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The East High Alumni Page presents:

The East High Class of 1955
East High School, Memphis, Tennessee
Class Reunion Information-click here Class Classics - class specific memories and pictures

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Robert Blumer [last updated February, 2008]
I retired as a Colonel after 20 years in the Army Medical Corps, then in September '07 retired from the practice of medicine after 44 years. Married to Nancy Haynes ('58) for 46 years. Have three daughters, 3 granddaughters and 6 grandsons. Still snow ski, hunt, camp, and whitewater canoe.

Kay Booker [last updated April, 2001]
I graduated with the Class of 1955 and attended the University of Tennessee and came home to marry Bill Fritts in 1959 and then we moved to Philadelphia, PA where my husband worked for the National Toddle House Corp. We transferred to Baltimore, MD, then to Tampa, FL then to Miami, FL and last to Tallahassee, FL where we raised three children. Chuck Fritts was born in Baltimore in 1960 and lives in Atlantic Beach, FL and is associated with Reynolds, Smith and Hill Architect Firm. David Fritts was born in Baltimore in 1964 lives in Tallahassee and is the Receiving Manager at Winn Dixie Market Place. Debbie Fritts Nable was born in Baltimore in 1967 and works for the State Courts System and lives in Tallahassee as well. My husband of 28 1/2 years passed away in 1988. I worked for Florida State Government for 23 1/2 years and retired in May 2000. Now I'm still busy and enjoying two grandchildren. One is in Tallahassee and the other in Atlantic Beach and another is on the way in October, so I'll be trotting back and forth to Atlantic Beach. Hurry and get a reunion started!

Tom Bond
Deceased. An obituary is available. Click here to read the obituary.

Shirley Ann Cannon
Reported deceased.*

Claude O. Cockrell, Jr. [last updated June, 2001]
Went to East for three years and finished in 55. Later to Memphis State 1 semester and on to Univ of Miami (FL). Enjoyed my years there and still have fond memories of several things that happened . Have been in business for myself and have several business interests. Live in Nashville, and still working with international interests. Divorced, 1 grand child 2. Hard to realize that East is so far away and long ago. See it every once in a while, when in town. Very good to read about all of us.

Phil Cottam - Deceased. An obituary is available.
Click here to read the obituary.

Jim Davis
Reported deceased.*

Marne Davis [last updated May, 2004]
After graduating from East High School, I attended Vanderbilt University. While at Vanderbilt I met my husband , Dewey C. Whitenton, who attended undergraduate school and law school there. We both graduated in 1959. We were married in 1960 and have lived our entire married life in Bolivar, TN. Dewey has been a Chancery Court Judge, 25th Judicial Division, Part 1, for the State of Tennessee since 1976. We have three children: 1) Carol, our oldest, works for 1st TN Bank in Memphis. 2) David, is president of Bancorp South Bank in Somerville, TN. 3) Joel, our youngest, is a Baptist Minister in Robertson Co., TN. Perhaps a high point in our family life was in 1981, when at age 12, Chip Orr came to live with us. He is now the Principal of LeNoir City Middle School. Counting Chip’s son, we have 6 grandchildren. Besides being a mother and housewife, I served on a local Bank Board for 12 years and have been a Board Member of Bolivar Electric since 1985. For relaxation, Dewey and I love to travel!

David Derksen [last updated February 2008]
I left Memphis after graduation and headed "West young man". Earned an Engineering degree at New Mexico State University and Masters in biz management at The U of Santa Clara in California. Worked for Kaiser, Bourns and Beckman and had my fun with "Corporate America". Involved in application engineering and sales management with electronic components. Started 4-Star Electronics Inc in 1988 which grew to a $10 million business. We operate primarily in CA and AZ. Expanded into NM in 2005 and moved to Las Cruces (just north of El Paso,TX) Sort of "semi-retired" at this point.
Married to Lynn Derksen a Mary Kay Cosmetics Director. Have 3 sons living in CA - one married, 2 grand sons, one getting married this year, and one Playboy.
For fun we hike in the mountains, ski and I design and build or flip houses for a hobby - 40 so far!
Our get away homes, away from home, are in HI and Fl.
My folks relocated to Stone Mtn, GA while I was at NMSU. Haven't been back to Memphis since. Missed the "reunion" because I was in the middle of moving to NM

Marilyn Lee Drake
Reported deceased.*

Frank Edwards [last updated September, 2004] [E-mail address updated December, 2007]
Just came through Charley (Friday the 13th.), with my two pups in the bathroom. I lost a lot but am grateful to God that we are alive and well. Can't keep a Mustang down Charley!

Pat Goins
Reported deceased.*

Billy Grisso - Deceased. An obituary is available.
Click here to read the obituary.

Kay Haglin - Deceased. An obituary is available.
Click here to read the obituary.

