Neodesha, Kansas, Historical Home Page

Hot off the press 2008:

Charles (Chuck) Cohee Jr., 71, NHS 56, passed away November 14, 2008 from cancer.

Joseph Carl Kammerer (Jack), NHS 36, November 13, 2008, passed away in Neodesha.

Roy Gildart, 81, Thayer High School 45, passed away November 13, 2008 in Neodesha.

Ralph Tucker, Jr. (Bucky), 71, NHS 54, died in Woodbine, Iowa, October 30, 2008.

AdaBelle Hunter Davis, NHS 53, reports the loss of classmates Doris Norris Birdsong, Cherryvale, on September 11, 2008, and Donna Watson Greer on September 21, 2008, in Neodesha.

Neoma Hash-Baldwin, mother of Lynda Ross-Baldwin-Stark (NHS 63), died November 5, 2008, in Independence, Kansas.

Phyllis Jordan Jeffcott, 69, NHS 57, died November 4, 2008.

Floyd Oliver Ivy of Neodesha, NHS 58, October 26, 2008, at the Wilson Medical Center – Reece Campus. He was 68.

Doug Guess, 69, NHS 57, son of Paul & Dorothy Guess, October 30, 2008 in Lawrence, Kansas. He was a contributor to NeodyGrads and to his community. Husband of Ruth Ann, conservationist and artist. Here is his obituary: Doug Guess

John "Warren" McClintock, 86, passed away October 13, 2008, in Dickinson, Texas. John contributed many pictures and information about Neodesha to the museum, library, and others. He also was a contributor to NeodyGrads. Here are two pictures he sent to me: McClintock

Don Clegg, 92, NHS 35, died October 2, 2008. Survived by wife Peggy & sons Milton & John, daughters Lucille & Patricia

The class of '55 will meet for lunch in the Kansas City area.

If you are a Neody Grad or have ever attend school in Neodesha (any year - spouses welcome too) and would like to join us we would be glad to have you. Just let us know in advance so we can save you a seat.
 
      Meet for lunch on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 1:00 at Tanner's Bar & Grill
 
                                      14337 Metcalf Ave.
                     Southeast Corner of Metcalf Ave. and 143rd St.
                                    Overland Park, Kansas
                            
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.  (So we can save you a seat.)
 
          amisse@kc.rr.com

Steve Shacklette reports his sister, Betty Lou Krause, passed away on October 3, 2008 in Bartlesville, OK. Daughter of Jesse and L Edna Shacklette, born 12 August 1926 and spent most of her life in Neodesha. She graduated from NHS in 1944. Married Frank Krause of Skokie, IL. She was working at Standard Oil as a teletype operator in Chicago. They started passing notes and ended up meeting and getting married. She served as Secretary under Ray E. Heller and Ed Lyon and as Secretary of the Board of Education. Survived by husband Frank, son William R. (Zeke) Krause of Oil City, PA. and brother Donald Shacklette of Littleton.

Warren Jacoby has passed away, son of Dennis & Opal Ayars Jacoby. Opal was the sister of Ramona Charlene Ayars Reves, mother of Pamala Reves Drake. Warren attended school in Neodesha.

Joe Wilcox remains active both in in personal life and in his philanthropy. Dennis Depew sent this picture of Joe recently. The NHS alum funds the Wilcox/Vaughn science scholarships each year for underclassmen to attend science related camps or courses during the summer. In his retirement he continues to help several NHS students each summer and his help is really appreciated as they can bring back what they have learned and share it with other NHS science students. The NHS Alumni Association Scholarship Fund administers these scholarships each year for Joe and many others.

Joe reports: Aloha friends.Hope you are all well and happy. It has been a busy several months for me. I'm still enjoying teaching astronomy and physics. Have lost some friends and relatives recently, which is always a time of reflection. I continue to enjoy the ability to participate in competitive activities. This summer I competed in five major Masters track meets including the Hayward Classic (on the same track as the Olympic Trials) and the USATF National Championships. I managed to to earn 14 medals, and finally medaled at the national meet. Even ran on a 4X800 relay there; saved by our anchor leg (a sub-four minute miler in his prime). Along the way I made the All-American time standards in the 1500 meters, mile, 3000 meters, and 5K. I'm now looking forward to an international meet near Las Vegas in October, the Hawaii Senior Olympics in November, and "maybe" a world championship meet next year. Then it's off to climb Kilimanjaro....... and probably more ocean sailing (all pending continued good health). My sisters came to Hawaii in May for a great reunion.......and my older daughter and her husband will be here for Thanksgiving. All of you friends are welcome to come visit sometime." Here is his sailing website: http://www.shepherdmoonvoyages.com/index.html The following page details more of Joe's active life and a little of his environmentally friendly sailing boat: WILCOX

Wilma Jean Loflin, 81, died August 24, 2008. Mother of Doug and Sandra. Sister of Michael Smalley, Steve Smalley and Sharon Kay Wolfe. Preceded in death by her daughter. Submitted by Jan Lopez.

