University High School

Bloomington, Indiana

Class of 1952

'52 Contacts Margaret Olson    Don Donham
Tom Trotter
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16 Mar 2024 With the help of the recently released 1950 Census data, we find that the following members of the Class of 1953 have died:
Tracy Alexander Thomas, April 30, 2012; he was at UHS in 6th through 10th grades.
Evalin Rose White Martin Kinner, April 17, 2013; kindergarten only.
04 Jan 2024 Frank Richard "Dick" Fender died December 24, 2023, in Bloomington. A Find-A-Grave page has been created, but the photo & obituary will not be visible for 3 months.
7 Sep 2023 William J "Bill" Franzmann, whom we all remember as a disk jockey for WTTS radio and WTTV-FM, died September 4, 2023, in Bloomington. There is a photo and obituary on his Find-A-Grave page.
13 Jun 2023 William Edward "Wigs" Wilson, III, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, died April 18, 2023. An obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
03 Dec 2022 Lauretta Fern Gray Bingham-Cox died in Bloomington on November 30, 2022. A photo and obituary are on her Find-A-Grave page.
12 Jan 2022 John Gregory "Greg" Devejian, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died on January 9, 2022. A photo and obituary are on his Find-A-Grave page.
05 Mar 2021 Gene Keith Davis died in Bloomington on February 26, 2021. He was at University School in 6th, 7th, & 8th grades with the Class of '52, then went on to graduate from BHS in 1953. An obituary and photo are on his Find-A-Grave page.
07 Dec 2020 Janet Sue Patterson Parrott died in Bloomington on December 3, 2020. She is pictured in her 7th grade Jordannus only, and graduated from BHS. An obituary and photo are on her Find-A-Grave page.
14 Sep 2020 Ralph Jennings "Ditto" Nelson II died September 30, 2019. An obituary and photo are on his Find-A-Grave page.
12 Aug 2020 Henry Timothy "Tim" Wininger died in Bloomington on August 8, 2020. An obituary and photo are on his Find-A-Grave page.
05 May 2020 From the obituary of his brother Lew '51, we learn that Phillip Raworth Spangler died, April 12, 2018, in Panama City, Florida.
04 Jul 2019 We find that Joseph Edward "Joe" Kent died in Bloomington on October 7, 2014. He is in the '48 through '50 Jordannuses, with the Classes of '51 & '52. An obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
29 Mar 2019 Theodore "Ted" Moorman died on March 28, 2019.
09 Feb 2019 Scans of the Senior Class and underclass photo pages are now available, from the Jordannus in the Monroe County Library.
18 Nov 2018 Judith Ann "Judy" Krentler Andrews died in Bloomington on November 13, 2018. An obituary is on her Find-A-Grave page.
3 July 2018 Laura Mae Deckard Harding of Ellettsville died May 27, 2018. An obituary is on her Find-A-Grave page.
25 Apr 2018 From an extensive search of Ancestry.com data, we find that the following members of the Class of '52 have died. If anyone knows otherwise, or has any more information, please let Dave Gray '65 know.
Alpha Dean Barger Black, of Brownstown, Indiana, on March 2, 2002. An obituary is on her Find-A-Grave page.
John Stanley Crider, Jr, of Georgetown, Idaho, on March 19, 1973. A brief obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
Mary June Deckard Newton, of Bloomington, on May 27, 2016. Her Find-A-Grave page has very little information.
Betty Lou Fultz Beth, of Derby, Kansas, on December 19, 2009.
Janice Elizabeth Heyer Olsen, of Indianapolis, on July 17, 1990. She has a Find-A-Grave page, but no obituary.
Jack Harold Hubbard, of Lebanon, Indiana, on August 31, 2001. He has a Find-A-Grave page, but no obituary.
Donna Kay Pless Stewart Roth Verbosky, of Indianapolis, on August 13, 2014. An obituary is on her Find-A-Grave page.
Jerry D Robertson, of Jamestown, Tennessee, on March 15, 1998. An obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
22 Mar 2018 I used the Commemcement Program to add middle names for many Class members. If there is an error in your name, please let me know. Dave Gray '65
22 Mar 2018 From an extensive search of the Social Security Death Index and Find-A-Grave, the following members of the Class of '52 have died.
Orval L Butcher, of Bloomington, on June 21, 2003. An obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
Jack James Fleetwood, of Bloomington, on October 28, 2009. An obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
Larry K Galyan, of Bloomington, on February 24, 1995. I will see about adding the obituary to his Find-A-Grave page.
Glodene Grubb Hamm, of Bloomington, on December 22, 2000. I will see about adding the obituary to her Find-A-Grave page.
Peggy Lea Harden Chaudion, of Arcadia, Indiana, on December 2, 2017. An obituary is on her Find-A-Grave page.
Patricia J Montgomery, of Bloomington, on November 5, 1985. An obituary is on her Find-A-Grave page.
Bob Jack "Bobby" Mull, of Seymour, Indiana, on February 20 2009. An obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
