This is Rosemarie DeMello and I have adopted this page. I need a few of you from our class to help me decide what we want on our web page such as stories, photos, history, etc.
Please email me at LatonHigh@comcast.net
******************
Please email me at LatonHigh@comcast.net
******************
Class of 1960
Adamson, Karen Sands - Soldotna AK - Karen has 2 children and worked for the Civil Service for six years. She has been very involved in her church as the Choir Director, Music Leader, Junior Church Leader, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Worship Team, Women’s Ensemble and Soloist. She has worked out at Curves since 1998. She is also a member of Funny River Quilters, Women of Grace and Red Hat Ladies. During the months from October - March, she travels in her motor home which gives her the opportunity to visit her friends and family in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
When she is not traveling, Karen lives in a log cabin on the Kenai River which is famous for salmon fishing.
Aguilar, Ray– Deceased
Andrews, Gene– Deceased
Avila, Barbara - Deceased
Avila, Joe - Deceased (2018) - In the spring of 1960, during my last year as Laton High School, I played in the City/County All-Star Football game at Ratcliff Stadium in Fresno. Following that game, I was recruited by Reedley College to play football. I began classes at Reedley College in the fall and played in three sports including football, basketball and baseball. I drove home every weekend after the games and once in a while during the week to help with the family farm and dairy but for the most part, I lived in the dorms all week.
The following summer, my father had a heart attack so when classes began in the fall of 1961 I was no longer able to stay in the dorms as I was needed to help on the farm. Somehow, between work and studying, as well as driving back and forth between home and school, I was still able to play football. After 3 games I was the leading JC receiver in the nation. In the fourth quarter of the fourth game I broke my ankle and was not able to play again until the last two games of the season. Somehow I still made all-league.
Going back to the summer of 1960, following graduation from high school, Gabe Aguayo and Richard Lopez recruited me to play softball with them. We played in Reedley, Laton and Dinuba and after one of our home games, Butch Cardoza, a Hanford coach at the time, asked me to play in Hanford with a team called the Armona Merchants. From there I got to play against Herman Duinkerken. I got two hits two separate times off Herman so I was asked to play with him and the Dinuba Condors. Herm and I played together all over the country including several World Tournaments and one tournament in Hawaii.
In the fall of 1962 I ran the cotton picking business for my father but then from 1963 - 64, I was able to attend Fresno State. During this time (with a new wife and children) I also had a full time job in the Frozen Foods Division at Pet Milk. I finally graduated from Fresno State in 1964.
From 1965 - 67, I coached and taught at Laton High School then from 1967 - 74, I coached and taught at Hanford High. In 1974 I went into the Insurance Business.
I am married to Sheila and together we have 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
In 2006, I was inducted into the Reedley College Hall of Fame then in 2010 I was inducted into the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame.
Azevedo, Ed – Deceased (2004)
Azevedo, Frank - Santa Maria CA - I married Lorie Zabala who passed in 2003. I was a farm worker and have lived in Santa Maria for the past 47 years. I had 4 children (1 has passed away), as well as, 8 grandchildren. My hobbies are baseball and golf. My favorite high school memory is riding back from games.
In high school I really enjoyed Mr. Kirchhof as he was my football coach. Playing football meant that I didn’t have to go home and milk the cows.
Bakker, Jim - Strongsville OH
Barger, Ron - Laton CA - After graduating from Laton High School, I enlisted in the United States Army. I have been married to my wife, Ann, for the past 46 years. Other than the time spent in the Army, I have lived in Laton all my life. I retired from Kings County. Ann and I have two children, Ron and Rhonda, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. During my leisure time you can find me looking for gold in Mariposa and Grass Valley.
Bettencourt, Carol - Selma CA
Borges, George - Deceased
Cato, Verlene Ritchie - Deceased (2013)
Chandler, Gerald - Oakhurst CA - After leaving Laton in 1960, I attended Molar Barber College in Fresno where I graduated in 1961. I moved to Los Angeles to take hair styling classes and participated in platform work. Following that, I moved to Pismo Beach. When I returned to Fresno in 1964, I attended Fresno City College and opened my first barber shop across the street from Roosevelt High School. In later years, I managed the Fig Garden Barber Shop and owned the Hi-Life Barber Salon, the Manchester Barber Salon, and the Piccadilly Barber Salon.