Ralph Hicks, 72, passed away August 22, 2008. Father of Dianna, Tammy, Tracy, Lisa, Stacie and Pamalea. Submitted by Jan Lopez.

Gaylord Merle Simpson, NHS 41, passed away May 15, 2007. Father of Vicky and Debbie, submitters.

Diana Wilcox Beall's 42 year old daughter, Bambi, passed away September 2, 2008 from complications with Diabetes. Diana is the sister of Joe Wilcox & Peggy Wilcox Burns. Submitted by Jan Lopez.

Betty Jean Piatt, 83, passed away September 8, 2008 in Neodesha. Mother of Jerry, Dean & Don.

Robert Terry Nolen, NHS 62, passed away September 16, 2008, at his home in Garland, Texas, after suffering from cancer for several years. Submitted by Steve Shacklette.

Jason D. Neumann, 31, died July 6, 2008 in a swimming pool accident. He was the son of former Grace Baptist Church pastor Doug Neumann and wife Connie. He was a brother to Neodesha grad Barbara Neumann Meitler, NHS 86, Staci Neumann Fulbright, NHS 88, and Karla Neumann Boeken, NHS 91. He atended North Lawn Elementary School  from 1983-1986. Submitted by daughter Staci.

Vera Lee McNutt Arnold, NHS 50, passed away August 6, 2008. Wife of Don, mother of Donald, David, Mark, Linda & Diana.

Forest Howard, 75, passed away August 5, 2008. Former NHS teacher.

Thanks to Pat Hamilton for her contribution to help keep this web site running.

Ron Campbell, NHS 66, has sent pictures of the demolition of Higgins Wallpaper & Paint building on Main Street: Sundowner

Rick Carpenter, 58, NHS 67, died July 29, 2008. Father of Tyson & Ryan. Wife Floretta.

Terrance (Terry) Sullivan, 74, passed away July 27, 2008. Past VP of First National Bank 1966-79.

Mary Ann Hallbauer, 79, NHS 46, died July 25, 2008. Mother of Don Hallbauer, Jr.

Aylo Brewer Reif, NHS 68, passed away June 13, 2008, in Broken Arrow, OK.

Thanks to the NHS Class of 1963 for their contribution to help keep this website running.

Tommy McGuire, NHS 61, 65 years old, died June 28, 2008 in Lamar Mo. Daughter Bonnie Jordan survives.

From Don Adams: A memorial service for Geoph (Jeff) Kozney on Saturday June 28th in Neodesha.  Geoph had requested that his ashes be scattered on the farm of Don and D’Ann Adams.  Geoph was a valedictorian of the class of 67. Many friends and family attended some coming from as far away as Europe.  Geoph was the one who always organized our reunions and kept us all in touch.

Charles Dillmore and his 1943 NHS classmates held their 65th Reunion in June. Here is a picture:

Mary Ellen Tefft, NHS 64, died at the age of 62 in Neodesha June 19, 2008.

Sue Reed Wilkes. NHS 63, reports the MS group will be selling bricks from the old high school at the Alumni Meeting June 14th. There are only 21 of them for $25 each, so be ready at the meeting if you want one.

Judy Enz Johnston, NHS 63, passed away today in Joplin, Missouri, May 23rd, 2008

From Perry Hanson: My mother, Shirley Hanson, passed away this morning, May 13th, in Independence.  Perhaps you could make some sort of post about her and I will send more info at a later date.  She and my father Red were longtime Neody residents and owners/publishers of the Neodesha Register.  Mom also ran the chamber of commerce there.  My brother is Greg Hanson, Kansas City, Mo. We are both NHS graduates...me in 76, and Greg in 1972 I believe.  Our family still has many memories and friends in Neodesha.

Thanks.
Perry Hanson
Kearney, NE

David A. Garber, 74, passed away April 13, 2008. Former policeman and sheriff deputy.

Ernest Ballard, 59, passed away April 8, 2008. Ernie was the brother of Rubie Ballard Kirk and his deceased brother Everett Ballard.

 
Blanche Reed, 90, passed away April 8, 2008. Blanche was the mother of classmate Geneva Reed Greenlee, Larry Reed, Katherine, and Evelyn.
 
Here are the reunions that I know about:
1953 October 10-11
1988 October 3-4

The Neodesha High School Class of 1953 will hold their 55th Reunion which will be held on October 11th in Neodesha.  For information please contact:  Ada Belle Hunter Davis  -  1515 Evergreen Place  -  Fircrest, WA 98466   253-565-3061  -  e-mail - adabelle@wamail.net
 

Joanna Holt Caudell, NHS 1953, passed away in 2008.

George Lux, NHS 1950, passed away January 12, 2007 from cancer. Father of Larry Lux.

Pamala Reves Drake has sent pictures of her mother, Charlene Ayars Reves, as Neodesha's May Fest Queen in 1933. Click here to see the three pictures: REVES Pamala is related to Neodesha Derry.

