eight more research
projects in progress.
In his first year and a half of his Ft. Smith practice, Dr. Franz has
performed almost miracle surgeries, reattachment of fingers, thumbs, local
reconstruction of a nose, salvation of limbs from amputation through free-flap
microsurgery, removal and closure of facial cancer and closure of pressure
sores.
Dr. Franz has received first place in the BRAMEC Research Day
Competition in 1985, first place in Michigan State University Research
Competition in 1985, and the Ralph Blocksman Lectureship Award in 1986.
Married to the former Dona Sigl, MS, CPA, Dr. Franz has interests other
than medicine such as scuba diving, snow skiing, photography, personal
computers, philosophy, and writing.
In only a few short years since leaving Kingfisher High School, this young
man has already shown through his dedication and through his skills as a
surgeon that his is, indeed, an outstanding credit to not only the medical field
but also to the service of mankind. Kingfisher Schools is proud to add this
inspiration, Dr. Perry Franz, to our Hall of Fame.
The KHS Band performs the annual Veterans Day Program, Nov. 11, 2017
Page 16 08/01/17
1991 1ST LIEUTENANT JOYCE M. SANDERS
Class of 1941
Known as “Grady” at Kingfisher High School and
“Sandy” while in the U.S. Marines, 1st Lt. Joyce M.
Sanders was graduated from KHS in 1941.
Lt. Sanders joined the Marines after high school
and, when he had the chance to be a flight instructor in
Pensacola, Florida, he felt his buddies who had wives
and children needed to stay in the U.S. and he traded
this position to go overseas to battle in World War II.
In 1944, Lt. Sanders was labeled “missing in
action” when he was 21 years old. His Dauntless dive bomber was shot down
in the Pacific as he strafed a Japanese battleship battling with allied warplanes.
Forty seven years after he was shot down, Sanders was honored with a
memorial service at the Kingfisher Memorial Cemetery. American Legion Post
5 conducted the service and the Veteran’s Administration provided a Flag.
Lt. Sanders was posthumously awarded the Navy’s Distinguished Flying
Cross, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal,
and the World War II Victory Medal.
According to the President citation accompanying the Distinguished
Flying Cross, “With utter disregard for his own safety, he headed for the enemy
vessel and fiercely determined to silence her guns and protect his comrades,
flew not more than 40 feet above her strafing the ship from stern to bow. First
Lieutenant Sanders’ valiant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”
For his “extreme bravery and spirit of gallantry and self-sacrifice” 1st Lt.
Joyce M. Sanders is welcomed to the KHS Hall of Fame in the hope that his
memory, his example of patriotism and willingness to fight in order to preserve
freedom, will serve as an inspiration to all his fellow KHS graduates and
students.
First dedicated high school building was constructed in 1915. It was a junior high after the 1920s high school building was built and then was torn down in the 1950s to be replaced by the current auditorium located at the Heritage School.
Page 17 08/01/17
1991 MAJOR KENNETH RAY SMITH
Class of 1959
Graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1959,
Kenneth Ray Smith is now a major in the Oklahoma City
Police Department, Special Service Bureau. With a
Bachelor of Science Degree from Oklahoma State
University and a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City
University, Smith first became a lake ranger and then
served in the Oklahoma City Police Department. He also
served his country in the 101st Airborne Division.
Kenneth Smith has been credited with other degrees and certificates
relating to law enforcement from the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI National
Academy, IBM, U.S. Secret Service, the University of Michigan graduate
school, Oklahoma University, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Active in many areas of his field, Smith has been either a member or
leader of the following: Fraternal Order of Police, Sheriffs and Peace Officers
Alliance, Downtown Events, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Stockyards City
Council, Parade Committee for The International Finals Rodeo, Assessor for
Police Assessment Center in Dallas and Fort Worth, Memorial Christian
Church, PTA, Boys Scouts of America, and the United Way.
Married for 28 years to Donna Horn Smith, Kenneth Smith is father to
sons Kendall and Kevin and 3 foster daughters, and he has been described as a
“dedicated, caring father involved and interested in the education and interests
of his children.”
Nominated as “conscientious and enthusiastic about everything he does,
respected by all who have worked with him --- he has constantly received
commendations and letters of appreciation from those with whom he has
worked.” Kenneth Ray Smith is certainly worthy of being named to the KHS
Hall of Fame as one whose accomplishments can be a strong influence to KHS
students who follow his example.
Page 18 08/01/17
1991 MARSHA L. WILLIAMS
Class of 1967
Marsha L. Williams was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1967. She attended Oklahoma State
University where she received her Bachelor of Arts
Degree in 1971, and she also attended Oklahoma
University Law School where she received her Juris
Doctorate in 1974.
Presently, Ms. Williams is an attorney and director
for Riddle and Brown, Attorneys and Counselors, Dallas,
Texas. Over the years, Ms. Williams has achieved not only a successful career
in law, but she has also been very active in civic and community affairs, may
times assuming leadership roles.
Ms. Williams has been named and/or elected to: Who’s Who in American
Among Business and Professional Women, Who’s Who in Texas, Leadership
Dallas Class of 1982-83, Leadership Dallas Alliance, Member and president of
Executive Women of Dallas, President of Dallas Branch of American
Association of University Women, member of the VIP Committee for
Republican National Convention (1984), and she received the Outstanding
Young Woman of American Award in 1978.
Past experience includes: Vice-President Comptroller Secretary and
General Counsel for First Texas Savings Association, Regional Consumer
Specialist for Regional Administration of National Banks, Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency, Eleventh National Bank Region, and Assist in
Trusts with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
As a professional, Ms. Williams is a member of the State Bar of Texas,
Vice-President of Dallas Mortgage Bankers Association, Chair of the Texas
Mortgage Bankers Association of America, Member City of Dallas Economic
Development Advisory Board, member, City of Dallas Human Services
Commission, Chair, Housing Subcommittee of the Greater Dallas Chamber of
Commerce, 1986-88; and Secretary and member of the Board of Directors,
Housing and Economic Development Corporation of Dallas. She has or does
belong to ten other professional organizations and to the Highland Park
Presbyterian Church.
Ms. Williams is truly a professional interested in the growth of her field
and she continues to use this interest and her skills and abilities to further each
area she leads. The model Ms. Williams presents is one worthy of emulation
by the students and graduates of Kingfisher Schools.
Page 19 08/01/17
1991 DR. RICHARD L. EVERY
Class of 1945
Dr. Richard L. Every was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1945. As a member of the
Kingfisher FFA, he was named “American Farmer” in
1946, and served as North West Oklahoma District
Vice-President in 1946-47. He also served Oklahoma
State as FFA President in 1947-48. In 1953-54 he was
National Chairman of the Farm Bureau Young People.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma
State University in 1957 and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University
of Texas in 1960, where he was a National Science Fellow.
In the Continental Oil Company in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Dr. Every held
a number of supervisory positions. While with CONOCO, he became an
Adjunct Professor of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry for OSU during the
years 1954-1966. Chairman of the North Central Oklahoma American
Chemical Society section in 1967-68, he was also nominate for “Outstanding
Oklahoma Chemist” in 1970.
Past president of the Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Toastmaster’s
International Club, Dr. Every has won several serious and humorous speech
contests at the area, division and district levels.
Currently, Dr. Every is Vice-President of Technology for the ChemLink
Company, Malvern, Pennsylvania, and only recently was named Vice-President
of Environmental Health and Safety. He has been granted forty-eight U.S.
Patents and he has published more than thirty major scientific articles in
technical journals. Recognized as an authority in the area of specialty
chemicals, he has been listed in American Men and Women of Science, Who’s
Who in the South and Southwest, Personalities of the South, Who’s Who in
Frontiers of Science and Technology, Who’s Who in the East, International
Men of Achievement, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, and the Internal
Book of Honor.
Dr. Richard L. Every is an example of excellence, of what one individual
can do to make a difference. The highly intelligent and educated KHS graduate
has traveled to many parts of the world, retained his humility, and stands as
someone worthy of the KHS “Hall of Fame” honor.
Right: Georgia Tech Yellowjacket mascot officially adopted as the KHS mascot at the end of the 20th Century. It is used by special permission of Georgia
Tech University.
Page 20 08/01/17
1992 JIM HESTER
Class of 1973
Jim Hester was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1973. He spent four years as a Medical
Technician with the U.S. Air Force. Upon his release,
the acquired his Associate Degree of Business
Administration from Oklahoma City Community
College, his Bachelor Degree of Business
Administration from Central State University and his
Master Degree in Business Administration from the
University of Central Oklahoma. He now serves as one of fewer than 300 Law
Firm Marketing Administrators in the United States. He was the first Law Firm
Marketing Administrator in the State of Oklahoma.
Mr. Hester is the co-founder and President of the National Clown and
Laughter Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. This organization is dedicated to
teaching the world to laugh and has inducted such funny men as Laurel and
Hardy, Spanky McFarlen, and Ho Ho the Clown. The National Clown and
Laughter Hall of Fame has already brought much national recognition to
Oklahoma and is beginning to have an economic impact as well.
Mr. Hester was also instrumental in developing Camp Funnybone, a
summer camp which brings humor and improved self-esteem to under
privileged and terminally ill young people. As the camp grows, hundreds of
children will learn about laughter.
Mr. Hester is also active in helping adults as well. He is founder of Union
Care a new method of helping people acquire medical and legal care, who
otherwise might be unable to afford such care. He is also a member of the
Lions Club and has worked tirelessly to advance the efforts of this organization
on the state, national and international level.
With a pre-school child of his own, Mr. Hester became concerned with the
number of children who were injured and killed in house fires so Mr. Hester
wrote and with the help of his band “Rosewood” performed the song, “Stop,
Drop, and Roll” to teach children fire safety. Mr. Hester then donated the song
to the Oklahoma City Fire Department’s “Learn not to Burn” program, of
which he was one of the original advisors. The song has been used by the fire
departments in Oklahoma and several other states to teach young children how
to save their own lives in case of a fire. Yearly, Mr. Hester continues to work
with teachers and day-care workers in fire safety programs.
In addition to teaching first and second grade Sunday School at New
Covenant Christian Church, Mr. Hester is a member of the American Bar
Association, the Trial Lawyers Marketing Association, the National
Association of Law Firm Marketing Administrators, and the Oklahoma City
Chamber of Commerce. He is a Viet Nam era Veteran and a loving husband to
his wife Lyn and father to his son Matthew.
Mr. Hester has, in his few years since high school, made enormous
contributions to his community, state and nation. His life stands as an example
of the students of Kingfisher High School of what can be done with strong
character, a good education and commitment to excellence and service to
others.
Page 21 08/01/17
1992 DR. GEORGE BENSON
Class of 1921
Dr. George Benson was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1921. Living southeast of Kingfisher, Dr.
Benson often drove a wagon to town, left the load of wheat
at the elevator and attended school, returning home with the
empty wagon at night. Determined to get his education, he
was graduated from Oklahoma State A&M College in 1925.
From 1925 to 1936, he served as a missionary in China
where he also served as professor of English at the National
Sun Yat Sen University. He returned to the United States to assume the Presidency
of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas which he held until 1965. He was
President Emeritus until his death.
In 1957, he became chancellor of Oklahoma Christian College which later
became Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts. He played a leading
role in moving the college from Bartlesville to Oklahoma City and in expanding the
curriculum from a two to a four year college.
Concerned with what he saw as a trend in the United States toward socialism,
he became extremely interested in fostering an understanding of and appreciation
for the American Free Enterprise System. To this end, he formed the National
Education Program which established Freedom Forums throughout the United
States where adults and young people could learn free enterprise. He also brought
such forums to high school and college leaders.
His ideas were read and heard nationwide through radio programs (“Land of
the Free” and “Behind the News.”) carried on hundreds of stations and several
thousand newspapers (“Looking Ahead”.) He also wrote a monthly newsletter
which was mailed to 50,000 readers.
Dr. Benson was also instrumental in the establishment of the American
Citizenship Center at Enterprise Square USA at Oklahoma Christian University of
Science and Arts, as well as helping to form Zambia Christian College in Zambia,
Africa.
Dr. Benson’s efforts have been recognized by the Freedom Foundation at
Valley Forge, membership in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1972, Outstanding
Alumnus for Oklahoma State University in 1976, the OSU Hall of Fame in 1976,
and the Horatio Alger Awards in 1981.
Dr. Benson married Sally Hockaday in 1925 and they had two children, Ruth
Benson Crowder and Lois Benson McEuan. After Sally’s death, Dr. Benson
married Dr. Marguerite E. O’Banion in 1983.
A short time before his death in 1992, Dr. Benson was a resident of a nursing
home. Mrs. Benson wrote that he said he was, at 93, feeling useless and that she
reminded him he was still influencing people … “I reminded him of all the
University students who came to visit him and sing to him, then before leaving, one
by one they shake his hand and kiss him and tell him how he has influenced their
lives and that they love him.” Until shortly before his death, the children of Harding
Elementary School would come to visit in the mornings and sing to him.
Few men have given so much of his talents to the service of others. Although
gone, he will not be forgotten and the impact he had upon the multitude he
influenced will live and remind us of what we can be.
Page 22 08/01/17
1993 DR. JAMES H. STRINGER
Class of 1949
Dr. James H. Stringer, the son of Violet and Elmer
Stringer and brother of Jeanine Hansens, was graduated
from Kingfisher High School in 1949. With the
exception of a break to serve his country in the Korean
Conflict, he has spent his entire life as an educator.
After his graduation from Northwestern Oklahoma
State University in Alva, he taught, coached and served
as counselor in numerous public schools in Kansas. In
1964 he began a tenure at Hutchinson Community College that was to last 28
years. In the meantime he continued his personal development earning a
Master’s Degree from Michigan State University and his Doctorate from
Kansas State University.
In 1972, Dr. Stringer began as Dean of Student Services at Hutchinson
Community College and in 1980 he assumed the role of President of the
College. From that point on, his life and the life of the college changed
dramatically.
During his time as college President, the student enrollment doubled,
numerous buildings were added to the campus, the school had a National
Champion Basketball team, and a standard of excellence and achievement was
reached that was unmatched.
As he retired in 1991, the Hutchinson News said of him, “His gentle and
revolutionary service of the past 11 years as HCC’s president shows in the
dramatic growth in enrollment, curriculum, academic standards, and
community enrichment that have not simply happened by accident.”
“His skills in helping people work together, gently, show in the growing
affection that now surrounds activities of his college, both within his own
community and the state where the reputation of HCC is lofty.”
Dr. Stringer is a member of a multitude of organizations including Phi
Delta Kappa, the Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, Hutchinson Hospital Board,
Salvation Army Board, United Way (Past Chairman), and a host of other
professional organizations.
Dr. Stringer is married to the former Dovie Vanderhule and they have four
children and 13 grandchildren.
After an extraordinary career of more than 35 years in education, Dr.
Stringer retired only temporarily for in 1993, he agreed to serve as the Interim
President of Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas.
The Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame salutes a career marked by
dedication and excellence seldom matched; a career which provides inspiration
to all KHS graduates and which demonstrates the significance of the firm
foundation which this high school has provided. Upon this foundation, Dr.
Stringer clearly has built a life worthy of our recognition and acclaim.
Page 23 08/01/17
1993 CLAUDE THORPE
Class of 1957
Claude Thorpe was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1957 after attending the Kingfisher
Schools for twelve years. As a student, Mr. Thorpe was
active in athletics, ranked at the top of his class
academically, and served as senior class president. A
friend and classmate said of him, “He was respected by
both students and faculty not only for his dedication to
sports and his studies, but also for his gentle way of
treating everyone with kindness and dignity.”
Following high school, Mr. Thorpe attended the University of Oklahoma
earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in United
States History. After teacher in the public schools for a time, in 1968 he joined
the Central Intelligence Agency where he began a distinguished career as a
Military Analyst which spanned 24 years.
His work on Soviet Missile Submarine Warfare providing intelligence to
the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks helped produce an agreement between the
United States and the Soviet Union which began the process of making the
world safer from the threat of nuclear war.
His work called for him to brief numerous distinguished members of the
President’s staff and to interact with foreign agencies as well. He also worked
on strategic missile analysis of Chinese nuclear missile development and
conducted undercover missions to China where he gathered information which
helped the United States better understand any potential threat posed by that
government.
From 1985-1987, Thorpe taught as the CIA representative to the Army
War College where the Commanding General presented him with a
commendation rarely granted to CIA representatives.
In May of 1992, Mr. Thorpe closed his distinguished career with the CIA
and he was recognized by the Deputy Director with the Career Intelligence
Medal for outstanding service to the CIA and his country.
Sadly, in September of 1992, Mr. Thorpe passed away after a lengthy
battle with cancer. Due to the extremely sensitive nature of his work, it was
only after his illness that family and friends began to know the nature and
extent of his contribution to the security of the United States.
Mr. Thorpe is survived by his wife Jessie and two daughters, Mary and
Susie, and two brothers, Lewis and John.
Although much of his work remains highly classified, there can be no
doubt that this KHS graduate made an enormous and largely unsung
contribution to the security of the United States and peace of the world. The
spirit of service and dedication left us by Mr. Thorpe can only serve to remind
us of the obligations we have as citizens of the United States.
Page 24 08/01/17
1994 BURGE C. BRIGHAM
Class of 1907
Burge C. Brigham was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1907. The following
year he began a 48-year career of banking and
community service that spanned two World Wars
and the Great Depression.
A true sportsman, Mr. Brigham, at 5’6” and
120 pounds, was remembered as a “wicked football
player.” As a high school junior, he coached the
first girls’ basketball team and, as a senior, he and a
friend won the state doubles tennis championship.
Also a skilled golfer, as an adult, he was instrumental in establishing and
promoting the sport in Kingfisher.
In 1908, he was employed by the Citizens State Bank as a bookkeeper and
janitor. He had advanced to Vice-President when the bank merged with
People’s National Bank in 1925. In 1934, Mr. Brigham was named President
of that bank and held the position until his death in 1957.
Mr. Brigham referred to the Great Depression as “the terrible 30s” and
was often a hazardous time for bankers. People’s National Bank was robbed by
the “Machinegun Kelly” gang, twice, with Mr. Brigham taken as hostage.
Despite death threats he stood in court and identified the bandits.