Bill Hanna
Reported deceased.*

Sara Hamer [last updated January, 2008]
In May of 1955, after graduating from East High, I entered Memphis State College. I married Jim Chumney (East High Class of 1953) in 1957. We lived in Texas while he served as an officer in the Air Force and later earned his Ph.D. at Rice University. In 1965 we moved back to Memphis for Jim to join the History faculty at University of Memphis as a professor of Southern American History. We were blessed with three daughters--two are attorneys and one is a teacher--and five grandchildren. I worked in accounting for Shelby County Government fourteen years until retirement. Over seventeen years I helped our daughter, Carol, by serving as Treasurer for her political campaigns to elect her as a State Representative and Memphis City Councilwoman. On June 2, 2007 Jim and I joyously celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary! Presently I am involved in a family history project and enjoying our grandchildren.

Tom Hartzog - Deceased. An obituary is available.
Click here to read the obituary.

Gene Hirsh
Reported deceased.*

Margaret Colleen Hollie
Reported deceased.*

Margie Ann Hood
Reported deceased.*

Bobby Houston
Reported deceased.*

Richard Wellington Hussey
Reported deceased.*

Charlie Joe Kochenderfer
Reported deceased.*

Janet Kraemer [last update February, 2008]
My husband, being in the Army, moved with me and our 4 sons around the country and infected me with the travel bug. When my 20 yr. marriage broke up in '75, I started college & graduated with a BBA from Memphis State U in 1980. My degree got me a job as Advertising Mgr. in Memphis and after 5 yrs. quit that. I owned the Pancake Shop on Summer for 3 yrs. Then I bought the old Rebel Drive-In on Macon Rd. & ran it for 10 yrs. When that sold I retired and went back to traveling. My favorite way to see this beautiful country is to work at the National Parks for a season & really get to know the surrounding area. Now my youngest son & his wife have a baby due. This precious one is now consuming my life. I am in the process of relocating to Arlington, TX.

Wylma Louise Land
Reported deceased.*

Gerald Allan Ledbetter [updated October, 1997]
Living in Hoover, Alabama and retired from BellSouth in 1994. Working 1/2-time in New York City as a volunteer of the Communications Society of IEEE. I have a wife (Toni Wilson), 3 kids (Andy, Kristi, Jill) and 6 grandkids (another one coming).
I wish I could see more of my 1955 students. We only had one reunion, and I missed it.

Arthur B. Malkin Jr ("Tim") [last updated February, 2004]
Married Lee Harmel Malkin EHS class of 1962
Children:
    Amy Malkin Filderman
    Laura Malkin Tanenbaum
    Arthur S Malki
Grandchildren 8 (ages 3 to 9)
graduated Cornell University in 1959 with a BS in Agricultural Ecomomics
Owner and operator - Malkin Farms
Shelby County Agricenter Commissioner - 23 years Leadership Memphis - Class of 1985
Past President and Trustee - Temple Israel, Memphis TN
Past President and Trustee - Memphis Jewish Federation
Past President - Dixie Homes Boys and Girls Club
Central Board Member - Boys and Girls Club of Memphis
Past Board Chair and Board Member - NCCJ (National Conference of Community and Justice)
Past Trustee - Union of Reform Congrations
Past Trustee - Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati,OH
Vice President - Malkin Management and Investment Co MMIC Inc.

John Lee McWhorter ("Mac")
Reported deceased.*

Louise Ava Munson
Reported deceased.*

Irene "Renee" Orloff [last updated July, 1998]
I married Nick Felice, my high school sweetheart. On July 13, 1998 we will be celebrating our 40th Anniversary. Nick is retired now and we have three children: Nick (38) Mark (37) and Kathryn (28).
I would love to hear from any of my old classmates.

Charlotte Ann Pfeiffenberger
Reported deceased.*

Bob Ritter
Reported deceased.*

Jim (Russ) Russell [last updated May, 2005]
From East High to Univ. of Tennessee to Univ. of Southern Illinois, and Northwood Institute. Served my time in the Army and the rest of it working for Oldsmobile Division and then with General Motors Corporation. Later In life my Wife June and I operated a large stained glass store in Cincinnati. At present we are retired and living on a golf course in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. We have 2 children living in Dallas: Jim born 1967 and Jennifer born 1969. Jennifer is married with 2 children and working for Fidelity Investments. My Email is

Rose Louise Sawyer
Reported deceased.*

Joseph Shearer (Joe) [last updated August, 2003]
Jean and I have retired and still live in Bartlett Tennessee. We now have a total of nine grandchildren, four boys and five girls.