Laura Gildart, 80, died March 23, 2008. Mother of Randy, Rick & Jackie.

Sarah M. Weems, NHS 62, passed away from a brain tumor on March 3, 2008. Sister of Janet and George IV.

Marjorie Hemme, 89, passed away March 8th, 2008. Mother of Keith, Don, Linda and Nancy.

From David & Vicki (Carver) Pendleton:

Today Vickie and I became owners of the Brown Hotel Properties.  We will commence construction on the 15th of April.  I want to take a moment and thank you and your staff for the many times you were of assistance in getting this project underway.   It has been a struggle to commence, but it will be an endeavor that I believe will be worth our while.
 
Thank you all for being there when we needed you.

From Terry Peck & Tonya Peck Cox:

Just wanted to tell you that my mom and dad (Loren and Ramona) and some friends have been remodeling Lou's Smokehouse for Lou Greaves. It is located in the old Chambers Jewelry building and the building just east as well (adjoining rooms).  We knocked a hole between both buildings, and put in a bar. We also built in a stage with sound and lights for our Friday night Coffee House with our local young and old musicians to entertain.  It's really cool.
 
We are now getting ready to start with the decor.  I have some old pictures of Neody musicians like Haywire, John Deer, Grimes Poznikov, and even Electric Fuzz at TeenTown.  We also have some older pictures of Neodesha.  What we are looking for is to borrow Neodesha Memorabilia from folks who would like to donate them.  We would tag them for ownership and proudly display them on Lou's walls.  I didn't know if you could post this on your website.  My contact information is:
 
Terry Peck
522 Osage
Neodesha, KS 66757
 
cell: 620-205-7221
home: 620-325-2345
work: 620-325-2653 ext. 550 (Cobalt Boats)

T. T. "Bud" Sutton, 87, passed away February 27, 2008. Father of Bobbi Katzer & Richard Sutton.

Robert "Bob" Allen, 66, passed away February 13th, 2008. Former police officer.

Howard Howell, 80, passed away February 8th, 2008.

The Neodesha High School Class of 1959, 50th reunion to be held in the summer of 2009. Peggy (Talley) Winfrey would like for class members to send their addresses, phone numbers and emails to her at pegstr7@yahoo.com .

Special thanks to the Neodesha Alumni Association for their continued financial support for this website. In addition, thanks to the recent contribution by Robert & Marilyn (Smith) Graham, NHS 1963 as well as Dennis & Peggy (Talley) Winfrey.

Irene Howe, 92, died February 8, 2008. She was owner of Merle Norman Boutique and worked for the First National Bank in Neodesha at one time. Mother of Gerald, Katherine, Charlotte, Wesley, Helen and Mort.

Max Allen, 87, NHS 38, passed away February 8, 2008. Husband of Gayle Killion Allen. Father of David, Jeanne, Nancy and Charlene.

Lawrence J. Katzer, 96, died January 23, 2008. He graduated from NHS in 1929.

Larry Meigs, 57, of Altoona, NHS 1968, died in an automobile accident January 21, 2008. He is survived by his brothers Claude Meigs of Thayer and Vincent Meigs of Altoona.

Edson's Thunderbird: In 1956 Bert Ally sold a green Thunderbird to Martin Hale and Belle Edson. They ran Edson's Liquor Store on Main Street in the 1960's. By then the car had a black roof. Many of you should remember Belle in the car with all of her jewelry on and the cigarette holder. She had a little dog that she would have on her lap. The car is restored today and is owned by Mid-Kansas Vintage Thunderbird Club President Rod Wake of Wichita. It may even be in town this year for a car show. Here is a link to the website with a picture of the car shown in the Member's Rides section of their website: : kansastbirds.org If you have any further information about this car, Rod & I would appreciate hearing from you. He really would like to see a picture of the car back then to compare to what he currently owns, or stories about the Belle or the car: kerry@neodygrads.com .

Gary Smith reports his band, The Haywires, had their picture taken about 1980 with the car:

Da Bell: Approximately 50 years ago marked the end of an era. Neodesha would play a Thanksgiving Day football game each year against their rival Fredonia. The winner would get to display the trophy bell for the following year. But this time it was stolen or removed after Neodesha won it. The bell was an old Frisco locomotive bell and was painted half in our colors and half in Fredonia colors. It had caused many fights and "rumbles" following the games, and was often the target of thieves from the rival town. However, this time the bell never reappeared. No police were called about the break-in, and the bell was gone forever. The most common theory is that it was thrown in the river. Now that Ed Lyon has passed away, we will probably never know if it was removed by the administration(s) and mutually agreed upon. Any later bell not matching the original is probably not it. Some claim to have seen and rung it, but that bell does not come close in description. Do you have a theory? You can e-mail me your facts at THE BELL or tell Joe McGuire or Pattie Deer Bailey (NHS 62).