Mr. Brigham served as Kingfisher City Treasurer, County Red Cross
Chairman, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and on the Executive Board
of the Oklahoma Bankers Association. During World War II, he was honored
by chairing a county fund raising campaign which sold over two million dollars
in war bonds. Following the War, he led the effort to find work for returning
veterans saying, “This is not a government problem, it is my job…it is
everyone’s job.”
Ever devoted to his community, Mr. Brigham originated the “Thousand
Dollar Club” to help build the Kingfisher Regional Hospital. Devoted to youth,
he established Kingfisher’s first Boys Scout Troop in 1917 and was its first
scout master. As a banker he made countless loans to FFA and 4H projects.
A frequent writer and contributor to banking publications, he stressed the
importance of honesty, hard work and courage and, once wrote, “I would rather
have an inaccurate teller than a grouchy one.” He was also a “hands on” farmer
and spent many happy hours with his land and livestock.
In 1945, an Oklahoma City newspaper encouraged Mr. Brigham to run for
governor and profiled him in a front page story as one of the “Kings of
Kingfisher.”
Mr. Brigham’s life ranged from cleaning spittoons to bank president.
Keeping two brass cuspidors near his desk, he said, “I see them every day to
remind me that it is no disgrace to be a janitor if you are a good one and have
ambition to better yourself.”
Kingfisher High School is proud to honor the memory of Mr. Burge C.
Brigham, a credit to his school and a true inspiration to its students.
Page 25 08/01/17
1994 DONNA (LEMON) MCCOOL
Class of 1960
Donna (Lemon) McCool was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1960. Following high
school, she was graduated in 1964 with honors from
Oklahoma State University with a degree in geology and
from Columbia University in 1965 with a Master’s
Degree in Library Science. She presently is pursuing
her doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Since 1978, Mrs. McCool has been the Associate
Director for Administrative Services for the Washington State University
Libraries managing a budget of over eight million dollars and a staff of nearly
two hundred employees. She also administers a personnel program for 45
faculty members.
Mrs. McCool is also responsible for the supervision of the main library
with four branches and for construction programs approaching forty million
dollars.
A member of a multitude of professional organizations and boards, Mrs.
McCool also provides services to a host of government agencies including
advising the Governor of Washington State on Library and Information
Services. A frequent writer and speaker, Mrs. McCool has been published in
professional journals and has been guest lecturer for the university as well as
featured speaker at library association functions.
Mrs. McCool is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Phi Mu and has been
listed in Who’s Who in Library and Information Science and the Directory of
Library and Information Professionals.
Kingfisher High School is proud to honor Mrs. Donna (Lemon) McCool
whose single minded pursuit of excellence in her profession has brought
distinction to all the institutions which have played a part in her education. She
is truly a distinguished graduate of Kingfisher High School and a model to its
students.
First KHS Girls’ Basketball Team of 1906 coached by Hall of Fame member Burge C. Brigham when he was a junior.
Page 26 08/01/17
1995 G. L. BEST
Class of 1966
G. L. Best was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1966 and from Oklahoma State University in
1970 with a degree in Accounting. His further education
included an MBA from the University of Tulsa and
further study at the Harvard Business School. He
became a Certified Public Accountant in 1974.
Mr. Best, former treasurer of the Williams
Company, Inc. rose through the ranks beginning as an
accountant with the company in 1971. By 1987 he was Assistant Treasurer and
in 1992 became the Treasurer of the company.
The Williams Company is a major Natural Gas and Tele-communications
company with assets of more than five billion dollars and annual revenue of
more than 2.5 billion dollars. Mr. Best served as treasurer of this major
business ensuring the financial flexibility of the company and its subsidiaries.
He also served as chairman of the investment committee responsible for the
company’s outside investments.
Due to his experience and expertise, Mr. Best has benefited the company
in many ways including negotiations with major banks resulting in a 45 million
dollar capital gain for the company. The Williams Company continues to place
billions of dollars in assets under the supervision of Mr. Best after naming him
Vice-President of Finance and Administration for Williams Energy Services
Company. He oversees risk management, investor relations, and Energy
Company investments and a staff of 60.
Mr. Best also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Bank IV
Trust of Wichita, Kansas. He continues to live in Tulsa with his wife Susan.
Through his strength of character and application of his complete
education foundation, Mr. Best demonstrates the highest qualities worthy of
student admiration.
The KHS Football team of 1902. The odd looking devices around their necks are nose protectors. Helmets were made of leather with a little padding.
Page 27 08/01/17
1995 WARREN GILMOUR
Class of 1950
Warren Gilmour was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1950. He enlisted in the United States
Navy and saw action aboard a Landing Ship Rocket
Launcher. He was discharged in 1954 and he enrolled
in Oklahoma State University where he received a
Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959.
After graduation from OSU, Mr. Gilmour was
hired by the Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank,
California where he worked on many projects including
the Cheyenne Army Helicopter. In the 1970s, Mr. Gilmour joined the
Lockheed team working on super-secret military projects at the famed “Skunk
works.” He ultimately became project manager for many secret projects, most
of which are still highly classified.
The exception to this, however, is the F-117A Stealth Fighter Program.
Mr. Gilmour is one of three individuals credited with the development of the
stealth concept upon which the fighter is based. He played a key role in the
development of the proto-type aircraft.
The Stealth aircraft was first flown in 1980 and revealed to the public in
1989. Due to its unusual “faceted” stealth design, this plane flies virtually
undetected, invisible to radar. The F-117 was used extensively in the Gulf War
to deliver “smart” bombs to targets in Iraq with amazing accuracy. Flying less
than 3 percent of the air missions in Iraq, the F-117 was credited with 30
percent of the strategic installation destruction.
Mr. Gilmour was frequently in contact with notable people in Washington,
D.C. and in the aerospace industry. He also worked closely with the former
president of Lockheed, Ben Rich who mentions Mr. Gilmour in his book about
the Skunk Works.
Mr. Gilmour is retired and lives with his wife, Lyn, in Sandy, Utah. He
has three daughters, Janice Gilmour, Becky Lane and Jamey Gilmour, a
stepdaughter, Lori Kennedy, and stepsons, David Myers and Ken Myers. He is
the son of Glenn and Bess Gilmour and his brother James and sister Gladys
Hopkins continue to reside in Kingfisher.
Warren Gilmour stands as an example to Kingfisher students of what an
individual with a strong educational background and intense desire to succeed
and serve can do.
Faculty 1945
Page 28 08/01/17
1996 BETTY CLASON WILLIS
Class of 1964
Betty Clason Willis was graduated from Kingfisher
High school in 1964 and entered the University of
Oklahoma that fall to graduate Magna Cum Laude in
1968. She continued her education seeking advanced
degrees at the University of Houston obtaining her
Master’s Degree in 1970 and her Doctorate in 1973 at
the age of 27.
While pursuing her education, she taught in the
public schools as well as at the university level. Her excellence in classroom
instruction brought her recognition as Teacher of the Year for the Corpus
Christi school district and a Teaching Excellence Award from the University of
Houston. In addition, she has been recognized with the Houston Mayor’s
Community Service Award.
Devoting her life to public education, Mrs. Willis now serves as the Chief
Instructional Officer and Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
for the Cypress-Fairbanks School district with an enrollment of 50,000 students
in 48 schools which in the 9th largest of the 1,100 districts in Texas. She
supervises 1,200 professional staff members, coordinates a central office staff
and evaluates 30 elementary principals and 90 assistant principals. She is also
responsible for financial and budget planning for an annual budget of more
than one hundred thirty eight million dollars.
Within this schedule she also serves on various committees, provides
leadership training for administrative staff, and leads the public relations and
communications process with parents and patrons.
A published author of professional education articles and books, she is
also a member of a host of professional and civic organizations serving in
elective offices.
Mrs. Willis said, “The truth of the matter is that any success we may
achieve in life is not accomplished single-handedly. Most of the real credit
goes all the way back to a supportive family environment and a nurturing
school experience. So, if I have been able to make some small contribution in
providing top quality education for the children of my district these past several
years, it is only because of the superior education I received in the public
schools of Kingfisher, Oklahoma.”
By her example, Dr. Willis has demonstrated the qualities of character and
leadership worthy of admiration and emulation by the students of Kingfisher
High School.
The Kingfisher High School Seal.
Page 29 08/01/17
1996 H. EARL BENGS, JR
Class of 1952
Earl Bengs was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1952 and enrolled in Oklahoma Baptist
University that fall.
Called to the ministry, Mr. Bengs began with youth
evangelism while still in college. In October of 1954 he
married his wife Sherry and they immediately became a
ministry team. After serving in a number of small
churches in Oklahoma, Earl and Sherry felt called to
missionary work.
Following seminary training in New Orleans, they sailed for Viet Nam in
1968 entering the country only to experience the war first hand when their
community was attacked by Viet Cong. Gathering his wife and 5 small
children about him, they survived that attack and remained until the country fell
to the Communists in 1975.
For seven years, Rev. and Mrs. Bengs served God in Viet Nam, learning
the language, ministering to established churches, establishing new churches,
and orienting new missionaries.. He was the last Southern Baptist missionary
to leave the country just hours before the country was occupied by North
Vietnamese. Despite being forced to leave, the Bengs often recall their live in
Viet Nam as a “wonderful time.”
In 1975, Rev. Bengs took his family to Malaysia to work among the
original “head hunting” natives of Borneo. The Islamic government forced
missionaries to leave the area in 1977 but the seeds they planted continue to
grow. Following a short return to the United States, Singapore was the next
stop in November of 1978.
In Singapore, Rev. and Mrs. Bengs concentrated on starting new churches
and training leaders as well as helping new Christian families in parenting and
marriage enrichment. Although many in Singapore speak English, their efforts
were hampered by the fact that most of the older inhabitants spoke only
Chinese. In 1990, Earl began to learn the Chinese dialect of Hokkian while
Sherry studied Mandarin. On a scale of difficulty with 14 being the most
difficult, Hokkian rates a 13.
With their new languages, Mr. and Mrs. Bengs continue to teach, minister,
and bring Christianity to many thousands.
Supported by an extraordinary family and the calling of God, H. Earl
Bengs has given his life to improving the physical and spiritual lives of others.
His dedication to service sits as a towering example for the students of
Kingfisher High School.
Page 30 08/01/17
1997 WILLA JO (HAWKINS) FOWLER
Class of 1952
Graduated as Salutatorian of the Kingfisher High
School Class of 1952, Willa Jo (Hawkins) Fowler
received her Bachelor of Science degree from Phillips
University in 1956. In high school, Ms. Fowler was
active in speech, drama, and music; attended Girls State,
and was a charter member of the National Honor
Society. In college she was selected as Miss School
Spirit and was a member of various honor societies as
well as speech and music organizations.
Following college, Ms. Fowler decided to become active in the education
of young people and began a lifelong commitment to a career specializing in
Curriculum Development and Early Childhood education. Since 1975, she has
served on the Enid Board of Education and as an active liaison with state and
national legislative bodies concerning education.
As an adjunct professor of education for Phillips University and
Northwestern Oklahoma State University, she continually influences the future
teachers of Oklahoma. As a champion of education, she has worked to insure
consistent standards among the state’s VoTech schools and 2 and 4 year
colleges. She also serves as a member of the Oklahoma Teacher Education
Redesign Committee for Oklahoma State University.
Recently, she co-authored and appeared in 24 one-hour videos on child
development which have been shown on national cable television. In addition,
she continues to work with parents and teachers developing and implementing
new techniques for education young children. She is charter officer of Enid’s
Leonardo’s Warehouse, an interactive arts and science museum, and she is a
long time member and officer of the Community Care Center, a child care
facility for low-income families.
As elder and deacon in her church, she’s served as the Sunday School
Superintendent, director of Vacation Bible School, and founded and taught a
Sunday School Class for disabled children. She has also written and
internationally published lesson materials for working with the handicapped in
a church setting.
Ms. Fowler said, “The things which have always meant the most in life
have been my church, my family, and my community.” Ms. Fowler’s life
demonstrates the impact a well-educated and highly motivated individual can
have on her community, state and nation.
Page 31 08/01/17
1997 DR. ALVA J. HILL
Class of 1936
Dr. Alva J. Hill was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1936. An active high school student, Dr.
Hill was a four year letterman in wrestling and served as
President of the Future Farmers of America. He
continued his education by enrolling at Central State
University, now the University of Central Oklahoma.
Attending college on a wrestling scholarship, Dr. Hill
also worked his way through school while remaining
active in college life. He served in numerous leadership positions including
captain of the wrestling team.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1940, he also earned his
teaching certificate in math and science which he taught in Marlow from 1940
to 1943. He also served as Junior High Principal. From 1943 to 1945 he
served in the U.S. Navy and after World War II, entered the Baylor College of
Dentistry. He began his dental practice in 1947, then took time out to serve as
a dentist in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
An active member of various professional organizations, Dr. Hill has
served on the licensing board of Oklahoma Dentists and in many leadership
positions within local and state dental associations.
Dr. Hill has also served his church and community insuring the continued
growth and prosperity of both. He has served on the Altus City Council and the
Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Hill is an active Mason and he also contributes to
his community through tireless work with the Kiwanis Club.
The commitment of Dr. Alva J. Hill to his profession, community, state
and nation stand as a shining example of the contributions a graduate of
Kingfisher High school can make.
KHS Christmas Vocal Concert 2017
Page 32 08/01/17
1998 DR. JIMMIE EDWARDS
Class of 1952
Jimmie Edwards was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in the spring of 1952 and he entered Central
State College that fall. Graduating with a Bachelor’s
degree in Chemistry in 1956, he continued his education
earning his doctorate in 1964. Although he worked a
short time in private industry, his love was teaching at
the university level and since 1967 he served as
Professor of Chemistry at the University of Toledo.
In high school, he was an outstanding student. A classmate said of him,
“All through school Jimmie was always seeking, always digging and
questioning, eager and needing to know and understand scientific principles.
These same characteristics have manifested themselves as he has continued his
zest for learning and for seeking increasingly complex challenges in the field of
Chemistry.
Dr. Edwards has become known nationally and internationally for both his
research and his teaching. His research has resulted in more than 70
publications in scientific journals and books and, according to his colleagues,
“many contain very important information about insights into the way nature
behaves.” In addition, his findings and publications have enabled scientists to
make more meaningful and accurate laboratory measurements. His research
has brought him invitations to serve as a visiting professor and lecturer at the
Los Alamos National Laboratory and two major German chemical and nuclear
research universities.
As a teacher at the University of Toledo, Dr. Edwards holds one of only
ten Distinguished Professorships among a faculty of nearly eight hundred. He
is known for his lucid, vigorous lectures and his students praise him as an
advisor and mentor. They continually cite his ability to excite them to pursue
fundamental and applied science fields with his infectious enthusiasm for
discovery. They also remark on his emphasis on the standards of moral
behavior that must guide them in their life’s pursuit.
Dr. Edwards married his wife Carol in 1956 and they have three children,
Jon, Mary Susan, and Elizabeth Ann. His mother, Gladys continues to live in
Kingfisher.
In addition to his many professional activities, Dr. Edwards is a runner and
is most proud of his 185th place in the Boston Marathon. He is also an avid
computer user and maintains an exciting web page for the class of 1952.
For nearly a half century, Dr. Jimmie Edwards has built upon the
foundation provided by Kingfisher High school. Upon that foundation, he has
constructed an inspiring life of family, service and excellence.
Page 33 08/01/17
1998 DR. ENID BUSWELL BATES
Class of 1946
Dr. Enid Buswell Bates was graduated
valedictorian of the Kingfisher High School class of
1946. She pursued her education and worked to put
herself through the University of Oklahoma obtaining
both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
In 1951 she began her art and math teaching career
in Amarillo, Texas where she taught for 15 years. In
1960 she became a secondary curriculum specialist for
the State of Texas and worked with more than 70 independent school districts
providing information about teaching methods and exemplary school programs.
Beginning her doctoral studies in 1968 at Texas Tech University, long
days and hard work resulted in the award of the degree just two years later in
1970. That same year she began her continuing association with West Texas
State University in the College of Education. Here, to date, she has taught 14
different courses and more than 8,000 students in addition she has taught
summer workshops at the University of Evansville in Indiana.
Her colleagues have said of her, “Dr. Bates’ expertise in the classroom has
been acclaimed by her students. Dr. Bates’ vision and humanity are reflected
in her indefatigable work schedule, her tireless volunteerism, and in her humor
and compassion. Indeed, those of us who are fortunate enough to know here
are touched by her sense of mission and purpose. Her students likewise
applaud her and said, ‘she’s very hard though … but she is the best teacher I
have had because she is interesting and cares about the student.’” Her dean
commented that in addition to outstanding teaching and evaluations, he noted
that she spent more time in her office visiting with students than any other
professor in the Division of Education.
She has received numerous awards including the 1995 award for
Outstanding Contribution to Teacher Education. In 1996, her university
acknowledge her many and varied contributions with the University Excellence
Award. Dr. Bates remains an active authority on curriculum development and
teaching and has published many studies, two books and made hundreds of
professional presentations.
Perhaps her finest tribute came from a fellow teacher who said of Dr.
Bates, “she is one those rare teachers who actually make a difference.”
Dr. Enid Buswell Bates is a Kingfisher High School graduate who has
made a difference.
KHS Cheerleaders 2016-2017
Page 34 08/01/17
1998 W. CHARLES HENDERSON
Faculty 1965-1970 & 1972-1985
Master teacher and auto mechanic, W. Charles
“Chuck” Henderson taught Auto Mechanics at
Kingfisher High School from 1965 to 1970 and 1972 to
1985. During that time he was a faithful member of the
faculty and a sage and mentor for hundreds of young
men. Their lives were dramatically different because of
his intervention, guidance, compassion and demanding
character.
Mr. Henderson never let personal disability interfere with his learning or
teaching and would not allow students to fall back on “disability.” From
whatever intellectual, academic or socioeconomic background they came,
students knew immediately that Mr. Henderson would accept nothing less than
their best efforts.
His demand for excellence in their performance inspired many young men
to successes in state and national competition and many turned their skills into
lifetime careers. Others retained their skill for personal use, but every student
who completed his program was a more disciplined, confident and better
person. All learned how to approach life successfully with tenacity,
determination, and good humor.
