Fort Scott High School class of 1948 return to Alma Mater

Members of the Fort Scott High School class of 1948 met in the band room at the high school Friday evening for this memorance of their 60th reunion. Front row from the left: Richard Kerley, Virginia Swank Brown, Maudine Picht, Thyra Jo Babb Frazier, Rachel Middleton Keller, Raylene Hall Dennis, Fritz Thompson, Fred Campbell, Darlene Coleman Magee and Carroll Vail Keal. Middle row: Lillian Massner Fisher, Robert Dempsey, Alvin Pellett, Ned Caldwell, Norma Jean Harrington McLaughlin, Gene Farmer, Wayne Louderback, Shirley White Forgey, Richard Reeves and Dale Bower. Back row: Billy Bob Schilling, Imogene McNeal Bazia, Elma Hawkins Underwood, Rosemary Clyburn Bailey, Georgia Lundberg Strickland, JoAnn Milburn Shoemaker, Margie Bowers Majors, Roberta Armstrong Davis, Lavone Cox Page and Robert "Pete" Piotrowski. -- Submitted Photo

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More than 40 members of the Fort Scott High School graduating class of 1948 returned here over the weekend for their 60th graduation celebration.

Darlene Coleman Magee, chairman of the class, said it was a fun and busy reunion yet sad because of the number of classmates who are deceased.

A memorial service for the deceased classmates was held Friday morning at the Old Congregational Church with a welcome from Maudine Picht and solos by Bob Dennis, husband of class member Raylene Hall. He was accompanied by Majorie Majors while rendering "I'll Be Seeing You." He also sang "Thanks for the Memories."

Fred Campbell presented a DVD as a tribute to the 56 deceased members. Wayne Louderback read a poem.

A wiener roast Thursday night at the home of Bob and Raylene Hall Dennis kicked off the 60th gathering. A bus tour of Fort Scott was taken Friday with Fred Campbell as the guide and historian. In addition class members attended the Gordon Parks Celebration at the Fort Scott Community College. Norma Jean Harrington McLaughlin said it was a thrill for class members to meet descendents of Gordon Parks and to participate in the event.

Activities on Friday were concluded as class members participated in the Fort Scott High School Homecoming activities with a chili feed at the high school, a class picture, and then to watch their beloved Fort Scott Tigers fall to Columbus in football.

A breakfast Saturday morning ended the delightful weekend in the old home town.