 

December:
 
Probably the oldest Neodesha High School graduate passed away December 12, 2007. Ramona Charlene Ayars Reves, NHS 1932, died at the age of 94. She was the wife of Tom A. Reves (d. 2004) and the last surviving daughter of Charles & Minnie Ayars. Sent by her daughter, Pamala Reves Drake. Neodesha Derry Fulton was Pamala's great, great aunt (and the first white person born in Neodesha)

Joyce Smith Teale, NHS 1956, sent me a picture of a Little Bear Oil filling station. Gas was posted at 11 cents a gallon. You can see the trademark bear on the sign and the pumps. My father, Esley (Junior) Elkins, worked for Charlie Sod Morris, owner, for 18 years and hauled gas to the 9 filling stations. I believe this one is in Sedan, Kansas, and was run by my mother's brother, Darrell Usher, who lived in the house to the right.

Here is a picture Marilyn Smith Graham, NHS 63, took of Mary Anne's trip to Neodesha. Mary Anne Stevenson Demeritt, class of 1963, made an appearance to read and autograph her book at the Neodesha Derrick after the Christmas parade this December. Mary Anne was dressed appropriately in her "Pink Fairy" outfit to read the book she wrote, "The Twilight Ride of the Pink Fairy," based on stories her great aunt told the Stevenson children. Mary Anne was accompanied by her mother, Charlotte Stevenson. The book is available at the Neodesha Derrick office or her website: TheTwilightRide.com.

November:

Steve & Donna Jabben sent me a copy of their class picture taken this summer when they held the NHS Class of 1982 25th Reunion. Here is a link to that picture: JABBEN

The following is the current information on the death of Ed Lyon:

1918-2007 

Members and Friends of the NHS68: This is a general plea to obtain good email or other contact information for everyone in our class (1968) or wants to be associated with our class. Please send your email to cshrclrd@eastex.net or Scott Harclerode, PO Box 46, Mt. Enterprise, TX   75681  or call a 903 922 3347. Jim Bauman and Gida Bauman gbauman@terraworld.net and David Seller hdlbar1@sbcglobal.net  would like to hear from anyone interested in being on the local organizing committee for our weekend.   "This information will be used to contact you directly with information on our get together next summer as it becomes available.  If you have a good contact for others, I would be very interested in receiving it.  You may contact each other and ask if he/she have sent his/her information to me.  We will be making this information available in the form of a database/yearbook, so keep that in mind.  If you are willing to give me your contact information but do not want it distributed more widely please make that clear.  The database/yearbook may also include a biographical sketch and pictures for your section.  We only need your contact information at this time.  We will give some guidance on additional information a little later, also by direct communication to you. Thanks for your help, Scott Harclerode Class of 68."

The class of 1998 is still looking for many classmates to attend their 10 year class reunion in 2008.  Date and activities are still TBD, but please email any contact information you have for yourself or others to:  NeodyGrad98@hotmail.com  If anyone needs additional information or would like to contact me personally please do so:  Natalia Reynolds  415.515.2416  akanatalia@hotmail.com

Doug Guess has published "Walking the Prairie" complete with his poetry and watercolors. Doug is a retired professor emeritus from the School of Education at the University of Kansas and attended school here in Neodesha. He has been a watercolor artist for almost ten years and a poet for close to twenty.

Connie Goodmon Johnson, NHS 70, passed away at the age of 55 in Neodesha November 1, 2007
Rachel (Mrs. Russell) Vickers, 103, passed away October 25, 2007.
Jeffrey Geoph Kozney, 57, NHS 67, passed away October 22, 2007.
Robert Bo Jansen, 56, NHS 69, passed away November 6, 2007.
Thelma Chambers, Chambers Jewelry, passed away November 11, 2007 in Cherryvale, Ks.
Pauline (Mrs. Dale) Pfeifer, 89, passed away November 7, 2007, in Overland Park, Ks. Mother of Roger & Dick.
Al Kiddoo, 95, NHS 30, died August 12, 2007.

October:
Donald Watson, 93, NHS 32, passed away Oct. 15, 2007. Father of Barry Watson & Ronda Quinn.
Glenn Weatherby, Jr., 85, NHS, passed away June 4, 2007.

Thanks to NeodyGrads contributors Pat Casey Hamilton and Doug & Ruth Ann Guess.

Billy B. "Corky" Padley, 42, was killed in an automobile accident October 11, 2007, in Idaho. Corky, son of Bill & Shirley (Patchin) Padley and brother of Autumn, would have been in NHS 83 had he finished school in Neodesha.

Ardis Cook is getting mailing information for the class of 1973 for their 35th reunion next year. Please send Ardis your current contact details and any interest in committee's to: Ardis Cook

Violett M. Klingenberg-Tincknell, 93, passed away September 30th. Mother of Ron (dec), Sharon, Richard, Jon & Gary.

Lloyd "Jack" Marler, 87, passed away October 1, 2007. He was a Normandy Invasion participant and a WW2 Prisoner-of-War.

September:
Lewis A. "Red" Kammerer, 89, of NHS 36, died 9-17-07. Father of Robert & Steve.