It is impossible to list the young men whose lives were affected, changed,
improved, encouraged, or, in some cases, made whole by their time with Mr.
Henderson. When other teachers were giving up on them saying, “Well, maybe
they can work with their hands,” Mr. Henderson said, “if they’ve got hands, we
can work on the rest.” His students performed at the highest level winning
numerous state and national awards and, in the process, became productive
citizens who contribute to their society. He has been recognized as county,
state and national vocational teacher of the year; his colleagues continue to
recognize him with their praise and love.
With incredible good humor and an offbeat view of life, W. Charles
Henderson has devoted himself to helping young people learn. For more than
three decades, whether they needed a second or a third chance or even more, if
they wanted to learn and make something of themselves, Chuck Henderson has
been there for them.
W. Charles Henderson stands as an inspiration to his professional
colleagues, his community, and to the students of KHS; he is a man who has
devoted his life to helping others become the best they can be.
KHS Valedictorians 2017
Page 35 08/01/17
1999 BILL GOODEN
Class of 1952
Bill Gooden, Class of 1952, was among the most
respected and honor4ed students every graduated by
Kingfisher High School. An outstanding athlete in
football and basketball, he was also a trombone player
with the band and an academic leader in school.
Respected by his peers and teachers, Mr. Gooden was a
charter member of the National Honor Society.
Following high school, Mr. Gooden earned his
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Oklahoma State University
as well as his ROTC Commission with the United States Air Force. He served
sixteen years in flying status with the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air
National Guard earning the rank of Major. He served nineteen months of duty
in Japan and Korea.
Mr. Gooden served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for six
years and was the Minority Caucus Chairman. He also served as Executive
Director of Red Carpet Country and worked tirelessly to encourage tourism in
Oklahoma, especially western Oklahoma. He has also served as President of
the International Christian Men’s Fellowship and nearly every other position of
responsibility and service in his church.
His volunteer work has included President of the Oklahoma Tourism
Countries Association, Director of the Oklahoma state Chamber of Commerce,
Director of the OSU Alumni Association Board, and State Vice-Chairman of
the Oklahoma Republican Party. He was also a district governor of the Lions
Clubs of Oklahoma.
Continuing a lifelong association with the Boy Scouts of America, he has
been Commissioner of the Great Salt Plains Council and an Explorer Post
advisor. For his serve the Boys Scouts presented him with the highest adult
award, the Silver Beaver Leadership Award.
Named an Outstanding Young Oklahoman by the Oklahoma Jaycees, he
has also been recognized as a Distinguished American citizen by the American
Citizenship Center.
A licensed private pilot and avid scuba diver, Mr. Gooden continues his
active and energetic life. He and his wife Sherry have seven children and ten
grandchildren.
Bill Gooden’s life of service in his community, state and nation create the
high standards of excellence for which KHS graduates should strive.
Page 36 08/01/17
1999 EUGENE “BUD” WHEELER
Class of 1954
Eugene “Bud” Wheeler, KHS Class of 1954, an
all-around high school student, left Kingfisher High
School to become one of the most successful and
influential football coaches in Kansas history.
A “fast as lightening” running back, his exploits on
the KHS grid iron were so famous that for years after
his graduation, jersey number 21 was always awarded to
the best running back on the KHS team. He scored
more than twenty touchdowns in his senior year. An All-State Football player
his senior year, he was a starter for basketball and baseball for three years.
Coach Burl Bartlett said of him, “He was the epitome of what a competitor
should be and gave complete effort on every occasion.”
Majoring in the Natural Sciences in college, he earned a Bachelor’s degree
from Central State University and a Master’s Degree at OU. In 1959 he began
his teaching career in Medford and he eventually made his way to Kansas
where he made coaching history. Here he coached outstanding teams, one of
which included NFL quarterback Steve Grogran. Grogan said of Coach
Wheeler, “Many of the lessons he taught me were a big help as I played at
Kansas State and in the 16 years I spent as quarterback of the New England
Patriots.”
From 1973 until his retirement, Coach Wheeler served the Olathe, Kansas
school district winning twelve regional championships and becoming the
“winningest” coach in Kansas. Just as important as the won-loss record,
however, is the impact Coach Wheeler had on an entire generation of young
men. Whether coaching future NFL greats or just kids, his influence was far
reaching. One player said of him, “you leave behind a powerful legacy defined
not by a won-loss record, but by love and simple acts of kindness.”
Even in retirement, Coach Wheeler remains an inspiration. A triathlete, he
continues to compete in events including the Boston Marathon. In addition, he
is an outstanding amateur chess player and a regular tournament player.
Wheeler is married to Doris and they have three children and eight
grandchildren.
An outstanding teacher, a beloved coach, Eugene “Bud” Wheeler has lived
a life of service, excellence and achievement; a model of what a Kingfisher
High School graduate can become.
Page 37 08/01/17
2000 SENATOR MICHAEL D. JOHNSON
Class of 1962
Senator Mike Johnson was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1962 and earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State
University in 1966. He worked as a Certified Public
Accountant for a national accounting firm for five years
and, in 1974, opened his own CPA firm in Edmond.
Three years later he was elected to a 4-year term as
Edmond City Treasurer.
In 1981, Senator Johnson moved his family back to Kingfisher to manage
a family-owned farm implement and auto dealership eventually building it into
one of the premier Chrysler dealerships in the United States with five locations
in central Oklahoma. He has received numerous prestigious awards in the auto
industry including the Chrysler Award for Excellence and the TIME Magazine
Quality Deal Award.
Senator Johnson has been involved in the leadership of countless civic and
educational organizations including a charter membership of the Kingfisher
Educational Foundation, a 10-year member and past President of the Kingfisher
School Board, President of the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce, and
President of the Kingfisher County OSU Alumni Club. He also served as a
National Director for the OSU Alumni Board and on the Board of Governors
for the OSU Foundation. Senator Johnson has been a member of the Oklahoma
Motor Vehicle Commission and the National and Oklahoma Automobile
Dealer Associations, serving as President of the Oklahoma Association.
In 1998, Senator Johnson was elected to the Oklahoma Senate
representing parts of Kingfisher and Canadian Counties. His initial committee
assignments reflect his keen interests in Education, Transportation and Human
Resources. Senator Johnson additionally serves on the prestigious and
influential Senate Appropriations Committee.
Senator Johnson and his wife, the former Judy Freeman, have three
children, all KHS graduates, Lori, David and Rob.
By life-long dedication and demonstration of excellence in the business
profession, in civic and political leadership, and in selfless service to his nation,
state and community, Senator Mike Johnson has brought honor and distinction
to Kingfisher High School and the KHS Hall of Fame.
Page 38 08/01/17
2000 STEVEN B. SANDERS
Class of 1969
Steven B. Sanders was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1969 and he attended both Oklahoma
State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State
University. Continuing in the family tradition, he is the
owner of Crandall & Sanders Plumbing and Electrical
Contractors.
Mr. Sanders is well known for community activities
and he has worked hard to publicize the quality of life in
Kingfisher. He helped produce a number of advertising campaigns extolling
the virtues of this community and was instrumental in helping Kingfisher
become a “Certified City” which is beneficial in attracting business and
industry.
Also an active member of the Kingfisher Educational Foundation, he
served two years as president and helped add more than $100,000 to the
endowment fund. In 1993, the Chamber of Commerce recognized Mr. Sanders
as Kingfisher’s Citizen of the Year. Also serving on the Board of Directors of
Kingfisher Industrial Foundation, he has worked hard to promote Kingfisher as
a site for future business.
For his contributions to Rotary International, Mr. Sanders has been
recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also has been extremely involved in the
development of the Kingfisher-in-Lights program in Oklahoma Park and he
designed the control mechanism for a very complicated lighted angel tribute to
the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.
Steve Sanders is a Kingfisher fixture, a man whose willingness to give to
his community and schools seem to have no limits. His life of commitment and
service set an example for all who know him.
KHS Debate Club 1920
Page 39 08/01/17
2001 SEAY AUSTIN SANDERS, JR.
Class of 1942
Seay Austin Sanders, Jr. graduated from
Kingfisher High School in1942. He was a member of
the KHS football team which finished undefeated for
the only time in the school’s history. Seay was the team
captain and his twin brother Jim was his teammate.
After high school Sanders entered the United
States Navy and served his country in World War II and
the Korean War. He remained a member of the U.S.
Navy Reserve an additional thirty-one years retiring with the rank of
commander.
Mr. Sanders completed his undergraduate degree at Central State College
and later earned a Master’s degree in education from Oklahoma University.
His education career began as a teacher and a coach at Taft Junior High School
in Oklahoma City. He then moved to the Mid-Del Schools to work at
Townsend Elementary. Mr. Sanders was an elementary principal in the Mid-
Del Schools for forty years. For all other principals in the Mid-Del School
System, Seay Sanders was THE principal, the one all others modeled
themselves after and he was the one others looked to for leadership and advice.
Mr. Sanders took great pride in his school, community, teachers, and
pupils in his school. He instilled in both his teachers and pupils a pride in
themselves as well as in their actions. Former teachers and students today live
by his “famous” saying … “Attitude is everything” and “Be first, not last.”
Seay Sanders, Jr. was a voice for children and an advocate for teachers of
Oklahoma as he served two terms on the State of Oklahoma Board of
Education and the State of Oklahoma Vo-Tech Board.
He also served in various capacities on the Del City Chamber of
Commerce, VFW, American Legion, Mid-Del Disabled Veterans, Tinker
Reserve Officer Association, Masonic Lodge, Boys Scouts of America, Girls
Scouts of America, and the Tinker YMCA. Del City honored Seay Sanders, Jr.
for his community work by making him a member of the Del City Hall of
Fame.
In 1998, Mr. Seay Sanders, Jr. died after a long and courageous battle with
cancer. The Mid-Del School System established a scholarship and renamed the
gymnasium in his honor for his love for students and education.
Seay Austin Sanders, Jr.’s life revolved around the old fashioned values of
hard work and discipline, together with the pleasure of achievement. Mr.
Sanders was totally dedicated to the education of young people and his tradition
of excellence is an example to KHS graduates.
Page 40 08/01/17
2001 GAROLD ALLEN DEAN
Class of 1949
Garold Allen Dean was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1949 and was known in high school as
“Dizzy.” During his school days, Dizzy was known for
his witty remarks that delighted everyone around him.
Garold was a talented drummer and an outstanding
halfback on the football team. He loved playing
football almost as much as competing in the band. He
was band vice-president and co-sports editor of the
school yearbook his senior year. He also had the lead role in the junior class
play and the speech play.
After high school, Mr. Dean joined the United States Air Force where he
served as a radio operator on various airplanes and later he was promoted to a
position in communications. After ten years in the service, Mr. Dean worked
as a farm machinery salesman for Adams Hardfacing Company of Guymon,
Oklahoma at their west coast division in California. He worked for them for 27
years, the last three years as general manager.
Serving in the Lions Club with various service projects, Mr. Dean enjoyed
participating in the outside activities. When it was required of him to give 100
percent of his time to his home and his job, Garold realized where he needed to
be.
Mr. Dean has always been a very devoted family man. He has faithfully
and lovingly taken care of his beloved wife Muriel for many years while she
has struggled with multiple sclerosis. He has seen to her every need. After
retiring, Mr. Dean has devoted his life to full time care for his wife, Muriel,
who is also a member of the class of 1949.
Garold Dean is a person worthy of being called a good and faithful
servant. I Corinthians 13:3 exemplifies the character of this man, “Now
abideth faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” His
life commitment and service to his lovely wife set an example for all that know
him. He is truly a credit to Kingfisher High School for his outstanding
humanitarian acts.
KHS Orchestra 1924
Page 41 08/01/17
2001 JUDD W. KOPP
Teacher and Coach 1975 – 1995
Judd Kopp was graduated from Billings High
School and attended numerous colleges and universities
in Oklahoma culminating in a Master of Education
degree.
Throughout his life he has been a man of service to
his church, his community, his state, and his nation. He
began his teaching and coaching career in Pawnee,
Oklahoma, and also taught at Sperry before completing
his career and retiring after twenty years with the Kingfisher Schools. During
this span of more than thirty-five years, he amassed an enviable coaching
record of 213 wins and 68 losses placing him in that rare company of football
coaches with more than 200 wins.
Despite his achievements on the gridiron, Mr. Kopp always maintained his
most important job was not coaching football but teaching kids. One of his
students said of him, “Judd has always led by example and he set high
standards for his student-athletes to follow. We respected the fact that the rules
he established applied to everyone regardless of race, religion, economic status
or circumstance in their lives because he had overcome a difficult childhood
himself.” In addition to teaching Social Studies classes at Kingfisher High
School and Kingfisher Middle School, he also has taught as an adjunct
professor at several Oklahoma colleges.
As if his commitment to education was not enough, Mr. Kopp was active
in the local Kiwanis Club and he served as Chairman of deacons at his church
and spends many hours with the American Legion including being a past Post 5
commander and the state Director of the Boys State program.
After retiring from the Kingfisher Schools, he was asked by the
Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga to create their inmate education
program and he served as that school’s principal. That program has gone on to
be nationally recognized as one of the best.
Mr. Kopp also maintains a military life. Starting at the age of fifteen, he
served with the Oklahoma Army National Guard in various positions rising to
the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major. After retiring from Education, he
served two years on Army active duty at Fort Sill principally responsible for
creating a nine state military education coordinating center. During his military
service he received numerous military decorations including the highest non-
combat state award, the Oklahoma Distinguished Service Medal personally
presented by the Adjutant General, Major General Stephen Cortright.
Mr. Kopp remains active in education as a substitute teacher and conducts
a personal lay ministry at the Diamondback prison. He also has a full time job
as the patriarch of a family of three successful children, Willie, Andrea and
Jarrod plus eight grandchildren. Mr. Kopp and Cleo, his wife of nearly five
decades, continue to live in and serve the community of Kingfisher.
Page 42 08/01/17
2002 EDWARD LEE KOONCE
Class of 1952
Edward Lee Koonce was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1952. He was graduated from
Southwestern State College in 1956, from Central State
University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree
and from OSU in 1982 with a Master of Arts degree.
A quiet man, Ed worked hard while in high school
to help support his family. Coming from a very humble
beginning, he left home after high school with $10.00 in
his pocket and a few clothes in two grocery sacks and a fierce determination to
get a college education. He worked very hard to pay his way through school.
While in college, he joined several organizations, held many offices, and
eventually served as president of the student body in his senior year.
After graduation he pastored a small church for a year but he decided
being a pastor was not his calling. He began a career at Tinker Air Force Base
that lasted 32 years. He worked in the areas of aircraft electronics repair, jet
engine technical services and comprehensive engine management systems as an
analyst. Throughout his adult life, in addition to his career, he continues to
work very hard in his church. He has held varied offices, works in committees,
teaches classes and sings in the choir. He has worked at the local and state
levels to organize church related singles organizations.
Even though now retired from Tinker, Ed has hardly sat back in his easy
chair. He continues to work in his church and has become a certified
Intermediary. Through a program run by the Department of Human Services,
an Intermediary serves as a person who reunites families who have been
separated by adoption. He spends hours researching these families, and then
contacts them to see if either party desires a reunion. He gets great satisfaction
from his work. He feels it may be the most enjoyable work he’s ever done.
Ed and his wife Malinda now live in Mustang. They have 5 children, 9
grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. When not working, Ed enjoys time
making home videos, photography, and music. He is currently writing his life
story for his descendants.
Ed’s rough start in life has proven that with hard work and determination,
one can overcome any obstacle and most any goal set. Because of this type of
work ethic, we are proud to include Edward Koonce in the Hall of Fame to
serve as a model and inspiration to all Kingfisher High School graduates.
Page 43 08/01/17
2002 JANNA YOUNG
Teacher 1973-1994
Mrs. Janna Young was graduated from Burden
High School in Burden, Kansas in 1954. She was
graduated from Central State University in 1968 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in
1970.
Her teaching career began in Okarche in 1969. She
came to Kingfisher High School in 1973 and taught until
her retirement in 1994. She taught English, speech,
drama and debate, and devoted her heart and soul to her teaching. Her teams
competed at both state and national levels, often being referred to as “Power
teams” of the state. She was twice voted Okarche Teacher of the Year. She
received the same honor in Kingfisher Schools, was voted Kingfisher County
Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Speech Teacher of the Year for the State
of Oklahoma for National Forensic League.
The definition of teacher is one who gives information to a person about a
subject or skill. She did that with the utmost of discipline. Others, too, teach
students, so what separated Mrs. Young from her colleagues? One of her
former students said this about Mrs. Young, “She taught the unteachable. Her
students not only succeed, they succeed with ethics. Some teach success, she
taught success with purpose. Some teach their students to acquire positions of
power, Mrs. Young taught her students how to use their power to protect the
weak. Some teach the strength of oration, she taught the faculty of speaking for
those who have no voice. Some awaken their students to all the awards and
accolades this world has to offer, Mrs. Young taught that these sometimes do
not matter. Where others taught individual advancement, she taught sacrifice,
devotion and teamwork.”
Mrs. Young is retired and lives in Kingfisher with her husband Frank. She
has one daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Mark Maehs, who also live in
Kingfisher. Since retirement, she has stayed active with the speech and drama
department at Kingfisher High School. She enjoys reading and traveling.
It is with great pride we induct Janna Young into the Hall of Fame.
Through dedication to
her students she has
been an inspiration to
many. She taught that
it is not enough to
succeed in one’s field if
it is to the exclusion of
the benefit of others.
Success in the wrong
direction is far worse
than failure. There is no
greater honor than to be
credited with this. She
has truly touched the
future.
Page 44 08/01/17
2002 DR. JEFFREY G. WIESE
Class of 1987
Dr. Jeffrey Wiese was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1987. An AAU All-American and a
USA Today Academic All-American, he was graduated
Summa Cum Laude from Drake University in 1991 with
a triple major, Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Sociology,
and Philosophy. He attended Johns Hopkins Medical
School in Baltimore and he was graduated in 1995. He
completed his residency and internship at University of
California at San Francisco.