During this time, I also continued to race motorcycles and became interested in building custom motorcycles which I showed throughout California. For two years in a row I won 1st place in Blackie’s Autorama in Fresno, the Cow Palace in San Francisco and the East Rider Show in Sacramento. My motorcycle was also chosen as the centerfold in Custom Chopper magazine for two consecutive years. I met and married my wife, Pattye, and in 1974, we moved to Manitoba, Canada with an interest in grain farming, and cattle and horse breeding. I concentrated on the Appaloosa breed and began showing horses throughout Canada and the U.S. winning titles in the Canadian National Appaloosa Shows in Calgary, the Denver Stock Show and the Oklahoma World Show. I qualified 18 horses for the 1982 World Show in Oklahoma City. That same year we moved back to California and I opened the Hair Scene Barber Salon in Oakhurst.
My interests remained in hot rods and motorcycles. I built a 1970 custom truck which won Best Paint, Best Engine, and Best Interior at all the major shows throughout California and Nevada, including Best of Show at the Chevy All-Truck Nationals for five consecutive years. Pattye and I still live in Oakhurst and I work 3-½ days per week and continue to build custom motorcycles.
We enjoy riding the high country, motorcycling to Pismo, Monterey and Lee Vining for lunch, and planning summer motorcycle trips with our friends to Oregon and Utah.
I had three daughters, Debbie, Darlene, and Michelle. Darlene lives in Los Angeles with her family, Michelle lives in Montana with her family and we lost Debbie to cancer two years ago. We also have five grandchildren.
In past years, we have been very lucky to enjoy good health and have been RVers, square dancers and kayakers in addition to all the rest.
Looking back, I feel my favorite memories of high school must remain confidential (to protect the innocent) and my favorite person was Mr. Brown who was both fair and reasonable (although that didn’t seem to keep me out of trouble!!).
Close, Frances Blase - Ceres CA - After I graduated from Laton High School I had a fun summer at the coast and in the mountains. It wasn’t long before I was planning my wedding to another Laton grad, Wayne Loard, who had graduated the year prior to our graduation. Wayne worked in electronics during the years that we were married. We divorced and I later married Bill Blase who worked in Construction. Bill has since passed away.
While living in Hanford my two children were born. I have lived in Hanford, Ceres, San Jose and Clear Lake, California. Through the years I have had many jobs. I worked as a teacher=s aide, as well as, sales, modeling and child care. I also worked at a rock shop that sold equipment and also taught people to make items from rocks and semi-precious stones. I also worked in a few nice jewelry stores. I now take care of the sick and elderly. I also do their shopping and take them to appointments.
I have 2 children, Charlene and Vernon. I also have 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons, as well as a great-granddaughter. In my spare time I enjoy crochet and needlework.
Looking back to my years at Laton High, I especially remember Dale Davis and singing. I also have great memories of the ball games. My favorite teacher was Mr. Kercher.
Crain, Ralph - San Diego CA
DeHart, Keith - Deceased (1995) - Keith was a farmer all of his adult life and was a member of the Church of the Brethren in Laton. He was also a board member of the Laguna Irrigation District and a board member of Central Valley Co-Op. In addition, Keith was the owner of sprint car “Daniel DeHart” #5, for over 10 years. The car ranked as high as 7th in the world.
DeMello, Rosemarie Deceased (2021) - My earliest memories of school were at Hardwick Elementary where I attended the second grade. We lived in that area a short time then moved to the Laguna area were I attended Laguna Elementary School.
In September 1956, I started as a freshman at Laton High School. My entire high school years were fond memories as that was my social life due to my father being so strict. I was in the band for 2 years, pep girl during my junior year and a cheerleader during my senior year. I loved all the dances and games and being with my friends.
One of my favorite counselors was Jennings Brown, who often reminded me of a basketball game in which I made a basket from center court. Mr. Arakelian would always tease me in Spanish.
After graduating from high school, I attended 4C’s College for 1 year while living at the YWCA. I went to work at a local bank for the next 10 years. I got married in 1963 and had a son in 1971. I then moved to Fremont where I had a daughter in 1973 and worked at Lockheed for a few years. I moved to Bakersfield in 1975 then back to Fresno in 1976. I worked at an insurance agency for a short time then began my career with the State of California in 1977. I worked as the Executive Secretary at Caltrans for next 8 years then was promoted as an Administrative C.T. Assistant from which I retired in December 2005 after 28 years of service.