Neodesha Flood Fund
First Neodesha Bank
6th and Main
Neodesha, KS 66757
Here is a page of pictures sent to me by various people: FLOOD

August:
Darrell "Duke" Donnelly, 90, past teacher at NHS and one of it's number one fans, passed away Saturday, August 25, 2007, in Topeka. His funeral is Saturday at the Neodesha Christian Church at 10:30 on the 8th of September. Here is a link to his obituary: Donnelly Obituary

Dr. Patricia (Bennett) Solis, NHS 89 President, (daughter of Ann Bicknell NHS 64 Bennett) has set up a website for their class. It is done with Wikipedia, so others may help edit it. You can find it here: www.bluestreaks1989.org

July:

Until further notice, classmates that have passed away will be noted here, but it has been far too time consuming to gather and consolidate the obituaries.

June:

The Neodesha High School Class of 1965 members will all turn 60 years old this year. They recently held a celebration during Alumni weekend. Here are the pictures: 1965 Birthday

May:

Making May Baskets and delivering them on May 1st is a dying tradition. Click here for a short article I wrote about them: MAY BASKETS

Annual Neodesha Alumni Association dues (a whopping $3 a year) are due to keep you on their mailing list and to help them continue to bring you events such as the Annual Meeting:
Alumni Association
c/o USD 461 Board of Education
PO Box 88
Neodesha, KS 66757-0088
MGraham@neodesha.k12.ks.us

Photographer Frank Lynch took a picture of Grimes Poznik(ov) NHS '64 in 1987 as the Automatic Human Jukebox. Here is a link to that picture: http://www.samueljohnson.com/blog/parchives/060116.html

Thanks to Neodesha Class of 1982 for their generous contribution to this website.

Longtime downtown Neodesha ladies clothing store owner, Thelma (Yoho) Roberts Caven, passed away April 9, 2007, at the age of 90.
 

March:
In 1963 Neodesha Bluestreaks took 3rd in the state in men's basketball. There was no girls team. Classmate Larry McKellar reports that this year the Lady Bluestreaks finished an astonishing season with a record of 22-0 in regular play and took 4th in the state in class 3A and a record of 23-2. Congratulations!

Al Goering, 91, past vocational instructor and scoutmaster, died March 14, 2007.

February:
Neodesha Class of 1963 classmate Mary Anne Stevenson Demeritt has published her first children's book called The Twilight Ride of the Pink Fairy. You can find more information or even order your copy here: www.thetwilightride.com .


January:
Aloma Beard, Independence High School 1947, passed away January 21, 2007. Aloma taught school in Neodesha for over 40 years and especially enjoyed teaching kindergarten. She was 77 years old.

December:
Nick Elkins and Janet Brooks Erbe have sent pictures of the 1966 40th Class Reunion: 1966

I have added a number of new pictures of Altoona.

Thanks to Joyce Smith Teale for her contribution and for a 1949 annual.

November:
Gene Bongiorni, Jr. died November 13, 2006 at the age of 75, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He played saxophone for many years and had recently been informed that he had cancer. He owned the song "Hippie, Hippie, Shake" that was recorded by the Beetles.

October:
Paul Beckner, past teacher and principal at Neodesha Public Schools, passed away Sunday, October 1st, 2006. Here is his obituary: BECKNER

Ann Bicknell Bennett (NHS 64) and her husband, Lawrence, have sent me a copy of their new class calendar for 2006-2007. It is filled with pictures both new and old of the class, Neodesha Schools, and past reunions. You can see more at www.KCwordworks.com/classof 64.

Marcia Caskey Baumwart has sent me and advanced copy of her new book "Zero to 35 MPH, Traveling Rural Wilson County' with thoughts and memories. It is full of photographs taken around the county, as well as her experiences growing up across from South School and bicycling with friends on country outings. She is a past Hallmark Cards artist, and designed many of Neodesha's logos. I especially enjoy her design used for the Neodesha 2000 Celebration Coin. You can contact her at PO Box 355, Neodesha, KS 66757 or at e-mail marti@baumwart.com or by phone at 620-378-3881 to purchase a $25 copy. Here is the cover picture: ZERO

September:

Darren Livingston, a past Neodesha student, sent a picture of the 5¢ Coke Machine that stood in front of the Ben Franklin store. Darren owns the machine. To see the picture click here COKE

Can you connect the following five items?
1. Neodesha
2. The Atomic Bomb
3. The Space Shuttle
4. Mailing a Letter
5. A Nobel Prize for Physics

Give up? Click here to see how they are related:
1-2-3

Bill Lee, NHS 1965, is President of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame at Lawrence, Kansas. He was busy collecting Rock & Roll memorabilia when an apartment complex fire destroyed about everything he had. Here is a link to his website: Kansas Music Hall of Fame and here is a link to the newspaper article with footage of the fire last December: Fire survivors have new outlook on life
Don Shacklette has sent a photo of the Central School Kindergarten class 1950-51

I was sent this picture by someone many of us know. Click on the picture for details:

Kathleen Hartman of Colorado recently found a brick from Neodesha VVV plant where the name was not spelled correctly. Here is a picture and and article:
 

 

The Neodesha Library has copies of many of the Class Annuals on file, in addition to Joe Allen's files. I have a small collection of Annuals that I am slowly getting scanned into the computer to share with you. If you would like to donate an annual that I do not have, you may mail it to the address at the bottom of the page. Here are the annuals I already have:
1913. 1925.1926.1948.1949.1950.1952.1954.1955.1956.1957.1958.1959.1960.1961.1962.1963.1964.1969.
1971.1972.1973.1976.1977.1981. and 1982.If you have an annual that is not listed, it would be welcome here.