During his tenure at San Francisco, he developed curriculum for the
medical students and spent time teaching residents all the while maintaining a
clinical practice. The director of UCSF’s clinical practice has described him as
“Brilliant … with an obvious command of the knowledge base of internal
medicine. He has an intense dedication to the learning, teaching and practice of
internal medicine, and he effectively transmits his passion for medicine to new
trainees.” His philosophy of a complete physical diagnosis and direct
communication with patients is his forte in diagnosing and caring for his
patients. He served as an instructor and Chief Resident at UCSF for two years.
He presently serves as chief of medicine for Charity Hospital at the
Medical Center of New Orleans. The Charity Hospital is one of the largest free
hospitals in the nation. There his responsibilities include training new residents
and interns. Through his COUGAR program, he identifies and remediates
problems medical students have in order to make them the best physicians
possible.
He has received numerous teaching nominations and awards at both UCSF
and Tulane including the Alpha Omega Alpha Teaching Award in 1999, the
UCSF Teacher of the Year for Clinical Faculty in 2000 and Tulane Professor of
the Year in 2001 and 2002. He continues to be in the top of his field of
research, curriculum design, working with grants and in clinical teaching. He
is both a national and international speaker on a myriad of subjects all
dedicated to his art of internal medicine. He also is published in several
medical journals, including his extensive research concerning alcohol and the
“hangover phenomenon.”
In his short tenure as a physician and teacher, Dr. Wiese has proven to be
both an outstanding teacher and an example to his students as well as a
dedicated doctor to his patients.
It is with great pride that Kingfisher High School adds Dr. Jeffrey G.
Wiese to our Hall of Fame. His accomplishments stand as an inspiration for all
KHS graduates.
Page 45 08/01/17
2003 ARREL L. REED
Teacher/Administrator 1946-1986
Mr. Arrel Reed was graduated from Kremlin High
School in Kremlin, Oklahoma in 1941. He was
graduated from Phillips University with a Bachelor of
Science in Mathematics in 1950 and a Master of
Education in School Administration in 1952.
Mr. Reed began his teaching career in Hillsdale
and Drummond teaching math and business from 1941-
1949. His ambitions then took him into the realm of
administration where he served as principal for the Carrier Schools from 1945-
1955. He was superintendent of Omega Schools and Okarche Schools from
1955-=1972. He then moved to Kingfisher Public School System as principal
at Geen Gilmour Middle School from 1972 through 1982. From 1982 until his
retirement in 1986, he served the school system as assistant superintendent.
Mr. Reed’s commitment to teaching came very naturally as his mother
was also a teacher. Her early death may have, in some way, guided him into
education. His aptitude would have offered him many career choices, yet he
choose to be an educator. During his tenure as an administration, Mr. Reed
helped teachers achieve in ways not dreamed possible. His untiring
commitment was manifested in his gentle, yet authoritative nature as he helped
both teachers and students achieve their potential. He was very optimistic in
his search to find the positive in all people and situations.
After forty years of service in public education, Mr. reed retired. For most
people retirement would signal a time for rest and time to focus on those things
they never seem to have time to do in the midst of a career. Mr. Reed’s love
for education, however, was undying and perhaps his greatest contribution to
the youth of Kingfisher occurred while putting away his career commendations.
He saw and understood the need to raise funds for public education other than
that through state funding. He had a vision and from this foresight the
Kingfisher Education Foundation became a reality. He gave generously of his
time to visit other foundation charters searching their by-laws and coming up
with what he felt was the best of the best. He asked for help from the
community and Kingfisher responded. To date, the Foundation has raised
nearly a quarter of a million dollars, assuring the residents of Kingfisher that its
teachers and students will have the tools necessary for every education
opportunity available. He is an honorary lifetime member and still serves on
the Board of Directors.
Mr. Reed is retired and lives with his wife Velma in Kingfisher. They
have four children, Joel, Rhonda, Mark and Alisa. He remains active in
community and civic affairs. He received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the
highest awards given by the Lions Club. He spends his spare time golfing,
bowling and gardening.
It is with great pride that we induct Mr. Arrel Reed into the Kingfisher
High School Hall of Fame. As a result of his tireless efforts, countless lives
have been changed for the better.
Page 46 08/01/17
2004 BURL BARTLETT
Teacher/Administrator 1949-1990
Mr. Burl Bartlett was graduated from Yale High
School in 1945. He was graduated from East Central
College with a BS degree in 1949. At East Central, he
was named to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and
Universities,” selected for All Conference honors in
football and a letterman in track.
Mr. Bartlett started his teaching career in Eufaula
in 1949, returning to East Central College to teach and
coach in 1950. In 1951 he was hired by Kingfisher Public Schools to teach and
coach football. He left Kingfisher in 1955 and taught in various schools in
Oklahoma and Texas including Blackwell, Dumas and Amarillo, before being
hired as assistant football coach at Texas Tech University. Mr. Bartlett
received his Master’s Degree from West Texas State University in 1959 and
earned his Texas superintendent certification in 1960. In 1970, he was called in
the middle of the year and invited to apply for the superintendent position at
Kingfisher. Mr. Bartlett came back to Kingfisher to assume those duties in
February.
Mr. Bartlett was an excellent coach and teacher. He coached All-Staters
and state championship football teams. He was demanding, yet fair, and
worked long and hard hours to accomplish the goals he set for his teams.
“Coach” was held in highest regard by his layers, as they knew his dedication
and effort would make them winners. His devotion to administration was just
as avid as that of coaching. He came to Kingfisher in a time of turmoil but
through hard work, long range planning, and a vision for Kingfisher Public
Schools’ growth, he went to work. During his tenure, he completed a 12 room
addition to Gilmour, and he crafted the “Russell Pursell” addition to Kingfisher
which provided building sites for the carpentry class to build new houses. His
efforts also added the APB and the current high school. KHS also flourished
under his tenure in the academic field producing several National Merit
finalists and a Fulbright Scholar.
Mr. Bartlett once wrote, “I believe success is the result of adequate
planning and hard work. I believe that enthusiasm and success are impossible
to separate.” Whether athletics, administration or community, he always
displayed great leadership while living under the philosophy, “God first, family
second, and job third.” His contributions greatly benefited Kingfisher and are a
true reflection of his leadership.
Now retired, Mr. Bartlett lives in Enid with his wife Margaret. They have
three children, Ann, Lori and Jamie. He spends his time doing volunteer work,
working in his church, golfing, fishing, and keeping up with his children and
grandchildren.
It is with great pride that we induct Mr. Burl Bartlett into the Kingfisher
High School Hall of Fame. In setting high standards in academic progress and
“bricks and mortar” projects, Kingfisher Schools still build upon the
foundations laid by this paragon of educational leadership.
Page 47 08/01/17
2004 JACK STUTEVILLE
Class of 1965
Mr. Jack Stuteville was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1965. He attended Oklahoma State
University and he was graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Agri. Education in 1969. Active in
many campus activities within the agriculture
community at OSU, he was selected Outstanding
Student in the spring of 1969.
Mr. Stuteville began his professional life as a
vocational agriculture instructor in Waukomis and then in Lomega High
School. A local banker saw great potential in Jack and persuaded him to go
into the banking business. He started as the agricultural lender at People’s
National Bank in Kingfisher eventually moving up to the vice-president and
president positions. In 1988, Mr. Stuteville accepted an opportunity to be part
owner and president of First Capital Bank of Guthrie. By 1991, he had
acquired controlling interest in the bank. Kingfisher, however, was calling his
name. Although he had never moved his residence, he was in Guthrie most of
the time. In 1988, he opened First Capital’s Loan Production Office here and
in 2001 he converted this office to a full-service bank.
His business alone makes him a KHS Alumnus worthy of this honor.
However, it is his willingness to go above-and-beyond in the realm of service
which puts Mr. Stuteville into the Hall. In addition to his business, Jack gives
freely of his time to family, friends, and a myriad of organizations. He has
spent years serving on boards and committees including Kingfisher Regional
Hospital, Rotary, OSU Alumni Board, Federated Church Board, Kingfisher
Development Association, Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce, Kingfisher
County Excise Board, Kingfisher Rotary Club, and Fellowship of Christian
Athletes.
His generous contributions to Kingfisher Schools have benefited every
aspect of our educational community. Whether it is technology, athletics, or
agriculture education, Jack is always ready to give back to our school. This
commitment indicates his pride in Kingfisher Public Schools and his desire to
see our schools be the best in the state. His generosity extends beyond the
schools into the community and the state.
Jack believes in Kingfisher. Every aspect of his life lies here. He and his
wife, Joyce, live here and raised three daughters Shelly, Amy and Jennifer here.
When Jack isn’t spending time banking or volunteering, he can be found on the
farm or at an OSU sporting event, two of his favorite pastimes.
It is with great pride that Kingfisher High School adds Mr. Jack Stuteville
to the Hall of Fame. May his character and giving nature serve as a model and
inspiration to all.
Page 48 08/01/17
2004 ANDREA BOUTWELL
Class of 1983
Mrs. Andrea Boutwell was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1983. With the status Magna
Cum Laude, she was graduated from the University of
Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in
Accounting in 1987.
While in high school, Andrea’s academic
excellence was far above that of her peers and her
contributions to Kingfisher School were exceptional. A
member of National Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society, and a Roger
Howell Award winning student, Andrea was active in almost every facet of her
high school.
In 1987, Andrea became an award winning CPA having achieved one of
the highest scores on the CPA exam for the state. She was a senior auditor for
Arthur Anderson and Company, and then was an assistant comptroller for Mid-
Continent Life Insurance Company.
Her accomplishments continued to grow as she was named Chief
Financial Officer for Funk Enterprises, which is comprised of Express Services,
Oklahoma City Blazers, Oklahoma City Red Hawks, and Express Services
Limousine Cattle Ranches. She acts as special financial consultant and
accountant for Mr. Bob Funk, managing his enterprises.
Mrs. Boutwell has served on many boards and committees, including the
Membership and Accounting Careers committee of the Oklahoma Society of
Certified Public Accountants. She is on the Board of Directors of the Piedmont
Library, serves on the financial committee of the Oklahoma Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation and is a member of the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants and the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Through all the endeavors of her career demands, she still finds time to
serve her community, church and family. Andrea and her husband Brent, live
in Piedmont. The have two children, Jake and Brooke.
It is with great pride that Kingfisher High School adds Mrs. Andrea
Boutwell to our Hall of Fame. Her accomplishments should serve as a
reminder and example to future graduates of KHS.
Page 49 08/01/17
2005 DR. JOYCE BRANDES
Class of 1968
Mrs. Joyce Brandes was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1968. She was graduated with a Bachelor
of Science degree in Special Education from the
University of Oklahoma in 1972. In 2000, she was
graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education
from the University of Oklahoma and was graduated in
2004 with a Ph.D. in Special Education in Autism and
Preservice Preparation from the University of Oklahoma.
Mrs. Brandes began teaching special education in Oklahoma City Public
Schools in 1972. In 1975 she moved to Normal Public Schools and began the
first class for children with physical disabilities. She was innovative and
insightful in finding ways and techniques to teach and guide the development
of these young people. Yet, her commitment went far beyond the requirements
of the formal curriculum. She became a mentor, counselor, and friends to each
of these students, encouraging and expecting them to develop to their full
potential.
She left the teaching profession for a time to stay home with her small
children; however, during this time away from school, she served as a tutor for
children with physical and mental disabilities. She was also very active in her
church, school and community. She returned to teaching in 1987. During work
on her Master’s and Ph.D. she worked as a supervisor to practicum students
and interns.
She has continued to find new approaches and develop new goals for
students with special needs. Her commitment to professional improvement is a
model for all. She originated theories of developing and managing children’s
behaviors in a positive way and has implemented these into her classroom.
Joyce has led a crusade to education teachers and parents by conducting
workshops locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, emerging as a
frontrunner in pioneering special education in Oklahoma. She also served St.
Mark Catholic Parish as their first director of Religious Education.
Even with dedicating countless hours to education, she and her husband,
John Brandes, raised two wonderful children, Jennifer and Brian. She
continues to be very active in her church and community. She has been named
St. Joseph Catholic Church Woman of the Year and is an active member of
both the Junior League and Assistance League of Norman. Yet she does all
this with a smile on her face and joy in her heart.
Perhaps the most important characteristic Joyce possesses is that through
her life she has made the world better for those whose lives she touches. This
clearly exemplified the positive values and commitment that Kingfisher High
School would hope to instill in all of its graduates. Therefore, it is with great
pride that we induct Dr. Joyce Krittenbrink Brandes into the Kingfisher High
School Hall of Fame.
Page 50 08/01/17
2005 LARRY GOLBEK
Teacher 1978-1998
Mr. Larry Golbek was graduated from Alva High
School in Alva, Oklahoma in 1971. He was graduated
from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and
Education in 1978, and received his Masters of Education
from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1985.
Mr. Golbek began his teaching career in Taloga,
Oklahoma in the fall of 1978. After three years he and his
family moved to Kingfisher teaching mathematics and computer science. He
quickly rose to be head of the mathematics department at Kingfisher High
School. His guidance and knowledge of computers essentially guided
Kingfisher High School into the modernized era of computer technology. In
addition, he taught night classes for Redlands Community College and
Chisholm Trail Vocational School. Sadly, his tenure at Kingfisher Public
Schools came to an untimely end in April of 1998.
Mr. Golbek was a teacher who always went the extra mile for his students,
as well as the other teachers. Larry was the consummate professional as he
brought honor and pride to his school family and community. He possessed the
ability to relate to students in a way which would enable them to grasp concepts
in a practical way and on many different levels of understanding. He spent
countless hours tutoring students until they achieved mastery of the subject.
However, his skills as a teacher went far beyond his ability to teach people
mere facts and formulas. Through his disciplined teaching style, he required
students to find answers to questions without constant supervision. He taught
students to think for themselves and instilled a love of learning into many of
them. His students were able to utilize these traits not only academically but
also in their careers and daily life. This is his legacy to Kingfisher High
School.
Larry was married to the love of his life, Dana Martin Golbek, and was the
father of two sons, Eric and Mark. Larry and Dana were married for 21 years.
He was a very committed husband and father. It was always clear that family
came first and being a teacher was a close second.
Larry was a great man with a kind heart and a gentle spirit. It is with great
pride and honor that we induct Mr. Larry Golbek into the Kingfisher High
School Hall of Fame.
2005 KHS football star Curtis Lofton signed with OU. He later played successfully in the NFL.
Page 51 08/01/17
2006 TOM EDWARDS
Class of 1959
Mr. Tommie Edwards was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1959. He graduated from
Central State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of
Science degree in chemistry with minors in both math
and physics.
Upon graduation, Mr. Edwards took a position with
Continental Oil Company in Ponca City, OK. as a
research scientist with the petrochemical division. In 1971, he joined the
Amway Corporation in Ada, Michigan again in the research and development
division.
Over the years, his skill and ambition propelled him to greater levels of
responsibility within the research and development areas. From senior research
chemist to director of special products, to the marketing area of home
technology, to vice president of corporate marketing, he climbed his way
through the ranks of the Amway Corporation. He patented new technology and
formulated leading edge consumer products by applying his skills to develop
complex chemical formulas to produce the Amway products all of us have used
and benefited from. His talents also led to the development of many successful
coreline products including cookware and flatware as well as both the Amway
Water and Air Treatment systems.
With his business savvy, he aspired higher and worked diligently with his
colleagues to lift their sights by never settling for “good enough.” He
successfully managed a staff of hundreds and eventually transitioned himself to
the business world using the knowledge he obtained from Amway. Mr.
Edwards’ efforts helped lead the formation and development of an immense
multi-million dollar web-based nutritional product company. If this weren’t
enough, he flexed his entrepreneurial muscles and co-founded Idealworks,
LLC, a company dedicated to helping new businesses prosper and also assisting
existing companies with expansion of new products. Mr. Edwards set a
professional standard few can match.
Mr. Edwards retired in 2005; however, he still keeps very busy with a
limited role in Idealworks and by participating in and chairing several boards
and committees. He enjoys golf, tennis, and home computers. He and his wife,
Betty, have 4 children: Deborah, Tammie, Tommie II, and Michael.
Mr. Tom Edwards’ success typifies the solid foundation Kingfisher High
School can provide its graduates. It is with extreme honor we add Mr. Tom
Edwards to the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Right: Traditional KHS Yellowjacket Mascot used until near the end of the 20th Century. It is still found on the masthead of the school newspaper THE STINGER.
Page 52 08/01/17
2005 CLINT KRAUS
Class of 1991
Mr. Clint Kraus was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1991. He was graduated from
Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Music
degree in 1995. In 1997 he earned his Master of Music
degree from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in
Rochester, New York. He also received the coveted
Performer’s Certificate from Eastman. He is currently
working on his Doctorate from the Washington School
of Music.
As a small boy, Clint’s parents noticed his prodigious talent and began
providing him with small keyboards. He was soon playing full sized
instruments and dazzling his instructors. In the 6th grade, he accompanied the
Christmas cantata at Kingfisher’s First Christian Church. He became the
organist at the church when he was in the 8th grade. This was only the
beginning of his musical endeavors. At Kingfisher High School, he most
definitely left his mark as a musical master. Be it homecoming, graduation, or
talent show, Clint was always a part of the music.
Mr. Kraus has won numerous awards, both nationally and internationally.
He has played in competitions and for numerous conventions from California
to Washington, D.C. In the spring of 2001, Clint made his European debut at
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He has also played at the Chartre Cathedral
and medieval cathedrals in Leon, France, Burgos, Spain, and the pilgrimage
site of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
His first solo recording came in 2002 with the release of “Noel! Noel!
Noel!” which is a collection of Baroque music performed each Christmas at St.
James Cathedral.
Currently, he is one of the two full time cathedral organists at St. James
Cathedral in Seattle Washington. He also serves as director of the cathedral’s
youth music program which serves 80 youth between the ages of 6 and 18.
Currently, he is working to establish a school with emphasis in music at St.
James.
Mr. Kraus’ achievements should serve as an inspiration to all KHS
graduates, especially those who would seek to continue to be dedicated to the
area of fine arts. Clint is an example above reproach as to what a graduate of
Kingfisher High School can accomplish. It is with extreme pleasure that he be
inducted into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame. Left: KHS Yellowjacket tile that was found at the entry doors of the 1920s high school building. Prior to the building demolition, the tiles were preserved.
