Bio's page 2
Mike Boatright: After graduation from JHS, I served in the U.S. Air Force (Security Police) from (66-70). In 1972, I graduated from MSSC with an A.S. degree in Criminal Justice and married my beautiful wife, Karen Van Etten of Portsmouth, NH. We then moved to Texas, where I received my B.S. degree from Sam Houston St. University. Following graduation, I served as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Groton, CT. After being asked to serve on an aircraft carrier, I told them “Hell No”. I then served for 22+ years with the U.S. Secret Service, protecting presidents and foreign dignitaries and travelling the world. During this time, the good Lord blessed us with a daughter, Abigail. In turn she blessed us with adorable August (7) and Anna (5). After retiring on a Friday, I began work with the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center on the next Monday representing and travelling the state of Missouri for 13+years. Recently I have enjoyed retirement, working part-time at a local golf course allowing me to play for free, and taking the grandkids to the pie house.
Stephen (Steve) Niles: I retired from Black & Veatch (KC) in 2007 after 37+ years, and my wife (Yanyi) and I now reside in the Dallas area. My 3 daughters and 6 grand-kids are scattered around the country. Like a lot of retirees, I keep very busy doing nothing.
Ralph Martin: Well, went to college and law school. Been practicing law in one way of another ever since. The history, if anyone should want to see it, is on our firm's website. Just Google Doumar Martin PLLC.
Married to Ruchirawan Meemeskul, who is originally from Thailand. One daughter, Chanida "Khaki" Martin who has just applied to the Masters program in Broadcast Journalism at Mizzou. Can't attend, but wish y'all well.
Pam Miller Eaton: Married to Jim Eaton. Have one stepson and two beautiful granddaughters. Live in Overland Park, KS. Retired from AT&T. We spend a lot of the summer at our lake house at Grand Lake in OK, boating and relaxing.
David R. Hankins: After Missouri Southern, I earned a BS in Elect Eng from U of Mo.–Rolla. First job was in Winston Salem, NC with Western Electric. While there I met my wife, Peggy. I transfer to Bell Labs in NJ in 1972, where I was a designer of missile systems for US DOD. I married Peggy in 1973 and moved to Columbia, SC where I worked for Bell South in their state HQ. While in SC, I obtained a Masters in EE from the U of SC. We moved back to Greensboro, NC in 1978 where we still reside. I retired in 1998 from AT&T after 28 years of service as the International Director of Sales and Program Management. I served in the Army NG in NC, SC and NJ. We have two sons. Tradd, married to Carla, with 3 grands Luke, Adam and Noah, who live in the Raleigh, NC area. Matthew, married to Meredith are expecting their first child in April of 2016 and live here. Recently, I have become a GC and real estate investor. Both sons are Black Belts in Karate and I still practice after 28 years.
Mike McKenna: I'm a professor at the University of Virginia, where I prepare reading specialists and do research related to struggling readers. Beverly, my wife of 42 years, is a study in patience. We have three grown children, all of whom live in Savannah, Georgia.
Mary Jo Storey Gibson: I live in Santa Barbara, CA with my husband of 45 years, Wesley Blaine Gibson, and our Scottish terrier, MacDuff. We have one son, Blaine Joseph Gibson, who also lives in the area. I retired about five years ago from the AARP Public Policy Institute in Washington, D. C., where I worked for well over 25 years. I was a senior health policy analyst, doing policy research on reforming the nation's health and long-term care systems to better serve people of all ages. Our family moved to Santa Barbara, CA in 2005 because my husband is from California and his father, now recently deceased, was determined to follow his girlfriend here. During retirement, I've enjoyed swimming and writing. For example, I'm taking a class on writing personal histories at Santa Barbara's fabulous community college. We keep in close touch with Cathie Pollock Ailes' family, including her husband and daughter, who is an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. I regret that medical reasons will prevent my participation in the reunion.