In June 2007, I went to five islands in the Azores (Terceira, Faial, Pico, Sao Miguel and Sao Jorge). Beautiful scenery, flowers and the Portuguese villagers were friendly but of course you already know that being from the Valley. You didn’t have to be able to speak Portuguese that well to communicate. While at Sao Jorge, I visited Our Lady of the Rosary Church my grandfather was baptized in 134 years earlier. Awesome! June 2010 I went on an 11-day cruise to the inside passage of Alaska via San Francisco
During those years while working in Fresno, I also attended some night classes at Fresno City College.
My 39-year old son, Brian, is engaged and my daughter, Karen, is 37 and has a 10-year old daughter, Khloe, who is my only grandchild.
Some of my hobbies are redoing my house to my liking, gardening, and tole painting.
I have been divorced for 33 wonderful years! Don’t get me wrong, I love men….. I am a cancer survivor after being diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2009. I am enjoying life to the fullest, remembering the past, planning for the future but living for today!!!
deVries, Dick - Deceased (2023) - In 1961 Dick married Kay Williams (Class of ’59) and they lived in the Hardwick area. They had 2 children, Steven and Kelley. They later moved to Laton then in 1995, they moved to Sprague River, Oregon and bought a cattle ranch. They now have 6 beautiful grandchildren and 4 adorable great-grandchildren.
Dunn, Patricia Vaughn - Deceased 2021
Durst, Durwood - Sierra Vista AZ - After high school, I joined the U.S. Navy and retired after a 30-year career. I then, went to work for the U.S. Postal Service where I retired after 10 years of service. Now I am a full-time RVer; enjoying life while traveling around with my best friend and significant other.
Durst, Glenn - Fresno CA - I attended college for three years after leaving Laton High School. I lived in Kingsburg for many years but about three years ago I moved to Fresno. I have worked as a farmer and a salesman.
I recently married Sue Berberick who works in banking. Between us, we have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy golfing.
Fitzgerald, Tim - Visalia CA
Fraley, David - Visalia CA - After graduating I attended COS in Visalia for two years. I graduated with an AA in accounting, but realized I didn't want to be confined to an office all day long. I attended Biola College in La Mirada the next year and pursued a major in social science. The following year I returned to the Valley to attend Fresno State. During the summer following I signed a contract to teach fourth grade at Laton Elementary and to coach JV football, freshmen basketball, and track and field at Laton High School. This began my 38 years of teaching and coaching. In the spring of 1965 I married Laura Friesen, a 1961 graduate of Immanuel High, who I first met while attending Biola. We both taught at Laton Elementary for the next two years and then I transferred to Island Union School District where I continued to teach and coach for the next 35 years retiring in June of 2002.
My wife, Laura, became a stay at home mom for the next 13 years to give full time to raising our four sons. She later became a nationally recognized book seller for Zondervan Books and later did equally well for the World Book Corporation servicing schools and home sales until she retired in 1998. All four of our sons graduated from college. Two of our sons are teachers and coaches, and two work for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. My oldest son Brian and my third son Darren followed my interest in pole vaulting by competing in high school and college. My second son, Kevin, and fourth son, Steven, continued their mother's and my interest in free throw shooting. Steven twice won the California State Championship and the Western Regional (five states) Championship averaging nearly 23 of 25 shots. As a result he twice competed nationally, and we as a family twice visited the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.
We are blessed with eight grandchildren, three boys and five girls. My oldest grandson, Kyle, who I now have the privilege of working with in pole vaulting as a volunteer coach at Lemoore High School, qualified for the state finals last spring at 15'3" as a junior. Hopefully he may achieve higher this next season. My wife and I enjoy all our grandchildren by attending soccer games, basketball games, water polo games, track and field meets as well as school plays, etc. Our youngest grandson, Joshua, has an early interest in swinging a golf club and connecting at age two.