Jane Stidham
Reported deceased.*
Pelda Stringer [last updated December, 2004]
Pel Stringer of Tulsa, OK. won a total of 93 medals (44 gold, 30 silver, 19 bronze) in 2004 Oklahoma Senior Games. This includes 26 medals (8 gold, 11 silver, 7 bronze in the 9 day Oklahoma Senior Olympics in Tulsa Sept. 21-29. Other games were at Oklahoma City, Bartlesville, Stillwater, Moore (Sooner State Games),
The 35 different events competed in during the year and were: Basketball (3 on 3, Free Throw, 3 Point); Field Events: (Discus, Javelin, High Jump, Long Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Hammer Throw, Weight Throw, Super Weight Throw); Lawn Bowling; Literary Art & Photography; Pickleball (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles); Pool (8 Ball & Snooker); Shuffleboard (Singles & Doubles); Swimming (50m Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle); Tennis (Singles & Doubles); Weightlifting: (Arm Curl, Bench Press, Dead Lift).
“I consider this athletic accomplishment a great display of the providence of God for me, which probably, will never be repeated by me. To God Be The Glory.” Pel Stringer
Linda Stringer won a total of 13 medals (9 Gold; 3 Silver; 1 Bronze) for the year in 3 separate Senior Games. Medals were awarded in 9 different events for the year: discus, high jump, shot put, lawn bowling, shuffleboard (doubles), pool (8 Ball), poetry, and photography. This includes 5 medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze) from the Oklahoma Senior Olympics Sept. 21-29. Linda won a 5th place ribbon at Nationals in High Jump in 1997. But, She did her personal best in the High Jump this September ‘04. She will High Jump at Nationals in 2005. Pel will compete in 3 on 3 Basketball, and both will do Shuffleboard.
Medals are only awarded for 1st 2nd and 3rd place. You must medal in 1st or 2nd place to qualify for the National Senior Games and the State Games of America held every 2 years. 2004 was the qualifying year for Nationals to be held in 2005. Approximately 700 seniors participated in the OSO games in Tulsa Sept. 21-29. This includes some from out of state. Senior Olympics are for seniors 50 years old and over. USA Track & Field is open to all ages. USA Track & Field Masters is for 30 years old and over. Sooner State Games are open to all ages. Seniors always compete in age divisions of 5 years (i.e. 65-69). Senior Games are held in every State.
Other than competing in Senior Olympics, I am president of Stringer Nursery Inc., teach theology at Bethel Baptist Church in Owasso, Oklahoma, write Christian literature on a non-professional level. I am supported by his wife, daughter, 3 grandchildren, and my father, who is 91, and has won many Senior Olympic medals when he was in his 80s. My father was one of the well known Stringer Brothers of the Stringer Brothers Nurseries of Memphis.”

Web: http://members.aol.com/pstrin3778/reformed.html

Shirley Ann Smith
Reported deceased.*

Joan Thompson ("Jody")
Reported deceased.*

Charles Upchurch - Deceased. An obituary is available.
Click here to read the obituary.

John Vookles [last updated February, 2008]
New Memphis address : 1732 Peach Ave. 38112    phone: 725-1177
Also in Glenville ( near Cashiers ) NC 28736   PO Box 263   phone: 828-743-0345 Calls from classmates always welcome.

Johnny Walker
Reported deceased.*

Harry Walton [last updated August, 2003]
After East High I graduated in Landscape Architecture at University of Georgia. Married Sally Madison of (White Station HS)Memphis and then served 2 years as a Lt. in the U. S. Army Artillery. We have 2 children, Mimi Davis and Philip Walton, and have 4 grandchildren. We are retired. I retired from the Corps of Engineers and Sally from the Arthritis Foundation. We enjoy the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing, are active in the Raymond United Methodist Church and other volunteer activities. For the past few years we have really enjoyed camping and fly fishing in northern Arkansas. Family and friends are very important in our lives.

Ernestine Zemp ("Ernie")
Reported deceased.*


OTHERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLASS OF 1955
People who attended East with the class of 1955 but were not graduated from East.

Johnny Doggett [posted April 24, 2008]
Deceased. An obituary is available. Click here to read the obituary.

Tex Sullivan [last updated January, 2008]
Retired to a small ranch in the hill country of Texas. Retired from Alaska as a teacher and Episcopal Priest. Fill in for Episcopal Churches in the area. Finished high school at CMA in 1955. Graduated from SMU in business, U. of Wyoming in Ed., and Drury University with a Masters in Ed. Finished Hunter Hall School for Minstry (now closed) and was ordained in Wyoming. Most of my work was with Native Americans in Wyoming and Alaska. Have two children in Austin, TX and two grandchildren.
My memories of East are amoung the finest. What fun!! If you are thru our country call: (254)471-3106

 



Footnote

* Entries with the "reported deceased" designation indicate a reunion committee or other persons believed closely associated with the class have indicated they have information they believe quite reliable about the death of the individual so designated. The East High Alumni Page has not received sufficient documentation to verify the information and therefore does not confirm the death or that the individual who died is the one of the same name who attended East High School. Such reports without confirmation should be taken with a degree of skepticism. Anyone with documentation to confirm the report or with information to refute the report is strongly encouraged to contact the editor of The East High Alumni Page at editor@EastHigh.org promptly. Please see our obituary policy.

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