Douglas Claxton: I too am one of those who never left Joplin. After receiving an education degree from Missouri Southern & a masters in math from Pitt State I returned to JHS as a math teacher. One of the highlights of my early days teaching was actually seeing & hearing what went on in the teacher's lounge with characters like Ed Offenbacker & TOA (Ted Ollie Anderson) both of Trisics fame. I retired in1999 from full time teaching after 30 years but continued to teach part-time for 14 more years. In 1999 I was honored with the Golden Apple Award as the outstanding teacher in the 9-12 category. I've been married for 46 years to my terrific wife Barbara who I met at Joplin Junior College. We have three wonderful daughters (Rebecca, Jennifer, & Melissa), three son-in-laws who have great taste in women & seven grandchildren. They all live within an hour of Joplin so a vast majority of their activities become ours. I have been truly blessed.
Marilyn Brown Pitts: Married Nickolas Pitts in 1967. Graduated from Southern in 1969. Worked for Jasper County Social Services 1969-1973. Became a stay-at-home mother to our four children Ryan, Autumn, Amber and Evan. Moved to Granby,MO to raise the children and Santa Gertrudis cattle in 1982. Worked for the East Newton School District from 1986 to 1993. Nick and I decided that we were up for adventure and I moved to Fairbanks, AK where I attended University of Alaska Fairbanks and Nick began a personal relationship with Alaska Airlines. I graduated from UAF in 1995 and began a 23 year teaching career, living in Tanana, Delta Jct, Fairbanks and Dutch Harbor Unalaska, Alaska. Presently, Nick and I split our time between our homes in Missouri and Fairbanks and our cabins on the Clearwater River in bush Alaska.
Tommy M. Eldridge: I retired got bored and went back to work. I am a Parts Sales Manager at AutoZone in Miami, OK. I live on the small farm that my dad bought in 1937, 2 miles North of Baxter Springs, KS. Dad didn't build here until 1966. I am a NAVY veteran, Aviation Structural Mechanic, Missouri Army National Guard, Staff Sargent, Captain USArmy reserve Combat Engineers. Hobbies: hunt & fish, motorcycles, Patriot Guard Riders, American Legion Riders, shooting. Wonder when I find the time to do anything.
Evelyn Sargent Sweet: I still live in Joplin...i still work part time....have been divorced for over 20 yrs....have one daughter Melissa who is 31 and 3 wonderful grand children Killan 9 , Zhoie 7 and Trenton who just turned 6....they are my whole world....they live in Afton Ok....it looks like we are going to have a great turnout for the 50th...hope to see as many of you here as possible...
Dan Downey: Moved to Mesa az.After I got out of the military. Been living here since 1970. I now live I Chandler az Was a surveyor for the electric company for ten years. Then I got on the Mesa fire dept. was there for 26 years, retired in 2006. was a captain for 16 years. Great job, but got to old for it.
Connie Ramsey Bell: Realtor for Keller Williams Realty SWMO my husband, 5 children 3 mine 2 step, 16 grandchildren ranging from 4-22! Live in Joplin, MO. We spend our spare time at our Lake home in Holiday Island Arkansas! Play golf, boating, we have a motorcycle and love to take trips on it!
Harold Carter: Retired in January 2014 after a 40 year career in the agricultural commodity trading/marketing business. The last 12 years of my work life were spent as a Director with Land O' Lakes - home office in the Twin Cities Minnesota area.
Currently, my wife Cindy and I live in Lawrence, Kansas. Between both of us - we have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. All of them keep us very busy as we enjoy spending time with them and attending all their various activities.
Since retirement, I spend more time at golf, fishing, and poker games. Really not very good at any of them, but really enjoy trying. Also,during baseball season, spend a great deal of time following my beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
For the most part, life has been very good as blessed with good health, healthy children and grandchildren, and with just the normal number of life curves and challenges.
Charlotte Cox Garwood: After graduating from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar,MO, I spent one year teaching secondary music in Washington, MO. On Thanksgiving Day, 1969, I married Arthur C. Garwood, Jr.. We have lived in Missouri, Virginia, Illinois, Nebraska and currently live in Kansas, the state of my birth.