After retirement from full time teaching, Laura and I are deeply involved in church work and activities. In addition to our grandchildren's activities, we travel approximately six to eight weeks a year throughout the continental states and Hawaii. I also enjoy playing golf with my sons and grandsons as an outlet from their competitive sports activities. And as to be expected, there is always plenty to do to keep up and maintain the home Laura and I have lived in for 41 1/2 years.
In conclusion I would like to reference my parents. I am thankful for the parents I had throughout my growing up years and into adulthood. Even though I grew up in a home of very modest means, I was blessed with the spiritual upbringing they provided for me and my siblings. I personally received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of seven. With my faith in Christ, I have had a confidence to endure the pressures of life that will certainly come our way throughout life and the assurance of eternal life.
Gamble, Roger Dean - Deceased (Sadly, Roger passed away shortly after writing this bio in 2010.)
My wife Bernice (Madruga) and I relocated to Arroyo Grande from San Antonio after I retired from the oil industry in 2000. We spend our time traveling in our motor home throughout the U.S., volunteering at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Pismo (where we occasionally see friends from The Valley) and enjoying the weather here at the coast.
Although most of my high school years were spent at Laton High, I graduated from Arvin High in Kern County. After working for a year, I returned to Laton in the fall of 1961. I worked in Hanford as a printer for approximately five years, during which time I met Bernice (at a Laton Rodeo Dance, no less!). We were married in Laton in 1963, settled down in Hanford and promptly had two children (Grant and Greg) and as typical young married people, struggled with making a living, paying bills and raising kids.
In 1966, I went to work at Beacon Oil Company Refinery in Hanford (known as Caminol Company at that time) where I spent the next 34 years with the company in various positions as it grew larger. In 1997, I was transferred to San Antonio, Texas where we spent over three years before retiring in 2000.
One of our sons lives in Williamsburg, Virginia and the other in Cave Creek, Arizona so we travel quite a bit.
Garcia, Ignacio Whereabouts are unknown
Garcia, Manuel - Deceased (2017)
Gauna, Angela - California - My high school graduation was one of the most exciting days of my life. On graduation night, my high school sweetheart, whom I had gone steady with my whole senior year, gave me an engagement ring and I happily accepted it. However, our engagement was broken many months later because he joined the Air Force and was gone for so long but he traveled the world and had a wonderful career. I met someone else and I married. We had 2 sons and lived a very happy suburban life in Hanford for many years. Our sons were growing up and things changed so we decided to get a divorce which ended our marriage and my life in Hanford.
While I was still at Laton High School, a Pacific Bell recruiter came to school and hired me, as well as, Verlene Cato, Pat Morris and Shirley Love to work as telephone operators in Hanford. We were sixteen and had driver’s licenses so we went to work happily after school. I continued working there after I graduated from high school. Little did I know that this decision was going to be a pivotal point in my life and it was going to lead to a life-long successful career. I used to day dream in Mr. Arakelian’s Journalism Class about becoming a journalist or a writer and my first job with Pacific Bell in San Francisco was as a technical writer. I was very happy and that job lead to so many more opportunities in the Procurement and Engineering fields.
My sons and I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years and I pursued my career and schooling with a passion. Living the Bay Area was great because it gave me the opportunity to attend the University of San Francisco, UC Berkeley, UC Hayward, Saint Mary’s College and many other colleges in Northern California.
I have been fortunate to accomplish many things in my life. Some of the biggest highlights in my career came from working at Pacific Bell and Verizon Wireless and being part of an engineering team that worked on early cellular and wireless technology. Imagine a world without wires was our motto and our goal. By now, with all my experience and diplomas and certificates from the best schools in the country, I was able to break the glass ceiling and was promoted and became one of the top negotiators and was traveling all over the US and was negotiating multi-million dollar deals. On my off hours from my job, I went to UC Berkeley and my Berkeley Professor and I negotiated to purchase a small publishing company in San Francisco and during my studies at Berkeley, I was hired by a Judge to be the editor of his new law book. During this busy time in my life, I am most proud of providing a good home environment for my sons and never missing any of their baseball games or football games. They gave me the greatest gift, all their love and support that I needed to be successful.
So here I was, a little country girl from Laton working in a huge office in the busy and thriving SF Financial District. I was living, working and going to the universities in the ‘big city’ and trying to take it all in and yes, sometimes it was overwhelming but my parents and the teachers at Laton High School had given me the confidence to do it all and I did do it all. I was so in Awe and so in Love with San Francisco and I still am and have many wonderful memories of my time there.