Page 53 08/01/17
2006 JACK EDGE
Teacher, Coach 1949-1983
Mr. Jack Edge was graduated from Norfolk High
School in 1941. After a four year tour in the United
States Army, he attended Central State University and
graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Education. He also received his Master’s degree from
Central State in 1965.
Mr. Edge was hired in 1949 to teach industrial arts,
construction, drafting, mechanics and topography.
During his thirty-three years of teaching, his classes built approximately 15
homes. Those not finished during the school year were finished by Mr. Edge
during the summer months. In addition to taking great pride in his work, he
instilled in his students great pride in their work and in themselves. He often
took students who had little prior success and helped them develop skills
which, for many, became a lifelong profession. Always an advocate for “his
kids,” he placed high emphasis on taking responsibility for one’s own actions
and success.
A great pioneer of vocational education, Mr. Edge often had to contend
with facilities and equipment which were mediocre at best. With these humble
beginnings, he managed over the years to help create one of the best vocational
systems in the U.S. Jack not only built the program, but he helped build
character and develop skills in many young adults. A no-nonsense instructor,
he made responsibility and work a high priority for these young men. He was
involved in Vocational and Industrial Clubs of America, always insisting his
students be involved in leadership and management as well as just learning
drafting or construction. His drafting students won various competition awards
eleven years in a row.
In 1951, Mr. Edge assumed the duties of girls basketball coach at
Kingfisher. He began to build a program which had been idle since World War
II. He built a winning tradition at KHS.
Mr. Edge retired from teaching in 1983, but he continues to use his
construction skills with his own company, Edgebuilt Homes. He and his wife,
Jo, live in Kingfisher where he remains an active member of the Methodist
Church, Oklahoma Retired Teachers, the Elks Lodge and the Kingfisher
Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Edge has three children, Mike, Marty, and Jackie.
It is with great pride that we induct Mr. Jack Edge into the Kingfisher
High School Hall of Fame.
Page 54 08/01/17
2006 HERALD HOGAN
Teacher, Administrator 1952-1982
Mr. Herald Hogan was graduated from
Weatherford High School in 1941. After serving our
country in World War II and the Korean War, he
graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State
University with a Bachelor of Education in 1952. He
received his Masters of Education degree from the
University of Oklahoma in 1954.
Mr. Hogan was first hired as a teacher and coach
in Sickles, Oklahoma in 1952. He taught there until he was hired as
Superintendent at Omega Schools. He served in that capacity until he came to
Kingfisher Public Schools in 1961 to teach and coach. In 1970, Mr. Hogan
became the Assistant Superintendent. He has been an active supporter of
education for Kingfisher Schools ever since.
As a teacher, mentor and faculty leader, others looked to him for his
wisdom and guidance. Always a professional educator, Mr. Hogan was
congenial and always available to all with whom he worked. Like most
teachers, he will never know the countless lives he touched, both as a teacher
and a colleague.
During his tenure at Kingfisher Schools, Mr. Hogan worked tirelessly in
various federal and local programs to ensure our students had every available
opportunity for quality education. However, his greatest legacy to this school
district was his organization of and leadership in the Red Carpet Country
Scholastic Meet. He wanted academic excellence to be recognized and
encouraged at the intermediate school level. For many, this is their first
exposure to a scholastic meet and we can only guess how many students have
been encouraged in their academic pursuits because of their participation and
success in this event. This meet continues today, and other schools have
patterned scholastic meets after Kingfisher’s Red Carpet Meet.
Since his retirement from public education in 1982, Mr. Hogan and his
wife Margaret, continue to live in Kingfisher. They have three children: Terry,
Vicky and Mike. He is also a member of the Kingfisher American Legion Post
and is among the first to help put American Flags out on federal holidays. He
is a member of the Lions Club, Kingfisher Retired Teachers Association and
the Methodist Church. He is also an avid golfer.
Mr. Hogan demonstrates the dedication and inspiration necessary to leave
a lasting impression on the youth of Kingfisher Public Schools. It is because of
these qualities we are proud to induct Mr. Herald Hogan into the Kingfisher
High School Hall of Fame.
O
Page 55 08/01/17
2007 CAROLYN FLOOD
Class of 1957
Carolyn Flood was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1957. In August of 1958, she went to work as
an abstractor for Solomons in Kingfisher, a career which
spanned 47 years. Currently she is employed by
Crossroads Title, Escrow and Closing Company.
During her tenure with Solomon Abstract
Company, Carolyn accumulated a wealth of knowledge
with regard to the people, families and histories of the
community of Kingfisher as well as all of Kingfisher County. She willingly
shares her knowledge with anyone interested. She has helped numerous people
in locating information with regard to real estate owned by their ancestors in
the pioneer days, and has also helped countless people in genealogical searches
in their family histories. She has presented many programs to local civic clubs
and other groups regarding the history of Kingfisher and Kingfisher County.
With abstracts to go through piled on her desk daily, Carolyn is never too
busy to help someone or give her advice on a real estate problem. As
knowledgeable as she is with real estate transactions and the law concerning
these matters, she has become an advisor to new lawyers in the area who close
real estate deals. Her honesty, integrity and knowledge certainly make her one
of Kingfisher’s finest welcoming ambassadors.
Carolyn married Richard Flood in 1960. They were blessed with two
children, Richard and Mary Ruth. Carolyn is involved in many other aspects of
our community including Rotary, Daughters of the American Revolution,
Order of the Eastern Star, past board member of both the Kingfisher Hospital
Board and Kingfisher Day Care Board, and the Iris Club. She is also a long
time member of the First Baptist Church of Kingfisher where she teaches
Sunday School. In what is left of her time, she enjoys reading.
It is with great pleasure that we induct Mrs. Carolyn Flood into the
Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame. She has, through many years of hard
work and research, become one of Kingfisher’s finest.
First purpose built school
building 1898.
Page 56 08/01/17
2007 STEVE SMOLA
Class of 1959
Mr. Steve Smola was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1959. He was graduated from
Oklahoma State University in 1964 with a B.S. Degree
in Agriculture and Agronomy.
Steve is a natural leader who has worked tirelessly
for rural Oklahoma and agriculture. He has dedicated
his life to making Oklahoma a better state. During high
school, Steve was very involved in Kingfisher High
School’s FFA program. After receiving his degree in agriculture, he returned
to his roots and began working for Wheeler Brothers Grain Company where he
developed a fertilizer program for surrounding farmers. He spent the next ten
years working and teaching area farmers about soil testing, fertilization needs,
soil condition improvement techniques and a host of other agronomic practices
which increased both the profit and the quality of life for those involved. He
was very involved in crop production and agricultural management. He was
also responsible for starting a small feed lot at Wheeler Brothers which, under
his leadership, grew to feed over twenty thousand head of cattle. He retired
from Wheeler Brothers in 2001 after having successfully expanded the grain
business into 17 communities, all of which still provide jobs in rural Oklahoma.
In 1985, Steve launched the AT&L Railroad and remained president until
his retirement in 2001. He acquired five locomotives and a lease fleet in excess
of 200 hopper cars that were managed and used in the one hundred car unit
train terminal loading facilities. He also upgraded many miles of railroad track
and bridges.
Steve continues to serve on several different boards at the local, state and
national level. From the Hospital Board in Watonga to the State Board of
Agriculture to the National Beef Industry, he is always ready to lend his
expertise to those who may benefit. He sacrifices his personal time and
resources for the betterment of his community, state and industry. One can
always count on Steve to be objective, to provide a big picture perspective and
to represent the interests of Oklahoma.
Steve and Barbara, his wife of 45 years, live in Oklahoma City, where
Steve works as a real estate agent, dealing mainly with farms and ranches.
They are the parents of six children.
Steve serves as an excellent role model for Kingfisher High School. He is
proud of his heritage and roots and has taken the resources they have provided
to him and used them to shape a successful career and life. These are the
characteristics which the students of Kingfisher High School should strive to
emulate. It is with great pride that we induct Mr. Steve Smola into the
Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 57 08/01/17
2008 ADRIAN LINDSEY
Class of 1913
Mr. Adrian Lindsey was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1913. During his tenure at
KHS, he played football, basketball and baseball. His
senior year, he frequently played quarterback for the
Kingfisher College football team.
Upon graduation, Mr. Lindsey entered the
University of Kansas to play football. He was named
twice to the Missouri Valley Conference as
Quarterback and was captain of the KU football team in 1916. He also played
basketball and baseball for the Jayhawks. Upon graduation, he entered the
army and fought in World War I. He served with the 89th Division in France.
While in the service he played on the Camp Funston football and baseball
teams. After the war, he was an assistant coach for the Kansas Jayhawks for 3
years. He played professional baseball for the Pittsburg Pirates for one year.
Upon returning to Kansas, he coached all sports at Bethany College in
Lindsborg for five years.
In 1927, Adrian started a five-year tenure as the head football coach for
the University of Oklahoma. After defeating his alma mater, the KU athletic
director decided Lindsey should become the next head football coach for the
Jayhawks. He left that position to return to the U.S. Army to fight in World
War II. He was decorated with the Silver Star for his bravery under fire at
Okinawa and was promoted to Colonel. He then was named Commander of the
89th Infantry Division.
After devoting 37 years to the military, he retired to Kansas. He ran both
an insurance and lumber company. Adrian Lindsay was married to the late
Helen Friend. They had one daughter, Nancy.
Coach Lindsay exemplifies the high standards we expect from Kingfisher
High School graduates; work ethic, honor, patriotism, and courage. For these
we are proud to induct Mr. Adrian Lindsay into the Kingfisher High School
Hall of Fame.
1898
Page 58 08/01/17
2008 DR. RUTH ANN SCHEMMER
Class of 1979
Dr. Ruth Ann Schemmer was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1978. She graduated Summa
Cum Laude from Southwestern Oklahoma State
University while receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Sociology. She received both her masters and
doctorate in Sociology from Texas A&M University.
As a student, Ruth excelled. She was a most
enthusiastic and able learner, grasping concepts and
immediately applying them. In an incredible transition from learner to teacher,
she began to lead in activities both in the classroom and on campus.
From graduate assistant to professor to Associate Director of the Career
Center, she id dedicated and committed to her students in every aspect of their
education. She works tirelessly to create a comprehensive program at the
Career Center at A&M which helps students polish resumes, work on interview
techniques and gives students a working presentation of themselves in a
potential interview situation. Her forte is teaching students to present
themselves to future employers as skillful, intelligent, resourceful, and
intuitive. Her guidance, leadership and wisdom help students in career
education and development. Her efforts have results in a marked increase of
both students and companies using the Career Center in order to increase
employment options for the approximately 8,000 students she serves yearly.
She embodies commitment to job excellence, leadership, initiative, innovation,
commitment to quality of work life and teamwork. This makes her not only an
asset to the Career Center but also to Texas A&M as a whole.
Through both her career and personal life, her integrity and ethical
standards are beyond reproach. Ever alert to ethical implications of the
endeavors of others and her own, she steps forward to ensure all are true to the
highest guidelines. Be it in her church, in volunteer work with the Brazos
Church pantry or in her career she lives those standards daily.
Ruth raised two daughters, Bethany and Holly. Bethany is completing
physical therapy school at UT medical branch in Galveston. Holly is a
graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political
Science. In her spare time, Ruth like to read, garden and sew. She is also an
active follower of politics.
The characteristics she possesses as a role model are scholar, leader,
parent and community-minded person concerned with the well-being of all.
These are the qualities which we would like to inspire in all future KHS
graduates. It is with great pride we induct Dr. Ruth Schemmer into the
Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 59 08/01/17
2009 DR. ROBERT J. HASENFRATZ
Class of 1975
Dr. Robert J. Hasenfratz was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1975. He was graduated
from Oklahoma State University in 1979 with a
Bachelor of Arts in English and German, and in 1983
with a Master of Arts in English. He received his Ph.D.
from Pennsylvania State University in English with a
minor in historical linguistics.
While attending Kingfisher High School, he was a
superior student as well as an outstanding citizen. He continued that tradition
as he furthered his education at OSU receiving the prestigious Fulbright
Scholarship to study medieval Germanic languages in Germany. Upon
graduation from Oklahoma State University, he was accepted as an instructor at
Pennsylvania State University. In 1989 he took an assistant professorship
position at the University of Connecticut, and moving up the educational ladder
he has risen to full professor of English while becoming one of the best known
American scholars in the study of Old English.
Since 1987, Dr. Hasenfratz has published four books, more than a dozen
articles and scholarly reviews in his field, and serves as editor for various
publications. He has presented numerous papers all over the United States and
beyond. He is ever involved in ongoing projects. He has received numerous
fellowships, awards and grants. In addition to his Fulbright Scholarship, he
was a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. He
teaches numerous and extremely popular courses at the University of
Connecticut and has served as the resident director of their London program.
He has also chaired several important and prestigious committees while in
Connecticut. He maintains the department web site and has served as Ph.D.
Candidate mentor.
In his spare time, Dr. Hasenfratz enjoys traveling, cycling, gardening and
making mosaics.
Dr. Hasenfratz’s high levels of scholarship and renown within the
academic community make him a fine example of the KHS graduate. It is
because of his accomplishments and achievements in the educational
profession that Kingfisher High School takes great pride in inducting Dr.
Robert J. Hasenfratz into its Hall of Fame.
Page 60 08/01/17
2010 DR. DOUGLAS P. BEALL
Class of 1984
Dr. Douglas Beall was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1984. He graduated from Oklahoma
State University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Biomedical Science. He graduated Cum
Laude while receiving his M.D. from Gerogetown
University School of Medicine in 1993.
From an exceptional student at Kingfisher Public
Schools, through OSU and as an honor student in
medical school on an Air Force scholarship, Doug excelled. He was
exceptional in seemingly every area; academics, sports, and demeanor.
Throughout his residency at Johns Hopkins, Fellowship at the Mayor Clinic,
and his Air Force career, Doug was at the top. He has held the position of
Division Chief in nearly every post to which he has been assigned and still
serves as a Radiology Staff Consultant for the United States Air Force.
Following his military tenure, Dr. Beall transitioned to the University of
Oklahoma where he served as Division Chief of Musculoskeletal Imaging and
Director of Fellowship Programs. Currently, Dr. Beall is Chief of Radiology
Services at Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma and is an Associate Professor of
Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma. He is Director of
Fellowship Programs for Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma and is actively
involved in teaching and research. In his practice, he often tries innovative
ideas and procedures which are making waves the world over. Because of his
novel approach and solution to some of his medical ideas, he works tirelessly
because of his dedication to his patients in the desire to relieve their pain and
regain quality of life as well as to advance medical knowledge so that other
physicians may learn from his experience and apply this knowledge to their
own patients.
Dr. Beall has published more than 130 articles in peer reviewed journals,
has authored two textbooks and nine textbook chapters, and has given more
than 90 invited lectures and scientific presentations. He has done research in
virtually every area of radiology, pain management, and orthopedics. He has
assisted in volunteer medical trips to both Africa and Haiti.
Surprisingly, however, Dr. Beall holds several honors in another area. He
is the first and only Oklahoman to climb the highest peaks on all 7 continents.
From Mt. Everest to Kilimanjaro to Mt. McKinley, he has climbed them all.
He is also the first and only Oklahoman to reach the North Pole. He is in the
process of writing a book about his climbing adventures.
Doug is the son of Mrs. Betty Beall and the late Jim Beall. He has three
children, Olivia, Sophie and Grant.
Dr. Douglas Beall is one of the finest examples of what can be achieved in
one’s lifetime in the service of and dedication to others. These are the
characteristics we set as a standard for students of Kingfisher High School. It
is with great honor that we add another star into the galaxy that is KHS Hall of
Fame.
Page 61 08/01/17
2010 HOWARD JOHNSON
Class of 1959
Mr. Howard Johnson was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1959. He was graduated from Oklahoma
State University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Mathematics. He was graduated from the University of
Oklahoma in 1974 with a Master’s Degree in
Meteorology.
An extremely bright Kingfisher High School
student, Howard was always available to provide tutorial
help to other students. In addition to being a scholar, he was a skilled athlete.
He analyzed and understood variables and forces of competitive sports to the
point that his ability to size up other teams often resulted in a victory for the
Yellowjackets. His scholastic achievements reflect his intelligence, his quest to
learn and his self-discipline reflect a true scholar. To this day, he continues to
be a scholar and teacher for those who choose to listen and learn.
Upon graduation from Oklahoma State, Mr. Johnson was commissioned
as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force and he spent a year at OU in the
Air Force’s weather program. Continuing in the area of weather, he provided
climate input for intelligence summaries. Upon completion of his master’s
work, he became a research associate of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.
He later took charge of this group and developed it into one of the top programs
in the nation. He helped found the Oklahoma Mesonet Steering Committee.
Using his incredible ability to memorize facts, he studied weather and weather
events which happened both during his lifetime and in the decades before his
birth. Over time his work significantly contributed to a vastly improved
Oklahoma weather warning system.
Howard has an incredible ability to impart his knowledge in a very factual
yet entertaining way. Always a communicator and humorist at heart, he
mentored young professionals at Oklahoma Climatological Survey. With his
wit and intellect, they will be the first to tell you they were the better for his
mentoring. Along with being published, these all indicate he had a passion for
his life work from which he retired in 2003.
Mr. Johnson has a son, Kevin, who now teaches English in Japan. In his
spare time he enjoys listening to his extensive collection of jazz records,
traveling and working on baseball statistics of the game’s first century. He is
also an avid fan of Oklahoma State athletics.
Mr. Johnson is the epitome of the core values taught and experienced at
Kingfisher High School. His honesty, integrity, work ethic, and intelligence
are all qualities and attributes which we hope all our graduates would take from
these hallowed halls. It is with great pride we induct Mr. Howard Johnson into
the KHS Hall of Fame.
Page 62 08/01/17
2010 PAUL E. DAVIS, JR.
Class of 1989
Mr. Paul E. Davis, Jr. was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1989. He was graduated
from Oklahoma State University in 1993 with a
Bachelor of Science degree in General Business. Upon
completion of his degree at Oklahoma State, Paul joined
the United States Air Force, completed Officer Training
School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant
in 1995
As a student at Kingfisher High School, Paul was smart, friendly,
encouraging and accepting of himself and others. He was bright, intellectually
gifted with an inquiring and analytical mind. He possessed a sincere and
intense drive to excel, and the work ethic to back up his aspirations. Paul
served as senior class president, was an active member of the Speech and
Debate tea, National Honor Society and voted “Most Spirited” by his peers.