We have one daughter who lives near us and two sons in heaven. Our daughter and her husband have two girls who keep us looking forward to "the next thing".
I taught public school music until 1980. Then I opened a private Suzuki Method piano studio and am still seeing students several days a week. It has also been fulfilling to serve as a church musician wherever we've lived.
I'm sorry to say I'll be missing the reunion.
Steve Feller: Live and work in Colorado. Married to Stephanie 47 years. Daughter Michelle.
Kyle Craig: I live in Colorado and am semi-retired. Married for 45 years with 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren.
Sandra Powers Mittelsteadt: I married my husband, a chemical engineer at Atlas Power Company, while I was teaching at Memorial High School. We moved to Saudi Arabia and started our family. (We had two boys; both are married and are engineers. They have given us 5 grandchildren with another one on the way.) After living in Saudi for almost 7 years, we moved to Bakersfield, California. I taught at East Bakersfield High School and then became an assistant superintendent for the State of Oklahoma. I left Oklahoma to become the Executive Director of an Education Association in Washinton, D.C. I retired and am now back in California, but I just accepted the job as Interim CTE Director, so unfortunately, I'll miss the reunion. I'll miss you all, but have a great reunion!
Tim Gilbert: I retired from Farmland Industry after 30 years of service. I have been married to my lovely wife, Connie, for 45 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters and 3 wonderful grandchildren. I have stayed in Joplin all my life. We lost our home during the tornado, but have rebuilt in the same area and love our new home. We love spending time with our family. Our oldest daughter, Tammy, lives in Joplin along with a granddaughter, Eden. Our youngest daughter, Teresa, lives in Omaha, NE, with our grandson, Trey and granddaughter, Ava. My wife has been employed with Lafayette House for 16 years and is looking forward to retiring in the near future.
Marti Albert: Hi to everyone I used to know and/or sit next to in class! : ) I've lived in Houston 32 years and work at Barnes and Noble (32 years as well) but am now semi-retired and just work part time. I live a pretty quiet life but keep very busy with gardening, book and film clubs, volunteering at our Museum of Fine Art, and poking around antique shops. . I can't believe it has been 50 years since we graduated from JHS!!! YIKES! I will be sorry to miss our reunion! I'd love to hear from anyone I used to hang out with! : ) marcar713@aol.com
Pat Siskowski Niegsch: After graduation, I attended Missouri Southern and graduated in 1969 from SMS in Springfield with a Business degree. I have been married to David Niegsch from Pittsburg, KS, for 46 wonderful years. Transfers with his job with Kmart Corporation took us to live in 8 states. I worked as Executive Assistant with Briggs Corporation (Des Moines, IA), ConAgra Foods (Omaha, NE) and Time Warner Cable (Austin, TX). We have two children - Jason (43), Ames, Iowa, and Julie Alvarez (40), San Francisco. They have given us 3 grandsons and 2 granddaughters ages 3 to 10
(and another granddaughter due in Feb). We chose Georgetown, Texas, as our retirement home in 2001, although I continued to work until 2012. As some of you know, i suffered a stroke a week after undergoing a rare surgery for a tethered spinal cord. I am very thankful for my recovery but do continue to use a walker. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Thank you to the committee for all your hard work!
Linda Grainger Varner: Taught at Memorial H.S. 10 yrs. Have now been in Houston, Tx. half of my life. I bartended off and on 10-15 yrs, have been remarried 28 years. I read and collect old books, garden some--pull weeds alot and enjoy going to estate sales. Mom, Dad and my son Jeff are living in Joplin, so I visit 3 or more times yearly but don't often get to socialize . Life is good!!!!!
Mike Thomas: Became a Christian in 1977 while on the faculty of the University of Houston. Have three kids and four grandkids. Have traveled the world but have lived in Texas for forty years. Married Janice Pack in March of 2012. Have taught Spanish and Great Texts for 14 years at Baylor University, Waco. Published seven books, including a science fiction novel. Enjoying getting to know many classmates on Facebook!