After working in engineering in the telecommunications industry for many years, I had a desire to give back to the community. I combined my love for technology and life-long learning and went back to school and earned teaching credentials and worked as a Computer Teacher. It was a labor of love for me to set up a computer lab in an inner school in the Bay Area and teaching young students, parents and teachers how to use technological tools such as computers and multimedia to enhance their learning experiences was the icing on the cake for me. I was a teacher for five years and I loved the work but trying to stretch a teacher’s salary was difficult so I went back to engineering in order to support my family.
I enjoy many things, but at the top of my list: Spending time with my sons, their wives, and my grandson and granddaughters and my brother and sister and their families gives me the greatest pleasure. Also, I enjoyed taking flying lessons when I was younger and now I’m learning to play golf.
I’m having the time of my life right now in my retirement and I am single and living my dream of traveling the world. I skied at Squaw Valley, I saw the glaciers in Alaska, shopped at the Famous Marketplace in Vancouver, snorkeled in St. Thomas, rode a camel in Tangiers, touched the Rock of Gibraltar, had champagne in Paris, leaned on the leaning Tower of Pisa, found my roots in Spain and led a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and recently stayed in a convent while visiting the Vatican. So, I have the opportunity now to do things that I had always thought as frivolous such as taking a vacation but today I can see that it is okay not to have to work 10-12 hours a day and am spending more time with my family and friends and traveling.
Gillam, Betty Dillon - Deceased (2017)
Gomes, Doris Blevins - Salinas CA - Shortly after graduating from Laton High School I moved to Salinas, California where I have lived for the past 50 years. I married Oscar Blevins who later passed away. I had 3 sons who gave me 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons. I have worked as a clerk and shipping dispatcher for many years but, in my spare time, I enjoy reading and traveling. My favorite memories of Laton High School were the ballgames, dances and the trip to Catalina.
Hall, Bobby Jim - Hanford CA - After graduating from Laton High School, I went to work in Laton as a mechanic and welder for Hughes Garage. After a few years, I went to work for Britz Chemical Company and worked there until I became a Deputy Constable for Fresno County working in the Laton, Five Points and Riverdale areas.
In 1964, I was drafted into the U.S. Army where I was trained in Nuclear Missiles. On completion of my tour of duty, I returned to Laton where I was hired by the California Department of Forestry, working out of Sanger and Reedley.
After a year, I left CDF and was hired by the Dinuba Police Department where I stayed for the next 25 years. While in Dinuba I was promoted to Sergeant and held that rank for 21 years. I also graduated from Reedley College with an AS Degree in Police Science and from Fresno City College obtaining a Life-Time Vocational Teacher’s Credential in Police Science. I taught at Reedley College for two years and Kingsburg High School and while working at the high school I taught Police Community Relations. I retired from the Dinuba Police Department in 1991 after having a heart attack at the age of 50. I’m married to Patricia and have two children. My daughter works for IRS and my son has been a deputy sheriff for Tulare County for the past 16 years.
Hall, Vera Betts - Deceased (2018)
Hamblin, Anita Lyons - Visalia CA
Hanse, David - Hanford - Deceased (2021)
Henson, Leah Korff - Deceased (2014)
Heuseveldt, Melvin - Cordova TN
Hill, Glenda - Kremmling CO
Irwin, Thomas Boyd - Bothell WA
Kandarian, Norman - Deceased (2023) - I attend Fresno State following graduation from Laton High School. I married Carol Ann Vucovich and we have 4 children and 4 grandchildren. We have lived in Fresno for the past 50 years where I work as a Title Examiner.
Lee, Marilyn - Deceased (2010)
Marquez, Della Rico - Paso Robles CA
Martin, Brenda Murray - Hanford CA
McCutcheon, Paula Dragoo - Fresno CA - Upon graduating from Laton High, I married my high school sweetheart, Bill Dragoo. We will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this coming February and live in Fresno.
I went back to school and became a Registered Nurse. I worked and retired from Valley Medical Center after 10 years. Bill retired from the City of Fresno Police Department as a Commander after 30 years of service. He also retired as a Lecturer at Fresno State.