Paul knew early on that he wanted to be a pilot, and his dedication, talent
and abilities helped him to achieve that dream. Not many high school students
know what they want to do as an adult and even fewer actually do it. Many
times, the road was hard and times were harder but Paul had his own standards
for excellence that motivated him to succeed. Not only did he have a dream as
a child, he achieved his dream with hard work and a positive attitude.
Paul trained with the Air Force and Navy during Joint Undergraduate
Navigator Training and received top honors as the number one graduate in the
class. Then he began a journey of combat assignments including Germany,
Bosnia, Turkey, Israel, Kosovo, and the Republic of Macedonia. He flew
varied missions ranging from delivering cargo to support air strikes in
Operation Desert Fox to airlifting President Clinton’s security team from
Kosovo.
Throughout the next years, Captain Davis continued in both pilot training
and combat missions. His high profile missions were a direct result of
continuing to exceed expectations in training. His work was an invaluable part
of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Ian 2005, Major Davis
became an instructor pilot at Vance Air Force Base in Enid. In 2009, however,
he answered President Obama’s call to assist attacks on Al Qaeda and Taliban
terrorist networks. He continues his work as a pilot instructor.
Major Davis is stationed at Vance Air Force Base and lives in Enid with
his wife Becky and their four children, Cory, Riley, Mikala and Marianna.
Their support enables him to willingly serve our country during this volatile
time.
Paul possesses the characteristics which every student of Kingfisher High
School should emulate. He is an excellent role model and perfect example of
what service and dedication to others brings and what can be achieved with
hard work and dedication to self and country. It is with great pride that we
indict Major Paul E. Davis, Jr. into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 63 08/01/17
2011 EVELYN POST
Teacher, 1964-1989
Mrs. Evelyn Post was graduated from Big Four
High School in 1950. She was graduated from the
University of Oklahoma in 1954 with honors as the
Outstanding Business Education Major. She received a
Master’s of Business Education from the University of
Central Oklahoma in 1966.
Mrs. Post began her teaching career in Kingfisher in 1954 after she
received her degree in business. She worked varied years between 1954 and
1966. It was during these years she raised her children and earned her Master’s
degree. She taught from 1966 to her retirement in 1989 in the KHS Business
Department. During this time, Mrs. Post taught in and chaired this department
teaching shorthand, typing and bookkeeping, as well as being the Yearbook
sponsor. In addition, she served 22 years as sponsor of Kingfisher’s Future
Business Leaders of America.
Mrs. Post’s classes were known for being well-taught, highly disciplines
and no nonsense. She did bring to her academic duties, however, attributes for
which she was highly revered. Always immaculately dressed, she taught
propriety as well as typing, and decorum and good manners as well as
shorthand. She was a very demanding yet completely objective teacher who
demanded and received the best from each of her students. She was an
outstanding teacher in her chosen field of Business Education. With her
approach to education, students with whom she came into contact went into
different venues of the business world, opening up possibilities within
themselves they never thought possible. She encouraged students to discover
their personal strengths and helped them set high goals, all the while guiding
and encouraging them to meet those goals. She is still remembered by her
former students with great affection and always held in high esteem because
she took more than an academic interest in her students. She had an innate way
of relating to her students making learning both interesting and fun.
Mrs. Post retired from Kingfisher Schools in 1989. She lives with her
husband, Albert, in Kingfisher. They have two children, Sheila Thomas and
her husband Max, and David Post and his wife Paula. She is a member of the
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where she still serves as organist. Since
retirement, she has been involved in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary
League, taking her commitment to the organization to an active participation at
the state and national level. She served as secretary on the state level for four
years, national secretary for one year and has attended the national convention
for the past twenty years. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, playing cards,
reading and doing things with her family.
Mrs. Post set forth extremely high standards for her students. She made a
difference for so many, academically, socially and personally. It is because of
these characteristics that she expected and demanded from her students of KHS
that we induct Mrs. Evelyn Post into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 64 08/01/17
2012 ELSIE HUNTER
Teacher, 1973-1986
Mrs. Elsie Hunger was graduated from Wellston
High School in 1944. She was graduated from Central
State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Education and from Southwestern Oklahoma State
University with a Master of Education degree.
Her teaching career began in Gotebo in 1947. Later
she and her husband, Leonard, taught together in
Cooperton. After expanding their teaching careers in
Indiahoma and Cordell, they came to Kingfisher where Mrs. Hunter taught
freshman English.
Mrs. Hunter’s legacy is the students she taught. Her infectious, stubborn
determination molded many into the successful people they became. She
taught numerous children leaving them with the desire to be the best in their
chosen profession.
Elsie Hunter was committed to the teaching profession working tirelessly
to ensure all her students were challenged, motivated and interested. As a
teacher, her assignments were challenging but she used her high expectations
and work ethic to help each freshman develop good study habits. She believed
each of her students could, should, and would learn, and no one was exempt
from giving his or her best effort. Mrs. Hunter had a wonderful way of helping
students learn and never give up on their hopes and dreams.
Mrs. Hunter was also a team player. She helped her husband, Leonard,
build KHS Vocational Agriculture department into the top program in the state.
Her countless hours of helping FFA students with speeches and fill out
applications paid off for Kingfisher FFA program and the Hunters, a strong,
hard-working strength-building team. They encouraged their students to be the
best they could be, all the while teaching by example. They were people of
their word, and people knew that. Respect was theirs as they exemplified faith,
character, courage and strength. Together they inspired many to enter the work
force in the agriculture or education field.
Mrs. Hunter retired from teaching in 1986. She and Mr. Hunter had two
daughters, Kim and Jan. She now resides at Spanish Cove in Yukon. She
enjoys filling her days with reading, spending time with family, and traveling.
Elsie is the epitome of charisma and class. Her work ethic is second-to-
none. She shares her values with the people of Kingfisher schools. All are
better for having Mrs. Hunter as a teacher in their lives. These are the
characteristics we would instill in you, the graduating class of 2012. It is with
great pride that we induct Mrs. Elsie Hunter into the Kingfisher High School
Hall of Fame.
Page 65 08/01/17
2012 LEONARD HUNTER
Teacher, 1973-1986
Mr. Leonard Hunter was graduated from Wellston
High School in 1943. After a tour in the United States
Army, Mr. Hunter attended both Cameron University
and Oklahoma A&M and received a Bachelor’s Degree
in Vocational Agriculture.
While in the Army, Mr. Hunter was a foot soldier in
General George Patton’s Army. He was wounded in the
Battle of the Bulge, received a Purple Heart and two
Bronze Stars. After recovering from injuries received in battle, he was selected
to serve as a guard during the Nuremberg trials. He was assigned to guard
Rudolph Hess, the third in command of Hitler’s Germany. Those trials deeply
affected Mr. Hunter and he often told stories of the trials to his students,
emphasizing freedom and justice.
Upon completion of his degree from Oklahoma A&M, Mr. Hunter taught
in Cooperton, Indiahoma and Cordell before coming to be the Vo-Ag Instructor
in Kingfisher. His first summer was spent taking special efforts to meet his
incoming students before school started. He was a man of few words, but when
he spoke, he always had something important to say. His students listened. It
was his high expectations and demand for excellence which revitalized the
Kingfisher Chapter of the Future Farmers of America, and made it one of the
premier programs in the state and nation. His hard work produced numerous
American and State Farmer recipients.
When it came to competition and FFA projects, Mr. Hunter was at his
finest. Winning wasn’t everything with him. He used each facet of his
program to instill and model work ethic, honesty, manners, responsibility and
character into each of his charges. He was, indeed, preparing these students for
college, work and life in the work force.
Mr. Hunter participated in numerous professional, religious and civic
organizations. He is a lifetime member of FFA Alumni Association, National
and Oklahoma Vocational Technology Association, Honorary American
Farmer and both National and State Outstanding Vocational Agriculture
Teacher.
Mr. Hunter retired in 1986. He and his wife Elsie have two daughters, Jan
and Kim. During retirement they lived in Kingfisher and Clinton, traveling
often with the OSU Alumni Association. Mr. Hunter passed in 1995.
We would impress upon all KHS graduates that the qualities Mr. Hunter
lives out daily of self-reliance, honesty, hard work and dependability made him
a role model then and an inspiration now. It is with great pride that we induct
Mr. Leonard Hunter into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 66 08/01/17
2012 KEITH BEST
Class of 1956
Mr. Keith Best was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1956. Having never attended college, he
obtained no degrees nor built any huge industry. He did,
however, build his own empire which includes an oil
production company, wrecker and auto repair service
and a farm and ranch operation east of Kingfisher.
After graduation, Mr. Best took a job with an oil
exploration company with offices all over the South.
After relocating and working as an oil exploration supervision in Canada, he
was called in to help with the seismic research of the oil resources on the North
Slope of Alaska in 1969. In 1970, he survived a plane crash which results in
physical injury and frostbite. Due to complications of the frostbite both hands
and both feet were amputated. After being fitted with prosthetics and
rehabilitating, he was offered an oil field office job. Because of his love of the
outdoors, he declined the offer.
Mr. best spent vacations in Kingfisher helping his uncle with wheat
harvest. He had a combine modified so he could use his prosthetics to operate
it. Knowing he could adapt to various conditions despite his handicap, he
bought a farm between Kingfisher and Crescent. He cleared it of timber,
installed an irrigation system and proceeded to farm and raise cattle.
With an ever inquisitive mind, Keith branched out into raising different
kinds of cash crops as well as buying farm equipment. With his analytical
thinking, he developed a flair for machinery and how it worked. This led him
to buy interest in a parts store. With his knowledge of machinery and
availability of parts, he and his son opened an auto-diesel repair shop. Mr. Best
worked every aspect of the shop, from repairs to bookkeeping, never allowing
his handicap to hinder his activities.
Never one to remain complacent, Mr. best formed his own oil company.
He drills, researches mineral rights, owns and buys leases, and serves on the
Oklahoma AgriAbility Council.
Keith is the son of the late Raymond and Martha Best. He and his wife
Elma Jean have four children, Janet Rogers, Vicky Allen, Deanna Dugger and
Bryan Best. In his spare time he still likes to farm.
Mr. Keith Best exemplifies integrity, self-discipline, commitment and a
model work ethic; all qualities which we would like to instill in our graduates.
His indomitable spirit as well as hard work and determination have enriched
our community and our society. It is a great honor that we induct yet another
graduate into the KHS Hall of Fame.
Page 67 08/01/17
2012 DR. DAVID B. SIMPSON
Class of 1990
Dr. David B. Simpson was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1990. He graduated from the
University of Oklahoma in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts
in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. In 1997, he
received his Master of Science degree in Community
Counseling from Georgia State University. He also
received a Christian Counseling diploma from
Psychological Studies Institute in 1997. He returned to
Norman to get his Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling in 2005.
While attending KHS, Dr. Simpson was an outstanding student and
athlete. He was able to excel in the classroom and in any endeavor he chose
because of hard work and a big heart. His work ethic was second-to-none. He
was particularly known for his courageous determination to deal with personal
issues while maintaining an excellent grade point average. He played football,
and was editor of the school newspaper, THE STINGER. He also restored a
bright, red Mustang.
Upon completing his doctoral program, Dr. Simpson took a position at
Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. He is an assistant professor of
Counseling and Psychology. He is also the Director of Graduate Programs. He
teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses. His teaching
experiences include Valparaiso, University of Tennessee, the University of
Oklahoma, and the Psychological Institute. He is a licensed psychologist in the
state of Indiana. He has a strong interest in student development, counseling,
training and supervision. He enjoys working with clients struggling with
relational issues and spiritual concerns.
In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Simpson is frequently sought as a
guest lecturer and presented in all of the United States and in Canada. His main
focus of research involves exploring the relationship between spiritual and
religious variables and psychology, and has included examination of
interpersonal relations, gender issues, image of God and personality
development. These are the topics of his guest lectures. He also has written
over two dozen articles for publication, as well as reviewed textbooks and other
publications. He is a member of numerous committees, both at the university
level and national professional level. For his services, he has been recognized
with many honors and awards.
David is the son of Mr. Larry Simpson and Mrs. Nancy Corvin. He and
his wife, Holly, have two daughters, Lauren and Emma. In his spare time, he
enjoys backpacking, running, skiing, photography, OU Football, and he still
loves to tinker with the little, red Mustang.
Dr. David Simpson is another excellent example of what can be achieved
with hard work and dedication. These are the attributes we would like our
graduates to exemplify. It is with great honor that we add another graduate to
the KHS Hall of Fame.
Page 68 08/01/17
2013 HOMER HARMON
Teacher, Administrator 1949-1977
Mr. Homer Harman was graduated from Goltry
High School in 1931. He was graduated from Phillips
University in 1935 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music.
In 1938, he earned his Master’s Degree in Music from
Phillips.
Mr. Harmon was first hired in 1938 as a music
teacher in Geary, Oklahoma. He taught in Fairview as
well, until he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corp in
1942. He served in that capacity until he moved his family to Mineola, Kansas,
in 1949. Mr. Harmon became the band director at Kingfisher Public Schools in
1949 and turned that music program into a perennial music powerhouse in the
state of Oklahoma.
Mr. Harmon came from a generation of men and women who dedicated
themselves to public education. Always the professional, he was held in high
esteem by his colleagues, faculty, staff, and students of Kingfisher Schools, as
well as members of the community of Kingfisher. Throughout his career, the
far-reaching impact of Mr. Harmon’s influence was surely felt in the lives and
successes of so many of his students.
During his tenure at Kingfisher Schools, Mr. Harmon set the bar
extremely high for his band. Winning was synonymous with “The Pride of
Kingfisher”. From Tri-State Sweepstakes to Oklahoma State Marching
competitions and parade competitions, trophies were abundant. There were
several non-negotiable rules which were strictly followed by all within Mr.
Harmon’s band, including never defiling the uniform, presenting yourself and
Kingfisher High School in a dignified and moral manner, and showing yourself
to be clean, respectful and prepared. He also taught his students to believe in
themselves and to then work to achieve whatever goal they set.
Mr. Harmon went on to be the Kingfisher High School Counselor in 1963
and held that position for two years before becoming the principal at
Washington School. With patience and pride, he continued to in those in his
charge a love for learning, pride, confidence, work ethic and self-discipline
second to none. Mr. Harmon retired from Kingfisher Schools in 1977.
Harold Harmon and his wife, Verna, had one son, Garry. He loved to hunt
and fish, but, due to declining health, did not get to enjoy it much after
retirement. Mr. Harmon passed away in 1983.
Mr. Harmon demonstrates the qualities we wish for all our teachers at
Kingfisher Public Schools to have. It is because of his patience, work ethic and
the desire to excel which he instilled into youth that we are proud to induct Mr.
Homer Harmon into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 69 08/01/17
2013 Representative MIKE SANDERS Class of 1993
Mike Sanders was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1993. He graduated from Oklahoma
Christian University in 1997 with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in History and Pre-Law. He then
moved to Washington D.C., attended classes at
Georgetown University and worked to coordinate
volunteers for the George W. Bush campaign.
Impressed by his dedication and limitless drive,
President Bush appointed Mr. Sanders to the Herculean task of rebuilding a
new White House Intern program which had been dismantled by President
Clinton. During his tenure in the Bush administration, Mike worked tirelessly
to create and implement the policies of the new program, recruit candidates for
the inaugural classes, and oversee over 1,000 young Americans working in the
most fast-paced, consequential professional atmosphere in the world. He
implemented the program, nurtured it to maturity, and still watches it as one of
the legacies which Obama adopted from the Bush era. For his dedicated
service to the White House and United States, Mr. Sanders was awarded the
Distinguished Honor Service Award by President Bush.
Mr. Sanders’ work at the White House, while a career highlight in itself,
merely opened doors in Washington, and he continued his public service as
Deputy Chief of Staff for Rural Development for the United States Department
of Agriculture. This allowed rural United States, Oklahoma included, to
benefit from his services, as he never forgot his roots. He was promoted to
Deputy Chief of Staff, where he coordinated communications between the
directors and the agency’s 47 state directors. He also served in various other
offices within the USDA, including Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the
USDA leadership.
With a career start such as this, Mike had the world before him in the way
of job opportunities and career options. However, his experience became a
gateway which allowed him to become intimately acquainted with the needs of
Oklahoma and agricultural needs across the state. Along his pathway, he
continuously looked for ways to help promote Oklahoma and his hometown.
His return to Kingfisher in 2008 and his election to the Oklahoma State
Legislature have allowed him to devote time to his state, serving on various
boards, councils and task forces, and his efforts have brought numerous
benefits to the Kingfisher community. He is also active in various civic and
religious affairs in Kingfisher, as well as working at his family’s business,
Sanders Funeral Service.
Representative Sanders is married to Nellie Sanders. They have two sons,
Davis and Walker. In his spare time, Mike likes to attend sporting events, keep
up with politics and spend time with his wife and sons.
Mike Sanders has accomplished so much and risen so high in the
relatively few years since graduation. His fierce devotion to Kingfisher and
tireless work ethic for our great state are qualities which we would like to instill
into our KHS graduates. He is yet another state treasure which we add to the
KHS Hall of Fame.
Page 70 08/01/17
2013 CURTIS LOFTON
Class of 2005
Mr. Curtis Lofton was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 2005. The following year he attended The
University of Oklahoma on a football scholarship.
Using the strong work ethic instilled in him by his
family as he grew up, Curtis developed his exceptional
athletic ability and became a star linebacker for the
Kingfisher Yellowjacket’s football team. He helped lead
them to a state championship in 2003, the school’s only
title. A threat on defense, he had 505 tackles in his high school career. He was
named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State teams in both football and
basketball in 2005.
Upon arrival in Norman, he began to play a significant role in OU’s success as
a team by demonstrating extraordinary leadership which extended the duration of
his career there. Again, with hard work and the values he had, his commitment to
his team earned him respect from both coaches and players. He lettered as a true
freshman, started every game and was on his way to a stellar career for the Sooners.