Dan Webb: Drafted at 18, I enlisted in the Marine Corps Air Wing. Good Conduct discharge four years later with the rank of Sergeant.
Enrolled at MSSC/MSSU and let the tax payers pay for my college. Dean's honor roll three semesters. Quite a surprise from the C's and D's in High School. Working for my cousin at Hammer’s DX in Galena, KS, I eventually leased the building from him. I was an Independent Garage Owner until becoming interested in Law Enforcement through working with police reserves. Graduated from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, KS. 98.6 Academic score, and 92 pistol range score. Except for liberal lawyers and judges, I was enjoying law enforcement, but wasn't making much money.
Left that career to begin another one in government security. Worked for the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant from about 1984 until retiring in 2013. Began as a guard in the security department and retired as the Plant Protection Manager/Facilities Security Officer, the latter being necessary when a company works on a government contract that contains classified information. Currently serving the Lord full time at First Assembly of God in Baxter Springs, KS, as a Board member, Treasurer, Office clerk, general labor and repair, landscaping, part time adult and Wednesday night teacher, do some photography, video, sound work, evangelizing, preparing the Sunday bulletin....... Ask Me, if I can do it, I will :) Oh yes, meals on wheels and thrift shop! I had one son who gave me seven grandchildren, four of whom are living with me now along with their Mom and Dad.
Current Commander of Baxter Springs American Legion Post 206.
Taking care of my mom, and patiently waiting to meet my Savior face to face :)
Steve Lowe: Completed engineering degrees at University of Arkansas (1970) and Arizona State University (1971). Commissioned in the Regular Army in 1970. Retired from the US Army in June 1992. Went to work for Aurora University, retiring in January 2013. Married to Lela (46 years), two sons (Rob and Leland), 4 grandchildren. Along the way, ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Church in 2005. In retirement, Lela and I both work at a local homeless shelter. Staying in Illinois since our grandchildren are very close.
Loreta Jeanne Cavey Isgro: Living in AZ, as are my 2 beautiful daughters & 4 wonderful grandchildren. Widowed, my Frank died 21 years ago. Went back to school at age 40, graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix with a BSN. Worked mostly hospice for the last several years, & was a clinical adjunct for nursing clinicals for the University. Just retired from teaching in August 2014. Enjoying condo life style, especially the pool this time of year!
Beverly Berry Jones: Life begins at 60! In 2008 I finally received my Bachelors degree. I also became certified as a scuba diver. Scuba diving is one of the joys of my life. I now have 10 grand children and am expecting my first great grandson anytime August of 2015. The babies are so much fun!
I am retread instead of retired. I now substitute teach in Monett and Aurora. I enjoy working in the special education classes the most. I am happy on my mini farm raising pygmy goats. They keep me busy year round. I love kids of all kinds, human or goat. :)
Kay Vandevier Henry: I met my husband, Joe, at college, and we will soon celebrate our 47th wedding anniversary. We are graduates of Oklahoma Baptist University, as are both of our children. Our son is a professor at Baylor, and our daughter lives on the east coast and is an international business consultant. We have two grandchildren. Although I taught at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO, early in my career, I spent 25 years in church preschool/children's ministry. I also spent 15 years in alumni and development work at OBU, retiring a few years ago as assistant vice president for development. We live in Claremore, OK, and I enjoy quilting, traveling, and volunteering. I volunteer at a local food pantry and clothes closet, and serve on the board of two local charities. We have traveled to Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Great Britain, Spain, France, and countries in South America.
Marty Rolleg: Earned a BS in petroleum engineering and spent the next 38 years drilling oil and gas wells all over the world. Spent some time scouting for the California Angels and LA Dodgers and coached high school summer league baseball while living in Houston. Married to college sweetheart (Barbara) for 43 years. Have three children (Shelley, Sheryl and Don) and seven grand children all living in Texas. Retired in 2009 and live on Canyon Lake north of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. Hobbies include model railroading, hunting, fishing, golf and community service.