We have two sons, Eric, who is a police detective for the San Jose City Police Department, and Mark, who is a firefighter for the City of Fresno. We have 3 grandsons, Adam 7, Wyatt 4, and Ronin 2.
We spend our summers at our mountain home in Tahoe. We enjoy traveling; we went to Germany, Holland, France & Switzerland last year and just returned from Italy and Malta this year. We are looking forward to more traveling and having fun in our retirement.
We have had a great life.
McKnight, Thomas - Amarillo TX
Mendes, Anthony - Kingsburg CA - I am married to Gloria (Gonzales) and we live in Kingburg. Gloria is a retired school teacher from the Selma Unified School District. We have three children; Kimberly, a first grade teacher in Kingsburg, Melanie, a student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Matthew, a Television News Reporter for the NBC affiliate, Channel 3 in Eureka, California
In 1964, I was drafted into the Army and spent one year in South Vietnam and was discharged in 1966. I worked for a while for Security Pacific Bank in Visalia.
I graduated from Reedley College and attended Fresno State. I retired after being employed for 32 years by Kingsburg High School District as Maintenance/Bus Driver.
I have fond memories of many of the teachers. One that really stands out was Mrs. June Allen. Being from Grant School with four grades in one classroom, my math skills were not the best. Mrs. Allen worked with me through the whole ordeal.
Currently, I am the State President for the IDES, Portuguese Fraternal organization with the headquarters in San Leandro. We have councils from Eureka, to San Diego and in Nevada. I have to make a visit to each council at least once during my term. My term ends in November.
Menezes, Frank – Deceased (2001)
Miller, Donella Reeves - Livingston CA
Miller, Michael - Deceased (2008)
Morris, Pat Parks - Sarnia Ontario, Canada
Murphy, Tom - Deceased
Nash, Wayne - Selma CA
O’Daniel, John – Deceased (2007)
Pando, Florinda Montoya - Hanford CA - After graduation I spent a lazy summer then in October I went to work at AT&T. I married Dalton Greenwalt who was a rancher, Fiber Optic Engineer and he also owned a small Construction Company. Dalton passed away in 2003.
Through the years with AT&T, I have worked as a supervisor, a training supervisor and an engineer. Now that I’m retired, I enjoy reading, teaching and people. I love animals and I’m having a good life.
I enjoyed just about everything in high school but mostly the unity among students.
Pando, Ida Greenwalt - Tulare CA - After leaving Laton High School I married Fred Montoya and we have lived in Hanford for the past 50 years. My husband is a retired butcher. We have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and in my spare time I enjoy sewing.
Looking back at my years at Laton High, my favorite memories would have to be the music and the kids.
Patee, Betty Cotta - Hanford CA - When asked what I did after leaving Laton High School, the only thing I could think of was ‘EVERYTHING’. I married Joe Cotta (Class of ‘58) and we have lived in Hanford and San Jose but now live in Laton. I worked at Sears for about 5 years then Community Hospital as the secretary on a ward for about 5 years. I later went to work for NAS Lemoore as a bookkeeper for 3 years. I eventually worked as a medical assistant and bookkeeper for a local doctor.
When I finally retired, I raised my boys while I worked on the ranch. During these years I was also was one of the first women to be a California pest control adviser. Early in our life, Joe worked for Turner Seed Mill. We later had our own company, Best Western Ag, where I was the bookkeeper. Joe has worked at Laton Co-op for the last 30 years.
We have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and I enjoy painting and sewing during my spare time. My favorite memories from school were the proms and the Art Classes with Mrs. Arakelian.
Perry, Gerry Hurlbut - Laton CA - I married Bob Hurlbut from the class of 1958 but we later divorced. I have lived in Laton for the past 50 years. We had 3 children and now have 6 granddaughters, 1 grandson and 1 great-grandson. I have worked as a healthcare provider and a farmer but now I spend my leisure time decorating and traveling.
Reeves, Lloyd - Warrenton, MO - After graduating in 1960 I moved to LA and went to work in the General Motors plant in South Gate, CA. I married Velma Berberia, (1962 class) one of the twins. We have 3 boys; Paul who is married with 3 girls Crystal (26) Tina (24) and Katie (21)and lives here in St. Paul, MO. Darrel is married with a boy Corey (17) and a girl Anna (13) and lives in St. Paul also. Daniel is married and lives in Highhill, Missouri which is about 40 miles to the west of us, and he has a boy Bryce (6) and a girl Ashlynn (4).