 

You can now search this website with this page: NeodySearch

I have written a page about flying kites in Neodesha:
Go Fly A Kite!

Pamala Reves Drake has sent me early photographs of her relatives. I am still getting them ready for the website. Her parents are Tom & Charlene (Ayars) Reves. They were both born and raised in Neodesha. Her grandparents were George & Ethel Reves and Charles & Minnie (Gastineau) Ayars. Neodesha Derry Fulton was her great, great aunt (and the first white person born in Neodesha). She has pictures of her great grandfather's barber shop, a dry goods store where her grandmother Ethel Garriott Reves Smalley worked as a young woman, plus many others. I hope to have them up and running soon.

Here is a link to the 60's musical group "The Trashmen" that recorded Surfin' Bird. They stopped their van at Sherm Nooney's filling station one night and Keith Hemme had the honor of filling up their gas tank. The announced that they were The Trashmen! To which Keith replied, "Who?". You can listen to four of their songs here, or even send them mail
: http://www.myspace.com/surfinbird1964
 

May:
Pat Casey Hamilton, NHS 55, also read the article I had scanned in about the World War Troop trains that stopped in Neodesha. She agreed to let me print her addition to this article:
PAT

 

I have processed the pictures submitted by Warren McClintock of the Stephen's Grocery Store and of the Argo Pump Station (NOT the postcard picture). Again, thanks for the donations: WARREN
 

From Rich Lovett: The Class of 1964 has a new web site http://www.kcwordworks.com/classof64.
 

April: Lloyd Fernandez Junior has sent me 3 pictures taken in 1954 of my father, Esley (Junior) and my mother Ocie Lee Elkins. The third picture is of Lloyd Fernandez Senior and my father. My father also went by the name of Elko. Here are the three pictures: ELKO
 

My mother, Ocie Lee Elkins-Gentry, collected many articles about Neodesha and saved them in a scrapbook. After two fires and 60+ years of wear, I have begun trying to scan some of the information into my website. One article she kept was about a fire in 1944 at 8th & Main in Neodesha which killed John W. Deer and his married daughter Vivian Brown. Pattie Deer Bailey has been kind enough to provide us with a picture of the fire and comments from her scrapbook. She now has the article and now we have the picture and more information.
You can see both here
DEER FIRE

 

March: Gather around, boys and girls. Uncle Kerry has another story for you. Click WW2 City Canteen

Still awake, huh? Well, here is another little tale about Neodesha:
Oils Influence on Neodesha

And here is a third story: First Brochure of Wilson County

My scanner has been busily humming away. I have a scan of the big picture found on the far wall of the Norman No. 1 Museum in Neodesha. It has the 1931 employees of Standard Oil and Warren McClintock (now of Texas) added identifications to the picture in 1991 (15 years ago) that Cecil Boster (of the original Norman Museum on East Mill Street) gave him. The list is below the picture, but it is gigantic and not a prime candidate for scanning. I have set the page up so when you put your cursor on each face (eyes) it should put a small text on the screen as to that person's name. Click STANDARD 1931

 

February: Lloyd Cecil Fernandez attended Neodesha's Central Elementary School until age 9, when he moved to Florida. He has sent some pictures of his class (NHS 65) at the Shelter House, pictures of the school playground, and of him on the lap of Smiley Burnette. You can see them here:  CECIL
 

There are a good hundred people in the Neodesha area that have unclaimed funds. They can range anywhere from a dollar to millions. The service is free and it sometimes take a lot of work to collect the money, because documentation is required. Here is the site to search for Kansas Claims only: http://www.kansascash.com or you may use a national site search, also with no fees, here: http://www.missingmoney.com
 

Becky Bodley Moar has sent me some of her favorite things about growing up in Neodesha. Her parents ran Bodley Hardware and they left Neodesha when she was 10 in 1961. UPDATE
 

Janna Watson Swizercek, informed me that her sister, Cathy, died after a very short illness in California. Her father and mine owned Watson-Elkins Dodge on Main Street. Leon Watson taught Spanish for many years at NHS, and his wife Dorothy was well known to us all.
 