He had 192 career tackles at Oklahoma. He was third in the nation his junior year
with 157 tackles. He also garnered All American honors, two time All Big12
honors, and was the 2007 Big 12 Defensive Player of the year.
Deciding to forgo his senior season at OU, Curtis made himself eligible for the
2008 NFL draft. He was selected as the 37th pick for the Atlanta Falcons. From the
time he stepped on to the field in Atlanta, he made an impact on their defense. He
led them to the playoffs his rookie season, and he led the team in tackles during the
next three seasons. He tallied 577 tackles in the four years he spent with the
Falcons in the 63 out of 64 possible games he could have played. He was a leader
on the field, becoming the signal caller for the defense. In 2012, Curtis decided to
take his talents to New Orleans to play for the Saints. In only one year, he has
become the voice of the defense, leading them with 123 tackles.
Although fierce, competitive and a force to be reckoned with on the field,
Curtis also has a heart of gold. At OU, he was involved in spring football clinics for
underprivileged children, holiday food drives, Habitat for Humanity and children’s
hospital visits. These hospital visits turned into work with “Rally On the Runway,”
a philanthropic endeavor in which young ladies fighting cancer get to model and be
escorted by professional models. Curtis is more than just a spokesman for the
organization; he serves as honorary chair and as an escort for the event. Raising
over $300,000 the past three years, he also provided tickets to home Falcon games,
reached out to the kids as they are struggle with treatments, and even checked on a
young lady in Atlanta when the Saints came to play.
Curtis is the son of Ladonna Terrell and the grandson of Delora Terrell. He
has two dogs, Drake and Dora. In his spare time Curtis likes to travel, read, play
hoops, shop, play video games, go to the shooting range and visit the children’s
hospitals.
Curtis possesses the characteristics we wish for our KHS graduates;
tremendous work ethic, leadership, kindness, and his “pay if forward” efforts. It is
with great pride that we induct Mr. Curtis Lofton into the Kingfisher High School
Hall of Fame.
Page 71 08/01/17
2014 TODD BROWN
Class of 1986
Mr. Todd Brown was graduated from Kingfisher
High School in 1986. He received his Bachelor’s degree
in Finance from the University of Central Oklahoma in
1991.
Todd was an exceptional young man in high school,
holding leadership positions such as president of both his
senior class and student council, as well as captain of the
basketball team. From a young age, in his free time he loved to race competitive
motocross with his family. During his time at Kingfisher High, he was considered
an all-around American young man, loved and admired by many.
During college, he finished his degree at night while he used his
entrepreneurial skills during the daytime to start and run a restaurant and expand the
business. He and his wife, Annette, married and had a child. He remained an active
member in his local community, living a life of integrity, hard work, and vision.
In 1994, the unthinkable happened. During a motocross race, Todd had a crash
that broke his back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. His voracious
appetite for life helped him make it through surgery and rehabilitation, while still
continuing to run his business. With his desire to remain active, just 6 months after
his accident he competed in his first wheelchair marathon. He competed in races for
10 years after that, and played wheelchair basketball at OU. His positive spirit and
determination to continue a normal life was an inspiration to all around him. He
was asked to mentor other patients with spinal cord injuries. Todd had experienced
some difficulties with infections and finding the right medical supplies, and found
that many others with spinal cord injuries were dealing with the same problems.
When Todd started using a new technologically-advanced product, his health
improved so much he felt his quality of life had done a complete180. He decided to
start his own business to provide these products and more to help others’ quality of
life as well.
In the beginning, he was the sole salesman and his first warehouse was the
garage of his home and 180 Medical was started. His company has now grown by
leaps and bounds in just a little over a decade, now employing 400 workers, 45
outside sales representatives, branches in Boston and Phoenix, and offices across the
country, with a home headquarters in Oklahoma City, OK. Todd made it his goal to
have a company that would provide top-quality products along with unbeatable
customer service. Real, caring, well-trained people are available to talk to
customers and handle their accounts and orders. His goal was achieved in 180
Medical, which partners with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to help
support spinal cord injury research.
Determined to remain independent and live an active life, Todd drives, snow-
skis (via an adaptive seat that snaps to regular skis), rides 4-wheelers, and works
out. His love of sports continues in the life of his children. He coached his
daughter’s AAU team for years, and has coached his son’s baseball and basketball
teams.
Todd and Annette have four children; Haley, Necea, Chloe, and Tucker. He
enjoys OU football, Thunder basketball, and reading. He is also very active in his
church.
Todd possesses a giving heart, faith, integrity, and a drive to work hard,
qualities we would like to see instilled in all our graduates. It is with great honor
that we induct Mr. Todd Brown into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 72 08/01/17
2015 C. Jack Harrell Administrator 1985-1988 & 1990-1996
C. Jack Harrel was graduated from Leedey High
School in 1961. He received a B.S. in Mathematics
from Southwestern in 1966, and an M.A. in
Mathematics from the University of Arkansas in 1971.
He served as the Superintendent of Kingfisher Public
Schools from 1985-1988 and again from 1990-1996.
He served as the Deputy State Superintendent from
1988-1990.
In his chosen profession, Mr. Harrel has
demonstrated over and over the unending patience, tireless determination, and
pursuit of quality it takes to bring young minds to an education encompassing
both learning and preparation for life. During his service as Kingfisher
superintendent, he faced obstacles and adversity. He guided the school district
through the worst financial period in education history, due to a combination of
factors outside control of the district. Despite that, Mr. Harrel was a dynamic
and folksy leader who was approachable and willing to discuss academic issues
with anyone. One of his favorite quotes during rough times referenced a team
of sled dogs racing in the Iditarod—“If you’re not the lead dog, the view never
changes.”
He not only helped shape Kingfisher Public Schools into what they are
today, he was also an asset to the community. His work on the ground-breaking
reforms in House Bill 1017 dramatically impacted the quality of rural
Oklahoma schools. He also served on the Kingfisher Regional Hospital Board,
the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and was a member
of the Governor’s Education Reform Advisory Council. He is a recipient of the
Lifetime Achievement Award and Administrator of the Year Award from the
Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, among countless other
honors. He and his wife Jo have three children: Rona, Russell, and Monte.
Jack Harrel is the “gold standard” for school superintendents due to his
knowledge of financial issues, his professionalism, and his appreciation for
public education in the state of Oklahoma. It is with great honor that we induct
C. Jack Harrel into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 73 08/01/17
2015 Cherie Myers
Class of 1975 (Faculty 1986 – 2001)
Cherie Hallren Myers was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1975. She received her
Associate’s degree from Northern Oklahoma College in
1977 and her Bachelor’s degree from North Texas State
University in 1979.
As a student at Kingfisher High School, Cherie
excelled not only in basketball and track but also in
academics. She was an All-State and All-Conference
basketball player, a member of the State Runner-up
basketball team, placed 4th in the state in 100 yard dash and accomplished all
these while earning the rank of Valedictorian of her graduating class.
After high school, Cherie played basketball and ran track at Northern
Oklahoma College. In basketball she was named to the All-Conference team as
a freshman and sophomore, conference player of the year, and was a Junior
College All-American and Junior College Academic All-American. She
qualified for the national junior college track meet on a relay team. At North
Texas State, she played basketball and earned all-conference honors. She was
also an AIAW Academic All-American.
Cherie returned to this area after college and began her career as the head
girls’ basketball coach at Dover High School in 1979. Over the next several
years, she coached at Pioneer and Drummond before returning to her alma
mater of Kingfisher High School, where she spent 15 years at the helm of the
girls’ basketball program. Currently leading the Okarche High School girls’
basketball team, Coach Myers is in her 36th year as a head coach. She is one of
the most successful and respected basketball coaches in Oklahoma. She has
been named Coach of the Year four times and has won the State Championship
five times, a few of her numerous accomplishments. Cherie and her husband
Randy have three children: Heather, Heath, and Haley.
Her real influence is on the hundreds of young ladies whose lives she has
touched as a coach. She instills in her players a desire to succeed not just on
the court, but in the classroom and in life. Cherie Hallren Myers has dedicated
her life to the formation of student athletes. She is truly a distinguished
graduate of Kingfisher High School and is fully deserving of her induction into
the KHS Hall of Fame.
Page 74 08/01/17
2015 Judy Wood
Teacher 1986 - 1996
Mrs. Judith (Judy) Burns Wood was graduated
from Cheyenne High School in 1964. She was
graduated from Southwestern University with a
Bachelor’s degree in Education 1967 and a Master’s
degree in 1980. She taught business classes at
Kingfisher High School from 1986-1996, then served as
the grant coordinator for Kingfisher Public Schools
before retiring in 2000.
Mrs. Wood had a clear vision of the future in
education. She ushered in the age of computers for a generation of students
who had not previously used this technology, and did so with skill and ease.
Later in her career, as grant coordinator, she brought over $800,000 worth of
grant money to the district for use in implementing technology in schools.
Under her guidance, computers and SMART boards were placed in classrooms,
computer labs were created, wireless Internet became available, and laptops
were purchased for student use.
During her tenure at Kingfisher High School, Mrs. Wood went the extra
mile for her students. Countless hours before, after, and during school were
dedicated to providing the most innovative techniques in her classroom so her
students could not only compete, but lead the way in their chosen careers. She
dedicated the same time, enthusiasm, and expertise to her advisor role in
Student Council. She helped make Student Council a viable and truly effective
student organization. Mrs. Wood was an inspiration, role model, and mentor
to peers, faculty and staff, parents, community, and the children of her district.
Judy and her late husband Sam have two children, Jay and Jamie, who
both graduated from KHS.
Mrs. Wood’s dedication to excellence and innovation in education and her
selfless service to the children of this district bring honor to Kingfisher Public
Schools and the KHS Hall of Fame.
Page 75 08/01/17
2015 Sam Wood Administrator 1985-1997
Sammy Jay Wood was graduated from Sharon High
School in 1964, and from Southwestern University with
a Bachelor’s degree in 1967 and a Master’s degree in
1971. He served as principal of Gilmour Elementary
School from 1985-1997.
Early in his teaching career, he was drafted to serve
his country in Vietnam. While in the Army, he was awarded the Bronze Star
Medal. Upon returning from Vietnam, he returned to education. In 1985, he
moved his family to Kingfisher, and served as Elementary Principal.
As principal, Mr. Wood was a visionary. He was always looking for ways
to improve the education of the students at Gilmour and in Kingfisher. One of
his outstanding character traits was organization. He always carried a pen and
small pad of paper in his pocket. When one visited with him about an idea or
concern, he always wrote it down and there was never any doubt that it would
be addressed.
Sam Wood was also an optimistic, faith-filled man. He looked forward to
going to work each day, and it was common to know where he was in the
building because he could be heard whistling while he worked. No job was
ever too trivial for Sam to perform. He delivered books to teachers, helped
custodians dump trash, and even helped serve lunch to students. His warmth
and compassion radiated to the students and teachers around him. Teachers
and students were motivated by his encouragement and his example of faith.
Mr. Wood was a finalist for Oklahoma Administrator of the Year. He was
married to the love of his life, Judy, and was a proud father to Jay and Jamie,
who both graduated from KHS.
Leading by example is a characteristic that we desire of all employees of
Kingfisher Public Schools. It is because of his leadership, vision, and
compassion that we are proud to induct the late Sam Wood into the Kingfisher
High School Hall of Fame.
Mr. Wood’s Chemistry Class 2017
Page 76 08/01/17
2016 Larry Mays Class of 1964
Larry Mays was graduated from Kingfisher High
School in 1964. He received a B.S. in Social Sciences
from Phillips University in 1968, and an M.S. in
Secondary Administration from Central State University
in 1971. His lifelong career in education began very close
to home, teaching social studies and coaching in Dover.
After only one year in the classroom, Mr. Mays was
promoted to principal of K-12 at Dover.
Over the next few years, he remained in the area, serving as assistant
principal at Mustang High School and then as superintendent for Lomega
Public Schools. He spent the next seven years as assistant superintendent at
Konawa.
In 1982, Larry was named superintendent of Cashion Public Schools.
During his service as Cashion superintendent, he not only oversaw physical
improvements to the school, but he revised and improved the curriculum and
requirements for graduation. He also became an expert on small school finance
due to the economic strain facing schools at that time.
Other leaders of small schools sought out his advice on solutions to
funding shortfalls. In 1995, Larry was asked to return to Konowa as
superintendent. He led their schools until his retirement in 2001.
Larry had a passion for education. He supported his teachers and worked
to establish an atmosphere where they could teach. He believed in the students
and their potential. He often said, “It’s all about the kids.” He touched
thousands of lives and was genuinely concerned for each one.
He and his late wife Marilyn had two children: Amanda and Aaron. Many
of his colleagues described him as “the best of the best.” He embodied
throughout his life all the best qualities that Kingfisher High School values in
our students. It is with great honor that we induct Larry Mays into the
Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 77 08/01/17
2016 Leroy “Ace” Gutowsky
Class of 1927
Leroy “Ace” Gutowsky was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1927. After high school, he
played football for the Oklahoma City University
Goldbugs and was considered one of the greatest
football players Oklahoma ever produced.
Gutowsky’s professional football career began in
1932 with the Portsmouth Spartans. His primary
position was fullback, but he also saw action as
quarterback and played on the defensive side of the ball. The team was sold in
1934 and moved to Detroit, becoming the Detroit Lions. That season,
Gutowsky carried the ball more than any other NFL player. In 1935, the Lions
were World Champions after defeating the New York Giants in the
championship game.
Ace Gutowsky set a single-season team rushing record, rushing for 827
yards. This record held until 1960. Ace ended his professional playing career
with the Brooklyn Dodgers. After his retirement, he served in the US Army
during World War II before returning to Oklahoma.
Upon his return, he coached football for OCU. He also worked in the oil
business with his father, Assaph “Ace” Gutowsky, who was known for making
a major oil discovery known as the West Edmond Oil Fields.
In the 1950’s, he mastered yet another activity: bridge. Gutowsky was the
first Oklahoman to receive the rating of “Life Master,” the highest ranking in
bridge.
He and his late wife had two children: Jerry and Kim. The legacy left by
Gutowsky was the beginning of Kingfisher High School’s strong tradition of
competitive athletic teams and quality athletes. It is with great honor that we
induct Leroy “Ace” Gutowsky into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.
Page 78 08/01/17
2016 Mary (Francis) Swanson
Class of 1960
Mary (Francis) Swanson was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1964. She was
graduated from Oklahoma State University with a
Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1964. Her first
Master’s degree was obtained at Purdue University
in 1969, and another from the University of
Wisconsin in 1980.
She returned to Oklahoma State, where she
completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Technology in 2002. Dr.
Swanson has dedicated her professional career to education. From her first
class of Colorado fifth graders to her current position as professor and advisor
at Northeastern State University, her mentoring and student involvement go
above and beyond what is expected.
She regularly communicates the belief that educational excellence is a
journey, not a destination. When not in the classroom, she can be found
working diligently on articles for scholarly journals and preparing presentations
for symposiums. Swanson has been published no less than five times.
She has served on the board for the Oklahoma Reading Association and is
involved in the Oklahoma Higher Education Reading Council. The apex of her
professional career came in 2014, when she was named a DaVinci Fellow. This
prestigious award is given to higher education faculty who exhibit an
extraordinary degree of innovation and creativity. Dr. Swanson was one of the
four recipients for the State of Oklahoma that year.
Her career spans six decades, two continents, and several states, and her
family was with her during the journey. Mary and her husband, Robert, have
two children: Leigh and Mitchell.
Dr. Mary (Francis) Swanson’s dedication to the future of education and
the countless number of lives she has touched bring tremendous honor to
Kingfisher Public Schools and we are proud to induct her into the KHS Hall of
Fame.
2016-2017 Distinguished Achievement Medal for Valor; Stone Snodgrass, Tyler Borelli, Rowdy Meeker, Brandt Franks.
Page 79 08/01/17
Rowdy Meeker, Brandt Franks.
2017 Warren Vieth
Class of 1971
Warren Vieth was graduated from
Kingfisher High School in 1971 thinking he
might like to become an electrical engineer. A
few semesters of engineering classes persuade
him otherwise, and he went on to launch a
journalism career that carried him across the
country and eventually back to Oklahoma.
Vieth attended Oklahoma State University
before transferring to the University of
Oklahoma, switching majors sevral times and
earning a journalism degree in 1977. During
college, he spent more time at the student newspaper than he did in classes. He
was editor of the paper in 1976 and built lifetime friendships with fellow
student editors and reporters.
After college, Vieth worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers I
Oklahoma, Texas, and California. He spent 16 years in Washington, D.C.,
bureau of the Los Angeles Times. As an editor, he directed projects and
supervised reporters covering all branches of the federal government. As a
reporter, he covered the White House during the George W. Bush
administration and wrote stories about national politics and government
finance. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, he walked several miles to the
Pentagon to cover the carnage after terrorists crashed an airliner into the
building. In 2003, the Times sent Vieth to Iraq to cover reconstruction efforts
following the US-led invitation.
Vieth returned to Oklahoma in 2006 and began teaching journalism at OU,
where he launched new classes in investigative reporting, state capital reporting
and in-depth reporting. He also began working for Oklahoma Watch, a
nonprofit organization that produces in-depth and investigative journalism on
public policy issues. Vieth has received more than two dozen state and
regional awards for his work with Oklahoma Watch.
Vieth and his wife Kathy live in Oklahoma City. They have monthly
dinner parties with a small group of KHS alumni and their spouses. Vieth’s car
sports a specialty license plate that says KNG-FSH. It’s the only one in the
state.
Page 80 7/7/15
INDEX ALPHABETICAL
Pg. Year Grad. Name 46 2004 Bartlett, Burl
(Faculty 1949-1990)
33 1998 1946 Bates, Dr. Enid Buswell
60 2010 1984 Beall, Dr. Douglas P.
29 1996 1952 Bengs, Jr. H. Earl
21 1992 1921 Benson, Dr. George
26 1995 1966 Best, G. L.
66 2012 1956 Best, Keith
7 1988 1924 Boecher, Roy C.
48 2004 1983 Boutwell, Andrea
14 1990 1924 Bowman, Edna Hoffman
49 2005 1968 Brandes, Dr. Joyce
24 1994 1907 Brigham, Burge C.