In 1980 I spent a hitch in Mexico working for GM at a new plant there and in 1982 I was transferred to Wentzville, MO after our plant in South Gate closed. I retired in Jan 1993 from GM. While working for GM I joined the O'Fallon Police Reserves, worked there part time from 1982 til 1995 then retired as Captain of the unit. Opened a computer shop in 1994 and also taught computers at the local community college for several years. In 1997 I returned to the police department full time as Director of Administration Management and designed a new computer system for the City of O'Fallon and the Police department. I retired in March of 2005.
I was elected Mayor of St. Paul where I live in 1997 for 2 years and then I ran again in 2007 after retiring from O'Fallon and got elected again and that is pretty much what I am doing to stay busy. We also have a place just west of Warrenton, MO close to Daniel, our youngest son. This is where we spend a lot of time watching the animals in the woods and feeding the humming birds from May into October. We have 6 feeders, 3 quart size and 3 pint size and during the busy part of the summer these are filled everyday. We have 51 acres of woods and a small pond. I would like to build a much larger lake just for the fun of having it. My adopted Missouri mom has a large lake right next to us and the boys and grandkids fish there a lot.
I enjoy politics, computers, hunting, taking pictures, and country music. Velma is also retired and babysits Daniel’s kids a couple of times a week when we are around. I spend a few days a week in City Hall doing things that come up in a small city, mostly working on the four computers and printers, keeping them running smoothly. Someday, if I am re-elected in April 2011, I plan on setting up a small network so the files and printers can all be shared. Also, I plan on making some changes to our web site, such things as putting all ordinances on line and adding the voter’s database for our city, online. I would like to purchase some property for a park to build a few ball fields, but property here is still too expensive for our small town budget.
That’s about it for me since Laton High School.
Rutherford, Nolan - Fresno CA - After leaving Laton High School I got a job at Midland Cold Storage where I am still working as a plant manager. At this time I am semi-retired. I am married to Cheryl who is an Administrative Assistant and we live in Fresno. I have four children and eight grandchildren.
I enjoy woodworking and I’m a collector of antique farm equipment.
Tom Van Groningen was my favorite teacher.
Sanders, Lonnie - Deceased (Sadly, Lonnie passed away shortly after he wrote this bio in 2010) - After I left Laton High School and entered the ‘real world’ I got a job driving truck. I married Gloria and we moved to Hanford where we have lived for the past 50 years. Gloria is a Registered Nurse. We have four children and 7 grandchildren. My favorite hobbies are golf and fishing.
My best memory of Laton High School was “gettin’ out”. Mr. Dodson was my favorite teacher as he was easy to get along with.
Silva, Ronald - Squaw Valley CA
Smith, Phyllis Deceased (2019)
Stewart, Trudy Duyst - Fresno CA - After graduation from Laton High School, I went to Fresno State, married Bob Duyst and received a B.A. in Elementary Education. Bob and I have lived in Fresno for 47 years and taught in Fresno Unified at various elementary schools. I retired in 2000 after 30 years of teaching mostly 1st grade.
We have 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy, who have followed in our footsteps as educators. We have 9 grandchildren who ranger in age from 8 – 24.
Reading is still one of my favorite hobbies. I volunteer 3 days a week at a branch of the Fresno County Library, as well as lead, a women’s Bible Study at our church. We still own the property where I grew up in the Laton area.
Sutphin, Dale - Deceased (2023)
Vink, Arnold John - Deceased (1994) - Arnold lived in Lima, Peru for 16 years, doing mining construction work in the tin, copper and gold fields. His family considered him “an Indiana Jones type of guy” who first went to Peru as a deep-sea diver for an oil company, then running lines in the Amazon River.
Walker, Sharon - Whereabouts unknown
Warmerdam, Aggie Webb - Hanford CA
Warmerdam, Ann Badasci - Lemoore CA
Warmerdam, Jeanne Carais - Deceased (2020)
Weaver, Cora Boyd - Natchez MS
Winslow, Rollin - Milpitas CA