Joe Earhart: I retired last year from Leggett & Platt after 32 years in accounting. I am married to a wonderful woman named Diana. We have seven children and 15 grandchildren who now live all over the world. My faith and family are the most important thing in my life. I also love to golf, bicycle, and travel, especially to see family.
Warren Moult: I have retired after serving a 39 year sentence at the Post Office. Just completed and moved into a new home just south of Blue Springs, Mo. We built a reinforced room in the basement due to storms. I call it the "Joplin Room". Not to difficult to figure out is it?
I would love to hear from any of my class mates. I agree with Patty Riggs when she wrote that she is proud of her classmates and what they have accomplished. Kansas City has been good to me. Go Royals and Chiefs.
Our email is moult@att.net and new phone # 816-228-4109"
David Parker: Married twice. 2 great kids. 4 grand children. son & I own joplin trailer. Still working 2 days a week until Dec 31, 2015. Then full retirement. Fishing every week. will start traveling in 2016. Health still good. Married to cheryl 21 years & counting.
Gaylen Wilder Whiteman: I live with my wonderful husband Bruce on Whidbey Island in NW Washington St. We just celebrated our 30th anniversary. I retired from Boeing in 2007, after many years working in aerospace in Quality engineering and Service Engineering. Bruce retired from Boeing engineering in May of this year, so now we can finally sleep in, if the cat would let us!! I’m loving my second career as an artist, painting in watercolor, acrylic and oils and showing my work at Artworks Gallery on Whidbey. We live on a lovely 7 acres of pasture and woods, and I really enjoy painting the wild animals that visit our property. I’m a survivor - cancer 3 times and a broken back resulting from radiation treatments - and appreciate each new day for the gift it is. I’m healthy, active, President of Artists of South Whidbey, and love to kayak, x-country ski and travel with my husband. I’m looking forward to connecting with classmate at the 50th!
Bill Losse: After high school, I studied electronics at Missouri Southern and Gaston College (Gastonia, NC), served briefly in the Army, and worked at EaglePicher. After Helen and I married in June 1969, we moved to Charlotte, NC where I worked for fifteen years as a hardware technician, beginning by checking components on circuit boards and finishing as a member of a nationwide support team. I worked as a junior engineer in hardware for a brief time after our move to Winston-Salem, but then switched to programming. I worked for several years at RJ Reynolds. Since “retiring,” I have worked with a partner to write and maintain internet software that Head Start agencies use for their annual statistical reports to the US Government. Since the ‘60s, photography has been a serious hobby that I combine with rail fanning (chasing trains) and other activities. Helen and I have two grown sons, Troy and Victor.
Helen Jones Losse: After high school, I attended Missouri Southern, where I majored in education (English, grades 7-12.) I married Bill the same month I graduated, and we moved to Charlotte, NC, where I taught for nine years in two different Christian schools, before becoming a stay-at-home mother for Troy and later, after we moved to Winston-Salem, for Victor. During my mothering days, I did a lot of volunteer work, especially through the PTA. Twenty-five years after I graduated from college, I enrolled in a MALS program at Wake Forest University. There I studied African American history and religion and creative writing. Since graduating in 2000, I have published six collections of poetry and have a seventh, Every Tender Reed, a book of poems concerning my recent conversion to Roman Catholicism, coming out in May 2016.