71 2014 1986 Brown, Todd
12 1990 1949 Brownlee, Claudette
12 1990 1948 Brownlee, George
5 1987 1944 Buswell, Dr. Arthur
3 1986 1915 Buswell, Enid Scott
2 1986 1952 Danne, Richard F.
62 2010 1989 Davis, Jr. Paul E.
40 2001 1949 Dean, Garold Allen
51 1998 1952 Dr. Jimmy Edwards
8 1988 1962 Droke, Arnold D.
53 2006 Edge, Jack
(Faculty 1949-83)
32 2006 1959 Edwards, Tom
19 1991 1945 Every, Dr. Richard L.
55 2007 1957 Flood, Carolyn
30 1997 1952 Fowler, Willa Jo Hawkins
15 1991 1976 Franz, Dr. F. Perry
6 1988 Gilmour, Geen
(Faculty 1928-41,1946-66)
4 1987 1923 Gilmour, Mary
27 1995 1950 Gilmour, Warren
50 2005 Golbek, Larry
(Faculty 1978-98)
7 1988 1918 Goodbrake, Alice
Mae
35 1999 1952 Gooden, Bill
2 1986 1936 Greer, Allen E.
77 2016 1927 Leroy “Ace” Gutowsky
68 2013 Harmon, Homer
(Faculty 1949-1977)
72 2015 C. Jack Harrell
(Faculty1985-1988,1990-1996)
59 2009 1975 Hasenfratz, Dr. Robert J.
34 1998 Henderson, W. Charles
(Faculty 1965-70,1972-85)
20 1992 1973 Hester, Jim
31 1997 1936 Hill, Dr. Alva J.
54 2006 Hogan, Herald
(Faculty 1952-82)
5 1987 Howell, Rodger
(Faculty 1944-1981)
64 2012 Hunter, Elsie
(Faculty 1973-86)
65 2012 Hunter, Leonard
(Faculty 1973-86)
61 2010 1959 Johnson, Howard
37 2000 1962 Johnson, Michael D.
42 2002 1952 Koonce, Edward Lee
41 2001 Kopp, Judd W.
(Faculty 1975-95)
52 2005 1991 Kraus, Clint
9 1989 1962 Lemon, Richard C.
57 2008 1913 Lindsey, Adrian
Pg. Year Grad. Name
70 2013 2005 Lofton, Curtis
25 1994 1960 McCool, Donna Lemon
76 2016 1964 Mays, Larry
10 1989 1925 Montgomery,Naomi
Mayfield
73 2015 1975 Myers, Cheri (Hallren)
(Faculty 1986 – 2001)
4 1986 1930 Musick, Kenneth F.
63 2011 Post Evelyn
(Faculty 1964-89)
45 2003 Reed, Arrel L.
(Faculty 1946-1986)
9 1989 1936 Rivers, C. L. "Pete"
69 2013 2005 Sanders, Mike
16 1991 1941 Sanders, Joyce M.
39 2001 1942 Sanders, Jr. Seay Austin
38 2000 1969 Sanders, Steven B.
58 2008 1979 Schemmer, Dr. RuthAnn
67 2012 1990 Simpson, Dr. David
17 1991 1959 Smith, Kenneth Ray
56 2007 1959 Smola, Steve
11 1989 1972 Stake, Michael F.
8 1988 1938 Steele, Samuel Robert
22 1993 1949 Stringer, Dr. JamesH.
47 2004 1965 Stuteville, Jack
78 2016 1960 Swanson, Mary Francis
3 1986 1931 Thompson, Mary Agnes
23 1993 1957 Thorpe, Claude
6 1987 1927 Throckmorton, Floyd
11 1990 Uhlenhake, Doris
(Faculty 1945-1985)
79 2017 1971 Vieth, Warren
36 1999 1954 Wheeler, Eugene "Bud"
44 2002 1987 Wiese, Dr. Jeffrey G.
18 1991 1967 Williams, Marsha L.
28 1996 1964 Willis, Beverly Clason
13 1990 1959 Wright, Dr. Gayla Sue
(Pierson)
74 2015 Wood, Judy
(Faculty 1988-1996)
75 2015 Wood, Sam
(Faculty 1985-1997)
10 1989 Young, James A
(Faculty 1971-1978)
43 2002 Young, Janna
(Faculty 1973-94)
Page 81 7/7/15
INDEX BY YEAR INDUCTED
Year Grad. Name 1986 1936 Greer, Allen E.
1986 1952 Danne, Richard F.
1986 1915 Buswell, Enid Scott
1986 1931 Thompson, Mary Agnes 1986 1930 Musick, Kenneth F.
1987 1923 Gilmour, Mary
1987 1944 Buswell, Dr. Arthur
1987 Howell, Rodger
(Faculty 1944-1981)
1987 1927 Throckmorton, Floyd
1988 Gilmour, Geen
(Faculty 1928-41, 1946-66) 1988 1924 Boecher, Roy C.
1988 1918 Goodbrake, Allice Mae
1988 1938 Steele, Samuel Robert
1988 1962 Droke, Arnold D.
1989 1936 Rivers, C. L. "Pete"
1989 1962 Lemon, Richard C.
1989 1925 Montgomery, Naomi Mayfield
1989 Young, James A
(Faculty 1971-1978)
1989 1972 Stake, Michael F.
1990 Uhlenhake, Doris
(Faculty 1945-1985)
1990 1948 Brownlee, George
1990 1949 Brownlee, Claudette 1990 1959 Wright, Dr. Gayla Sue
(Pierson)
1990 1924 Bowman, Edna Hoffman
1991 1976 Franz, Dr. F. Perry
1991 1941 Sanders, Joyce M.
1991 1959 Smith, Kenneth Ray
1991 1967 Williams, Marsha L.
1991 1945 Every, Dr. Richard L. 1992 1973 Hester, Jim
1992 1921 Benson, Dr. George
1993 1949 Stringer, Dr. James H.
1993 1957 Thorpe, Claude
1994 1907 Brigham, Burge C.
1994 1960 McCool, Donna (Lemon)
1995 1966 Best, G. L. 1995 1950 Gilmour, Warren
1996 1964 Willis, Beverly Clason
1996 1952 Bengs, Jr. H. Earl
1997 1952 Fowler, Willa Jo
(Hawkins)
1997 1936 Hill, Dr. Alva J.
1998 1952 Dr. Jimmy Edwards
1998 1946 Bates, Dr. Enid Buswell 1998 Henderson, W. Charles
(Faculty 1965-70,1972-85)
1999 1952 Gooden, Bill 1999 1954 Wheeler, Eugene "Bud"
2000 1962 Johnson, Michael D.
2000 1969 Sanders, Steven B.
2001 1942 Sanders, Jr. Seay Austin
Year Grad. Name 2001 1949 Dean, Garold Allen
2001 Kopp, Judd W. (Faculty 1975-95)
2002 1952 Koonce, Edward Lee
2002 Young, Janna
(Faculty 1973-94)
2002 1987 Wiese, Dr. Jeffrey G.
2003 Reed, Arrel L.
(Faculty 1946-1986) 2004 Bartlett, Burl
(Faculty 1949-1990)
2004 1965 Stuteville, Jack
2004 1983 Boutwell, Andrea
2005 1968 Brandes, Dr. Joyce
2005 Golbek, Larry
(Faculty 1978-98)
2005 1991 Kraus, Clint 2006 1959 Edwards, Tom
2006 Edge, Jack
(Faculty 1949-83)
2006 Hogan, Herald
(Faculty 1952-82)
2007 1957 Flood, Carolyn
2007 1959 Smola, Steve
2008 1913 Lindsey, Adrian 2008 1979 Schemmer, Dr. Ruth Ann
2009 1975 Hasenfratz, Dr. Robert J.
2010 1984 Beall, Dr. Douglas P.
2010 1959 Johnson, Howard
2010 1989 Davis, Jr. Paul E.
2011 Post Evelyn
(Faculty 1964-89) 2012 Hunter, Elsie
(Faculty 1973-86)
2012 Hunter, Leonard
(Faculty 1973-86)
2012 1956 Best, Keith
2012 1990 Simpson, Dr. David
2013 Harmon, Homer
(Faculty 1949-1977) 2013 2005 Lofton, Curtis
2013 1993 Sanders, Mike
2014 1986 Brown, Todd
2015 Harrell, C. Jack
(Faculty1980-88 1990-96)
2015 1975 Myers, Cheri (Hallren)
(Faculty 1986 – 2001) 2015 Wood, Judy
(Faculty 1986-1996)
2015 Wood, Sam
(Faculty 1985-1997)
2016 1927 Gutowsky, Leroy “Ace” 2016 1964 Mays, Larry
2016 1960 Swanson, Mary Francis
2017 1976 Vieth, Warren
Page 82 7/7/15
INDEX SORTED BY Grad Year
Year Grad. Name 1994 1907 Brigham, Burge C.
2008 1913 Lindsey, Adrian
1986 1915 Buswell, Enid Scott
1988 1918 Goodbrake, Allice Mae 1992 1921 Benson, Dr. George
1987 1923 Gilmour, Mary
1988 1924 Boecher, Roy C.
1990 1924 Bowman, Edna Hoffman
1989 1925 Montgomery, Naomi
Mayfield
1987 1927 Throckmorton, Floyd
2016 1927 Gutowsky, Leroy “Ace” 1986 1930 Musick, Kenneth F.
1986 1931 Thompson, Mary Agnes
1986 1936 Greer, Allen E.
1997 1936 Hill, Dr. Alva J.
1989 1936 Rivers, C. L. "Pete"
1988 1938 Steele, Samuel Robert
1991 1941 Sanders, Joyce M. 2001 1942 Sanders, Jr. Seay Austin
1987 1944 Buswell, Dr. Arthur
1991 1945 Every, Dr. Richard L.
1998 1946 Bates, Dr. Enid Buswell
1990 1948 Brownlee, George
1990 1949 Brownlee, Claudette
2001 1949 Dean, Garold Allen
1993 1949 Stringer, Dr. James H. 1995 1950 Gilmour, Warren
1996 1952 Bengs, Jr. H. Earl
1986 1952 Danne, Richard F.
1998 1952 Dr. Jimmy Edwards
1997 1952 Fowler, Willa Jo
(Hawkins)
1999 1952 Gooden, Bill
2002 1952 Koonce, Edward Lee 1999 1954 Wheeler, Eugene "Bud"
2012 1956 Best, Keith
2007 1957 Flood, Carolyn
1993 1957 Thorpe, Claude
2006 1959 Edwards, Tom
2010 1959 Johnson, Howard
1991 1959 Smith, Kenneth Ray 2007 1959 Smola, Steve
1990 1959 Wright, Dr. Gayla Sue (Pierson) 1994 1960 McCool, Donna (Lemon)
2016 1960 Swanson, Mary Francis
1988 1962 Droke, Arnold D.
2000 1962 Johnson, Michael D.
1989 1962 Lemon, Richard C.
1996 1964 Willis, Beverly Clason
2016 1964 Mays. Larry
2004 1965 Stuteville, Jack 1995 1966 Best, G. L.
1991 1967 Williams, Marsha L.
2005 1968 Brandes, Dr. Joyce 2000 1969 Sanders, Steven B.
Year Grad. Name
2017 1971 Vieth, Warren
1989 1972 Stake, Michael F.
1992 1973 Hester, Jim 2009 1975 Hasenfratz, Dr. Robert J.
2015 1975 Myers, Cherie
1991 1976 Franz, Dr. F. Perry
2008 1979 Schemmer, Dr. Ruth Ann
2004 1983 Boutwell, Andrea
2010 1984 Beall, Dr. Douglas P.
2014 1986 Brown, Todd
2002 1987 Wiese, Dr. Jeffrey G. 2010 1989 Davis, Jr. Paul E.
2012 1990 Simpson, Dr. David
2005 1991 Kraus, Clint
2013 1993 Sanders, Mike
2013 2005 Lofton, Curtis
Faculty
2004 Bartlett, Burl
(Faculty 1949-1990) 2006 Edge, Jack
(Faculty 1949-83)
1988 Gilmour, Geen
(Faculty 1928-41, 1946-66)
2005 Golbek, Larry
(Faculty 1978-98)
2013 Harmon, Homer
(Faculty 1949-1977) 2015 Harrell, C. Jack
(Faculty 1985-88, 1990-96)
1998 Henderson, W. Charles
(Faculty 1965-70, 1972-85)
2006 Hogan, Herald
(Faculty 1952-82)
1987 Howell, Rodger
(Faculty 1944-1981) 2012 Hunter, Elsie
(Faculty 1973-86)
2012 Hunter, Leonard
(Faculty 1973-86)
2001 Kopp, Judd W.
(Faculty 1975-95)
2011 Post Evelyn (Faculty 1964-89)
2003 Reed, Arrel L.
(Faculty 1946-1986)
1990 Uhlenhake, Doris
(Faculty 1945-1985)
2015 Wood, Judy
(Faculty 1986-1996)
2015 Wood, Sam (Faculty 1985-1997)
1989 Young, James A
(Faculty 1971-1978)
2002 Young, Janna
(Faculty 1973-94)
Page 83 7/7/15
2003 State Champion Football Team
2013 State Champion Football Team
Page 84 7/7/15
Oklahoma Honor Society 2016-2017
KHS Band performs at Dallas Children’s Hospital, April 2017
Page 85 7/7/15
Kingfisher 2016-2017 Board of Education Supt. Jason Sternberger, Mike Copeland, Mark Squires, Carly Franks, Dave Dieselhorst (Pres.), Dana Golbek
Page 86 7/7/15
Page 87 7/7/15
Origins of the KHS Fight Song
The Washington and Lee swing is the
product of three students attending
Washington and Lee University at different
times. The air of the chorus originated with
Mark W. Sheafe, class of 1906, who was a
law student from Watertown, S.D., and a
natural-born musician. He sang in the Glee
Club and was director of what was then
known as the Mandolin and Guitar Club.
During the session of 1906-07 he
picked out on his mandolin the air of "The
Swing" and taught it to the men of the
Guitar Club, who used it as an encore in
their program. He called it simply "The
Swing."
In the fall of 1907, a committee was
appointed to get up songs for the annual
V.P.I. football game. The committee posted
a notice on the bulletin board asking that the
student body submit any songs which they
thought proper. At the meeting of the
committee four or five songs were selected.
Someone suggested that the words be
written for "The Swing." C.A. Robbins,
class of 1910, from Brooklyn, N.Y.,
generally known as "Tod," composed the
words for the chorus, as they exist today.
The Swing immediately became
immensely popular. It came to be known as
the "Washington and Lee Swing" and was
adopted as the official athletic song of the
University -- merely the chorus part.
Thornton W. Allen, of Newark, N.J.,
who attended the University one year, 1909-
10, was a musical genius. He directed the
band, the orchestra, and was a member of
the Glee Club. During his stay in the
University he took hold of "The Swing" and
wrote both the words and music for the
verses, fitting them into the original and
established chorus. He then had the
complete "Washington and Lee Swing"
copyrighted.
Thornton Allen was the chap who
really "plugged" the song into national
popularity. It is doubtful that one can find a
single album of college songs produced by
reputable recording companies that does not
include the Washington and Lee Swing. On
the strength of "The Swing's" popularity,
Allen organized a music publishing firm in
New York which was the nation's leading
producer and seller of college and school
songs. Allen died in July, 1944.
The Swing was published in 1910,
while Allen and Robbins were still in
college at W&L. Sheaf had graduated.
Since that time the melody is known to have
been adopted by more than 50 schools and
colleges (perhaps hundreds more).
In the 1930's, there was considerable
furor raised over the actual ownership of
"The Swing." Tulane University used it
during a Rose Bowl game in 1932 and,
during the LSU-Tulane football game in
1931, bands of both schools "worked it to
death," according to a letter from an irate
W&L man in New Orleans. The Tulane
Band went so far as to refer to it as the
"Tulane Swing." Also in 1930, the
University of Alabama band called it the
"Alabama Swing" and played it at ball
games and on the radio. In the same year
Rudy Vallee sang it over the air as the
"Tulane Swing." Allen finally precluded the
Alabama and Tulane plagiarisms through
the simple expedient of composing new
songs for those schools.
The Swing is probably one of the few,
if not only, college tunes ever used in
national politics. When John W. Davis,
W&L Class of 1892, was running for
President on the Democrat ticket in 1924,
the Swing was used as the official "fight
song" in his campaign. He was defeated by
Calvin Coolidge.
The date this song was adopted by
Kingfisher High School is unknown.
Original Lyrics
"Washington and Lee Swing"
Come cheer for Washington and Lee,
We're going to win another victory!
The White and Blue we will ever wave in
triumph
For the University. RAH! RAH! RAH!
Fight to the finish we are with you,
Break through the line on every play;
Rush the ball on down the field
And we will win this game today.
When Washington and Lee's men fall in
line,
We're going to win again another time;
For W&L I yell, I yell, I yell,
And for the University, I yell, like hell!
And we will fight! fight! fight! for every
yard;
Circle the ends and hit that line right hard!
And we will roll those Wahoos on the sod!
Yes, by God! RAH! RAH! RAH!
HEY!
Page 88 7/7/15
(A copy of this booklet is given to each KHS Freshman student to help them
understand the history and heritage of their school)
Questions to Consider:
1. What characteristics do the members of the KHS Hall of Fame share?
Which of these characteristics most sets the HOF member apart from
his/her peers?
Why is this characteristic important?
2. What are the most common names for members of the KHS Hall of Fame?
Do those with the same name belong to the same family and, if so, was
their selection just coincidence or is there something about the family that
increases the likelihood the individual will have characteristics worthy of
selection?
3. Select several members of the Hall of Fame and research their lives. What
did they do after high school? If they were living at the time of their
induction, what did they do after becoming a member of the KHS Hall of
Fame?
4. In terms of date of graduation, who is the youngest member of the HOF?
Why do you think there’s no one younger who has been selected?
5. Which member(s) of the Hall of Fame graduated earliest in the school’s
history?
Why are there relatively few members of the HOF from the earliest days
of Kingfisher High School?
6. What are the major differences in the education provided by Kingfisher
High School in its first fifty years (1891 – 1941,) its second fifty years
(1941-1991,) and the more recent years (1991-present)?
