Submitted

The Rockwell High School Class of 1959 celebrated its 60th Reunion on Saturday evening, September 28, 2019 at the Fellowship Hall of Organ Lutheran Church, Rockwell. There were 44 persons in attendance, of whom 26 were classmates. The Fellowship Hall was decorated with yellow potted mums placed on white tablecloths with green ribbon streamers in recognition of the class colors of green and white. Classmate Christine Bame Graham was in charge of decorations and she and her husband, Bob, also donated green pens which each class member found at their place.

As the sports teams at Rockwell High School were known as the “Rockets”, Ann Brown Miller prepared a Rockwell “Rocket” Anniversary cake which added greatly to the decorations and was later cut and enjoyed by all classmates. She had also prepared refreshments which were enjoyed as classmates arrived.

Sybil Penninger Baker, reunion chair person, welcomed the group, after which Rev. David Huddle gave the invocation and dinner blessing. A delicious buffet dinner prepared by Debbie Suggs Catering was served.

Following dinner, Carolyn Cauble Hartung, Sandra Beaver Mills and R. L. Mills honored our 25 deceased classmates with a lovely candlelight memorial service. Iris Shipton, wife of recently deceased classmate, Larry Shipton, was present and given a floral arrangement from the memorial table.

Nine classmates served their country with military service. These classmates were recognized by Joe Freeze and the 5 living members present each gave a brief statement regarding their service time. They are: R.L. Mills, John N. Trexler, LeeRoy Kirk, Robert Goodman, Eugene Wagoner. The four deceased classmates with military service included: Jimmy Shaver, Shirley Shuping Rogers, Marvin Brown, Byron White.

John N. Trexler presented a brief program on the history of Organ Lutheran Church and the first school in NC which had been established there in the 1700’s. This school was located only feet from where we were meeting on this date, as we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of our class being the last class to graduate from Rockwell High School in 1959, prior to consolidation.

Door prizes contributed by classmates were awarded. All present agreed to meet again next year, September 26, 2020.

A historical booklet, honoring the 60th Anniversary, had been prepared by members of the Planning Committee, assisted by Carroll Cooke, husband of classmate, Brenda Heglar Cooke. These booklets were given to each classmate present and mailed to those unable to attend.

Members of the Reunion Planning Committee include: Sybil Penninger Baker, Christine Bame Graham, Ann Brown Miller, Carolyn Cauble Hartung, Joe Freeze, Brenda Heglar Cooke, R.L. and Sandra Beaver Mills.

Those attending the reunion were: from Rockwell — Mickey Holshouser (Nancy), Pat Holshouser Beliveau (George), Brenda Heglar Cooke (Carroll), Ann Brown Miller (Clarence), Anis Maners Boyd.

from Salisbury — R.L. and Sandra Beaver Mills, Joe Freeze (Phyllis), Eugene Wagoner (Sadie), Robert Goodman, Betty Sue Petrea Sifford (Jimmy), Wayne Goodman, Charles Earnhardt, Jerry Morgan (Mary), Ellen Ludwick Marsh (sister, Susie Wilson), Carolyn Cauble Hartung, Sybil Penninger Baker (Bill), Robert Efird (Linda), Iris Shipton.

from Richfield — LeeRoy Kirk (Jeannie), Larry Morgan (LouEtta)

from Indian Trail — John N. Trexler (Ruth)

from New Bern — Loy Morgan

from Kannapolis — Gaynell Galloway Funderburk

from Greensboro — Christine Bame Graham (Bob)

from Lexington — David Huddle (Pat)

from Brighton, MI — Mary Ida Hodge Yost (Carl)