Carol Bingham: Retired December 31, 2013, after 41 years at Eagle-Picher. I have had lung cancer and I am currently doing awesome. Through my battle I started passing out FROG's which mean Fully Rely on GOD. The doctors at Barns Jewish is St. Louis say I am a true miracle. I have given out 825 so far and I am getting ready to order 1,000 more. Currently doing volunteer work at the new Mercy Hospital. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Wynona Stevenson Gilstrap: Hi Classmates, I've been married to my best friend Neil for 46 years. We have a grown Son Prof. Curt Gilstrap and Daughter-in-Law Prof. Cristina Gilstrap who have given us two wonderful Grandsons, Avery and Rowan. They live in Springfield. We have a wonderful daughter Whitney and her Husband Rob who live in Joplin. Neil & I live about 5 miles south of Joplin. I retired from the State of Mo in 2009 after 28 years. We opened a Blackberry Farm in 2009 and met some wonderful people over the years. We closed that with a final season this July. We purchased a vintage camper van and hope to hit the road traveling soon. Neil and I both LOVE to go, go, go. God has blessed me with a wonderful Family. Pray for our Country Classmates that our Grandchildren will be able to say something like this in the Future. Ruthie
Judy Tatum Newcom: Judy and husband Darwin have lived in Albuquerque for 41 years. Our son, daughter and grandson live in CA. We both have been retired for 10 years. Besides church and family, our passion has been to see and experience other countries and cultures. That is about to change, as we focus more on the U.S. and Canada. (Those plane rides overseas seem much too long!) Happy 50th to us!
Luana Greathouse Stone: The Dallas/Fort Worth and Waco areas have been my home for the last 49 years. Wow, that's been a long time! I'm married to a retired fireman who's a true Texan - and a great guy. He has three grown children. I have two. Between us, we have 10 grandchildren, 8 boys and 3 girls. The oldest, a grandson, is in the Army, flying Apache helicopters. The second oldest, a granddaughter, is about to graduate college and get married. The other eight range in age from 16 to 6. We are fortunate to have all of them living within 100 miles, except for two grandchildren who live in Houston. Before retiring several years ago, I worked in hospital administration. My favorite hobby is scrapbooking pictures of all our grandkids. I also love to read and go to movies. Line Dancing class is another favorite.
Carol Creasy: Before graduation, worked at Ekstrom United Supply for 3 years. then Missouri Steel Castings for 5 years. When I turned 21 was hired to weekends as bartender at Caesar's Palace on West 7th. Went back for more education at M.S.S.C. and graduated 1st in my class in Criminal Justice and served in the reserves for 5 years at J.P.D. and Deputy Coroner for 5 years, Jasper County. Ten years Loss Prevention at Famous Barr, did some bail bonding, P.I. work, Home Depot for 5 years and am now at Southside Antique Mall. Studied Archeology and Greek at Ozark Christian College and took care of my mom for many years before she passed September 28,2014. I live in the same house as I did as a kid. Wonder what's next? It's not over 'til it's over.
Gary Stripling: Beth and I will be married 47 years this December. We live in Woodway TX. We are blessed our son Andrew, his wife Shelly, our granddaughter Molly Ann (6) and our grandson Michael Reuben (2) live nearby in Hewitt, TX. I plan to retire this year after a great career in the aircraft modification business that allowed us the opportunity to travel all over the world. I am very sorry to not be able to attend the reunion but we promised Beth's Dad to take him to the WWII Glider Pilots reunion in Memphis that same weekend. Enjoy the reunion
Dennis Shockley: After attending North Junior High, I graduated from Ponca Military Academy in Ponca City, OK. I came back to Joplin and took summer school at JHS. My grandmother was the cafeteria manager at JHS; I brought her to the 25th reunion picnic and many of you remembered her. After PMA, I graduated from Louisiana Tech where I went to school with Phil Robertson (Duck Dynasty) and Terry Bradshaw.I received my Ph.D. in history at Kansas State University. I taught for awhile, but then lurched into local and state government and never looked back. I currently serve as the executive director of the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency. I had a starter wife and no kids, then married Janet ( a KU Jayhawk) now for 30 years with one boy who lives in Austin. Janet is retired. We spend our free time golfing,shooting pistols and traveling abroad. I am very active in Rotary. We live in Edmond, Oklahoma where I chair the Parks Board. My step-mother still lives in Joplin.