December: Grimes Poznikov graduated from Neodesha in 1964. He passed away in September on a street corner in San Francisco. I have copied an obituary from the San Francisco Chronicle by Kevin Fagen and is available here: Grimes Known as The Human Jukebox, Grimes played his trumpet in the Wharf for many years, succumbing to alcohol and the ravages of years living on the street. He has been cremated and his ashes were spread over the bay. Grimes did leave his heart in San Francisco. One reader informed me that she is planning an opera about his life. Here is an article about him written in 2002: Poznikov . Here is a collection of pictures: Jukebox

This website is only possible with your contributions. I have grouped some of the many people that have recently assisted with this project:

Neodesha Alumni Association, Dennis & Peggy (Talley) Winfrey, Bob & Marilyn (Smith Graham), Doug & Ruth Ann Guess, Cheryl (Fenner) Ivy, Edna Smith, Allen & Betsy Zadorozny, Gary Smith, Pat (Casey) Hamilton, and the NHS Class of 1982.
 

VISIT THE OFFICIAL NEODESHA WEBSITE
www.neodesha.com

VIEW THE NEODESHA BUSINESS INDEX
http://www.ks-dir.com/neodesha.htm

VISIT THE NORMAN NO. 1 MUSEUM
VISIT MUSEUM

 

VIEW A MAP OF NEODESHA


 

REGULAR FEATURES

Google Search NeodyGrads.com
or use Yahoo to search the pictures on this website: Yahoo Search NeodyGrads Pics
Listen to Neodesha's "On Neody!     NEW!
Neodesha in 1963 or "Let's Drag Main!"
Our Guestbook  You're Invited to Sign our Guestbook!!
Old Photographs Of the 4 Neodesha Schools
Past Articles from the website
1963 Graduation Neo-D-Kan
Class of 1963 Newsletters
Reunions Send me your reunion picture if not shown!
Yearbooks
Businesses and Businessmen
Old Photos of Neodesha & Surrounding Areas 
Slides taken in 1960 around Neodesha
The final days of the Rainbow Bridge
Famous people from Neodesha
Archive of past articles I have had on the internet
HOW TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
In Memoriam  You may add anyone here you wish
Kerry's List of Obituaries
Neodesha Links
Norman No. 1 Museum Information
Neodesha Alumni Foundation and Scholarship Fund
Kerry's Confused History of Neodesha
Motels in the Neodesha Area
The Freshman College Student Today 
 

RECENT DEATHS

Vera Lee McNutt Arnold, NHS 50, passed away August 6, 2008. Wife of Don, mother of Donald, David, Mark, Linda & Diana.
Tommy McGuire, NHS 61, 65 years old, died June 28, 2008 in Lamar Mo. Daughter Bonnie Jordan survives.

Mary Ellen Tefft, NHS 64, died at the age of 62 in Neodesha June 19, 2008.
Judy Enz Johnston, NHS 63, passed away in Joplin, Missouri, May 23rd, 2008
David A. Garber, 74, passed away April 13, 2008. Former policeman and sheriff deputy.
Ernest Ballard, 59, April 8, 2008, brother of Rubie Ballard Kirk and his deceased brother Everett Ballard

Blanche Reed, 90, April 8, 2008. mother of Geneva Reed Greenlee, Larry Reed, Katherine, and Evelyn
George Lux, NHS 1950, passed away January 12, 2007 from cancer. Father of Larry Lux.
Laura Gildart, 80, died March 23, 2008. Mother of Randy, Rick & Jackie.
Sarah M. Weems, NHS 62, brain tumor on March 3, 2008. Sister of Janet and George IV
Marjorie Hemme, 89, passed away March 8th, 2008. Mother of Keith, Don, Linda and Nancy.
T. T. "Bud" Sutton, 87, February 27, 2008. Father of Bobbi Katzer & Richard Sutton.

Robert "Bob" Allen, 66, passed away February 13th, 2008. Former police officer.
Howard Howell, 80, passed away February 8th, 2008.

Irene Howe, 92, died February 8, 2008.
Max Allen, 87, NHS 38, died February 8, 2008
Lawrence J. Katzer, 96, NHS 29, died January 23, 2008
Larry Meigs, 57, Altoona, NHS 68, auto accident January 21, 2008
Ramona Charlene Ayars Reves, NHS 1932, died at the age of 94.

Edwin G. Lyon, 89, November 19,2007.
Connie Goodmon Johnson, NHS 70, 55, in Neodesha November 1, 2007
Rachel (Mrs. Russell) Vickers, 103, passed away October 25, 2007.
Jeffrey Geoph Kozney, 57, NHS 67, passed away October 22, 2007.
Robert Bo Jansen, 56, NHS 69, passed away November 6, 2007.
Thelma Chambers, Chambers Jewelry, November 11, 2007 in Cherryvale, Ks.
Pauline (Mrs. Dale) Pfeifer, 89, November 7, 2007. Mother of Roger & Dick.
Donald Watson, 93, NHS 32, Oct. 15, 2007. Father of Barry Watson & Ronda Quinn.
Al Kiddoo, 95, NHS 30, died August 12, 2007.
Glenn Weatherby, Jr., 85, NHS, passed away June 4, 2007.

