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I’ve lived in a number of towns after leaving Phillips, but primarily we
raised our family in Odessa and Wichita Falls. I received my Bachelor’s
degree from West Texas A & M and earned my Master’s from S. W. Oklahoma
State. Most of my work years, twenty-seven, were spent with State Farm
Insurance, nine years as an agent and eighteen in management. Upon
retirement we moved to Canyon.
Growing up in Phillips impacted my life in many ways. The
community and school empowered me to think I could be successful with any
endeavor I chose. I remember getting on the wrong side of Mr. Hayes and
Mr. Kimmins a few times, and they convinced me my attitude needed to
improve. Their “counseling” changed my behavior for the better.
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One lasting memory of my junior year. The Blackhawks played Lawton High at
their place. The team suited out in a “dungeon” under their old stadium.
The temperature was 60 degrees below zero . . . well, maybe not that cold,
but it felt like it. I have managed to keep in touch with Ken Hunt, Ray
Robbins, Martha Kirkpatrick Smith, and Delmar Baldwin. These classmates
had a positive influence on me. Each was a good role model.
Lastly, I have a great family, Liz, my wife of forty-two years
and daughters Brook and Blythe. Brook, our younger daughter, received her
Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and her Master’s from
Ole Miss. Blythe, the older, is a graduate of Baylor University and the
mother of our only grandchild, Chloe. She will be in the first grade next
year. One last comment . . . Chloe is smarter than “all” of us. |