Larry W. Fuhr: Drive to KC most weekends and spend time with our Grand-daughters. Spend end of June and all of July at a Condo in Cocoa Beach, Fl., on the BEACH. Married 41 years to Mary Lynn (Davis) class of 67. Do a lot of stunt plane flying, when in Florida, and some straight and level flying.
David Watts: I married Marta Mcgee 43yrs ago. We have three children, and six grandchildren all boys.
I worked for SBC retiring in 2002 with just short of 35yrs service.
Since retirement Marta and I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel around our great country in our RV. Nothing better than being in the Rocky Mountains and watch the Aspen leaves flutter from green to gold.
Carolyn Mitchell Morris: After graduation when to work for Revlon Cosmetics,was a make up artist all the major dept.stores. Married had 2 boys moved to the Kc. area was hired at the Crown Center shops in downtown Kc. to be a gown and perfume model ( what fun) also was a clothing model for Swansons on the Plaza. My husband of 10 years died. I remarried a widower with 5 little ones .I raised his 5 he raised my 2.we lived on a farm in Osawatomie Kansas. I had 7 children 90 head of cows and my husband traveled all week. Wow never had time to look up for years. All raised now and he passed away in 2007 ..Had a wonderful life..Just waiting for the next chapter to begin again. I have had a lot of Happy Days and Smiles in my life .I am blessed...Carolyn Mitchell Morris
Regine Pflug Anderson: I am currently in Nashville, TN working at a not-for-profit Commuity Mental Health Agency. I have been doing counseling for the past 20 years. I have worked in Mental Health, Hospice, Domestic Violence and crisis intervention during this time. Before that I taught school in Joplin for 15 years. I have two grown sons Rob, 46 and Taylor, 44. Taylor lives in the Nashville area and has two wonderful children Ryan, 11 and Kate 8. Rob is in Seattle most of the time doing research. I have been widowed since 2003 and am currently hoping to retire soon.
Susan Morton Phelan: I live in Gainesville, MO. and my husband Bill and I have just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. I have three children, two daughters and a son who for the first time in over 20 years now all live in MO also. I have nine grandchildren with one more on the way and many step grandchildren that I consider just grandchildren too. We have a couple of great-grandchildren too. I work at a non-profit organization in Cotter, AR and will soon have been there 10 years. My husband restores vintage vehicles. I plan to retire soon and see more of my children and grandchildren. I.am a happy person.
Stephanie Thompson Meyer: I retired from teaching 2 years ago. I taught 41 years. I am now enjoy being retired. I spend my time visiting my two daughters and their families. My oldest daughter lives in the Minnesota and my youngest lives in New York City. I also do a little substitute teaching at the school where I used to teach. I love being able to walk every morning with my friends. I live in Owasso, OK just outside of Tulsa,Ok. The highlight of my summer was traveling to Israel with my daughter and her family.
Brenda Giger Hayes: I am currently living in Surprise, AZ, LOVING retirement. I have lived in 8 states & 1 foreign country. Married to the love of my life after getting a second chance at happiness. We were married at one time many years ago, divorced & found each other again 20+ years later & THANKFUL for our second chance. Together we have 3 adult children , my daughter has given us 3 grands & one great. Hubby's 2 have given us 4 grands & 1 great. We stay busy with family & friends. I try to get back to Joplin area at least once a year.
John Moore: Graduated from Missouri Southern in 1969. Received a low lottery number for the draft while attending Pittsburg State and subsequently drafted into the US Army. Spent three years in the Army and joined the US Air Force as a B-52 crew member. Retired in 2001 after 27 years of officer service. Currently live on a farm in Bowling Green Kentucky where I keep busy as a hobbyist beekeeper and dabble in antiques. Enjoy traveling whenever and wherever. Married with two children and two grandchildren.
Lanny Peavler: I worked in masonry when I was in Joplin i have worked in ever state expert Hawaii l worked on cross pipelines I have been in a pipe fitter union for 49 years. I was married 48 years she passed August 20 2014 .We have 3 kid's 5 grandkids and1 great grandson.