Billy B. "Corky" Padley, NHS 83 had he completed here, auto accident, Oct. 11, 2007.
Violett M. Klingenberg-Tincknell, 93, September 30th. Mother of Ron (dec), Sharon, Richard, Jon & Gary.

Lloyd "Jack" Marler, 87, October 1, 2007. Normandy Invasion participant and a WW2 POW.
Lewis A. "Red" Kammerer, 89, of NHS 36, died 9-17-07. Father of Robert & Steve Kammerer
Darrell "Duke" Donnelly. August 25, 2007 Neodesha High School Instructor
Gerald "Cayle" Gray, son of Linda Arnold Olson & Mark Gray
Randy Osburn, NHS 66, August 12, 2007
Earl Campbell, 88, father of Jim & Roger Campbell
Ellen Northrup Pond, 56, August 4, 2007. Wife of Mick Pond of Sedan
Carlie Goode, 89, July 29, 2007. Father of Ronnie, Kellie & Wayne
Evelyn Ruth, 72, July 14, 2007 in Frontenac. Past school teacher
Forest Tinknell, 85, July 10, 2007
Randy Chamberlain, NHS 67, June 24, 2007
Gary Clover, NHS 64, June 30, 2007
Mike Perry, 42, son of Marty & Dorothy Perry, June 2007

Max Loflin, June 1, at the age of 82.
Harvey Campbell, May 14, at the age of 87.
Ganell Hall, May 12, at the age of 92.
Forrest Cranor, Altoona, May 6, at the age of 86.
Delores Bryan Cohee, NHS 1961, passed away April 27th, 2007.
Daryl Lewis, 40, NHS 1985, was fatally injured April 14, 2007, in an automobile accident.
Meredith Carpenter passed away April 14, 2007. Mother of Rick, Kent, Julie and Kelle.
Thelma (Yoho) Roberts Caven, longtime downtown Neodesha ladies clothing store owner, passed away April 9, 2007, at the age of 90.
Opal M. (Johnson) Lowry Vorderbruegge, 93, mother of Jimmy Joe Lowry, Patricia J., Loretta, Judy Ann, Robert, Charles (Chuck), Jerry, Linda Sue and Vera Kay.
Montie Wallace, NHS 59, died March 20, 2007 at the age of 66.
Al Goering, 91, past vocational instructor and scoutmaster, died March 14, 2007.
Augusta "Jackie" Hope Lovett, died February 22, 2007, mother of Rodney & Sherry.
Don Robson, NHS 50, died February 23, 2007
Lola Ferne Taylor, NHS 66, died February 13, 2007.
Betty K. Piatt, NHS 41, mother of Sharon Rhodes and sister of Janice Lopez, 1-27-2007
Aloma Beard, Independence High School 1947, passed away January 21, 2007.

David Glynn, NHS 63, passed away January 6, 2007.
Lloyd Cecil Fernandez, formerly of Neodesha, died Sunday, December 31, 2006.
Dan Cohee, NHS 61, passed away in Neodesha on December 26, 2006.

Jerald "Jerry" Hare, NHS 72, died December 4, 2006, at the age of 52.
Gene Bongiorni, Jr., November 13, 2006. Rock 'N Roll saxophone player.

Wayne Smith, November 12, 2006. Father of Marilyn Smith Graham & Gary Smith.
Oris R. Killebrew, October 30, 2006. Father of Lewis and John Killebrew
Marion Bailey, October 6, 2006. Mother of Graham, Jeff, and Naida
Scott Laforte, NHS 74, October 2, 2006
Paul Beckner, October 1, 2006
Betty Cooper 2006 Sept 26, 2006. Mother of Susan Cooper Lopez

Doug Bicknell 2006 NHS 56, September 25, 2006. Brother of Ann Bicknell Bennett
Arlene Schoonover Busick, September 25, 2005
Nyla (Upson) Dillmore  NHS 43, Sept 10, 2006.  Wife of Charles Dillmore

Leonard Johnson, August 22, 2006. Photographer. Father of Ralph and Ron Johnson

Gladys May (Jackson) Clanton  7-27-2006. Mother of Jimmie Clanton, Janice Marten and Judy Mann.

Terry G. Wilkes, NHS 1962, died from heart complications, July 20, 2006

George Dale Carr, NHS 1962, died of cancer July 8, 1006 at 61.

Jolene Marler Secrest, NHS 1972, passed away July 8, 2006. Wife of Ron Secrest.

Mike Brady, NHS 1965, passed away June 2nd, 2006

Ruth Greer, NHS 43, my aunt, February 16, 2006

This site is privately owned, donation funded.
Students from any year, whether they graduated from Neodesha or not, may submit material at no charge. North Lawn and Central pictures are especially appreciated. No claims are made to the accuracy of any of the contents of this web site, and portions may be pure fiction.
Thanks to Mrs. Leonard Johnson & the late Leonard Johnson for the school pictures such as the one above.

Contributions may be mailed to: Kerry Elkins, 711 Daylily Drive,
Langhorne, PA 19047