Bonnie L Mullis Owens, of Bloomington, May 10, 2012. An obituary is on her Find-A-Grave page.
Roalf L "Bud" Turley, of Golden, Colorado, on October 16, 2009.
Carl Burton Waldrip, of Englewood, Florida, on April 23, 2004. An obituary is on his Find-A-Grave page.
And there is some evidence that the following have died:
John Crider (according to the SSDI, a John Crider, born Dec 20 1933 died Mar 1973; his Social Security Number was issued in Indiana)
Jack Hubbard (according to the SSDI, a Jack H Hubbard, of Lebanon, Indiana, born June 5 1934 died Aug 31 2001; his SSN was issued in Indiana)
If anyone has more information, please contact me. Dave Gray '65
7/1/11 Frank D. Pruett, of Carmel, formerly of Bloomington, passed away at his home on June 29, 2011, surrounded by his family. Frank graduated from University High School in 1952 and received his undergraduate and Master's degrees from Indiana University. Following his graduation from IU he moved to Midland, Texas where he began his career with Chevron Corporation. Frank's service with Chevron as Exploration Manager of Chevron Overseas Petroleum moved him to Texas, Oklahoma and California. Upon retirement from Chevron, Frank returned to Bloomington and began fulfilling his vision of developing a unique neighborhood for Bloomington residents to call home. This dream culminated in the development of Lanam Ridgeview Estates.
Frank was an avid fan of Indiana University in all forms (not just basketball). His dear friends in California often accused him of being a secret recruiter for IU because of his passionate talk about the University. Frank was also an avid outdoorsman who loved any chance to spend his time in nature.
Frank is survived by his wife, Shirley (Hankins) Pruett; his children Greg (Nancy), James Bradley, Barry (Amanda) and Penny; seven grandchildren; his brothers John (Pat) Pruett andCharles (UHS '46) (Edna) Pruett; his beloved in-law family; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials for Frank be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or to the IU Foundation to benefit the geology department.
9/8/10 The class of '52 is getting together informally for lunch on September 20 at 1pm at the The Uptown Cafe, 102 E Kirkwood Ave (just east of the square - in the back room). As of 9/8 about 15 people have signed on. Contact Tom Trotter or Bill Franzmann if you'd like to join us - or just stop by on the 20th and say hello!
5/1/09 Caryl Adams wrote: "My family moved to Illinois in 1950 and I graduated from high school there. I taught in Marion, Illinois, and graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with B. S., M. S. and Ph. D. degrees. I also taught at the University of Oklahoma and Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. For 20 years I was with the U. S. Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Panama, Korea, and Germany."
5/11/08 Nancy Winter Elmes' husband, Bob, taught English at UHS from 1963-1966. Bob died on April 29, 2008 in Grand Island. Nancy's classmates are saddened by her loss and send condilences to Nancy and her family. Bob's obituary is posted on the Faculty-Staff page.
8/23/07 It's Reunion Time again - 55 this time. Thanks to the committee for another great plan.
4/17/06 We knew him as "Bud" when he was at UHS. This is from the April 18 Bloomington Herald-Times Online:
Charles E. ‘Chuck’ Wylie, 72 JAN. 19, 1934—APRIL 16, 2006
Charles E. “Chuck” Wylie, 72, of Mechanicsburg, PA, and formerly of Bloomington, IN, died Easter Sunday April 16, 2006, in Mechanicsburg. He was a retired Circulation Manager for Fry Communications, Mechanicsburg; an Army Captain of the Korean War serving with both the Armor and Finance Corps; a 1956 graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, with a BS in Finance; a rabid IU sports fan; and a member of the American Legion Post 109, Mechanicsburg and the B.P.O. Elks #2257, Camp Hill; and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He is survived by a sister, Sharon M. O’Toole and husband, Terry, of Camp Hill; two brothers, Dr. Robert Wylie and wife, Nancy, and William Wylie and wife, Danna, all of Bloomington, IN; two cousins, Marilyn Snoddy and Ginny Wampler; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at the convenience of the family in Bloomington.
4/16/06 Greg Devejian sends this: "Greetings Friends, Classmates and Brothers, Bob Wylie (Bud's brother) called today to say Bud had died suddenly in Camp Hill, Pa where he had been living for some time. As you probably knew, Bud had not been in good health. He will be buried in the Wylie Family plot in Bloomington, IN. An obituary will be available in the Bloomington paper in the near future. Sad news on this Easter day but remember Christ Is Risen Today, Alleluia!!
love and peace, Greg
3/23/06 Barbara Bergevin Blair forwarded a message from Jayne Taylor Board's husband, Jack Board about her death on March 7, 2006. The obituary from the Indianapolis Star on March 9 is at http://www2.indystar.com/cgi-bin/obituaries/index.php?action=show&id=55409 and says:

Carole "Jayne" Taylor Board, 72, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at her residence Tuesday, March 7, 2006. Jayne was born April 3, 1934 in Bloomington, IN. She married Jack C. Board on November 4, 1955. She graduated from Indiana University in 1965 with a teaching degree and completed some of her graduate work at Butler University. Jayne was an elementary school teacher at I.P.S. #94, retired from teaching in 1978 and then ran her own student rental business in Bloomington, IN. Jayne outlived two sons, Thomas W. Board, who only lived 5 days, and Christopher A. Board, 41. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jack C. Board; son, Daniel N. Board, 49; and triplet daughters, Jennifer G. Board, Jill D. Higginbotham, and Julie A. Boaz, 44; and 5 grandchildren.
2/28/06 Greg Devejian passes on this message from Ray Lohsl:
"My wife, Karol Kathleen (Fagan) Lohsl died of pulmonary fibrosis on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006. Kathleen asked that, in lieu of flowers, etc., donations may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57326
Sincerely, Ray Lohsl"
1/29/06 See a copy of the obituary for Dave Griffith as published in the 1/29/06 Palladium-Item.
1/28/06 Extracted from a news item in the Local News section of the January 28, 2006 Richmond IN Palladium-Item.
Written by Reporter Vernon Redd: (765) 973-4477 or e-mail vredd@pal-item.com.
Originally viewable online at

School board member dies
Colleagues say 70-year-old David W. Griffith 'kept kids at the very front of what he did'

Richmond Community Schools Board of Trustees member David W. Griffith died early Friday morning at his home. A cause of death has not been determined. He was 70.
Board member Rick Ahaus said he was shocked when Superintendent Allen Bourff called Friday morning to deliver the news. Ahaus said Griffith had been in good health and still got around despite double-hip replacement. Ahaus sat next to Griffith at board meetings. "Dave spent as much time visiting schools and spent as much time mentoring kids as any of us," Ahaus said. "Certainly more than I've been able to do."

Griffith worked 35 years as a teacher, principal and superintendent from Indian Creek Schools in Johnson County before he retired in 1995. He beat out three candidates to win election to the board in May 2000. He ran uncontested in 2004. Board member Suzanne Derengowski said Griffith's depth of educational experience gave him a unique perspective. "It didn't take you very long to realize David kept kids at the very front of what he did," Derengowski said.
1/27/06 Greg Devejian writes sad news about David Griffith: "Dear Friends,
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o'auld lang syne?"

Our friend David died in his sleep last night. May you find peace, joy and thankfulness among your many memories.

love and peace
Greg
9/10/05 Fern Gray Cox writes, after hearing from Tom Trotter that he will be passing through Indianapolis - " Talked with Dave Griffith and Nancy Holland and we have arranged an 11:30 am lunch meeting on Monday, September 26 at Damon's Grill, southwest side of Indy. It is located at the Kentucky Avenue exit ramp off 465 and State Road 67. We will have tables reserved in the clubhouse area, and separate tickets for food and drinks. She said they usually add 18% for tip; I said "no, you will probably get more by just letting us tip." I told her we would take care of her.

If driving from Bloomington, take 37 to 39 to 67 to 465. You will see Damon's on your right (behind Culver's) just before you get to the 465 interstate. From Richmond, take 70 to 465 south to Kentucky Avenue exit. You cannot locate it thru Mapquest as it is a private drive~~5802 Flight School Road. Damon's telephone is: 317-821-1687.
7/22/05 Mark Engledow sent a photo of his Headley School class. Patty Poling and Donna Jane Baird were in the class, too.
7/11/05 Greg Devejian wrote several weeks ago to say "By now you have read of my excitement by searching the class pages for Armenians and New Mexicans.Found at least one Armenian and several New Mexicans including Bob Poling of the UHS clan (Harvey 51, John maybe 54, Patty 52, Bob 63). Spoke to Bob, who has lived in the Albuquerque area since 1968. He informed me that sister Patty Poling Borland died in May. She lived in Tipton, In. and had a long history of health problems. We have Bob's permission to post that news." [Patty died May 6, 2005 - mjo]
3/10/05 Fern Gray Cox sends sad news: "Frances J. Cassidy Hanson, 70, of Beech Grove, died Wednesday, March 9. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Hanson, and five children. She was a member of First Free Methodist Church in Bloomington."
11/10/04 NEW!! UHS BLOG for '52, but other classes are welcome. Blogs are interactive - go there and post a message or reply to another message. Read what others have to say about UHS or other interesting things. This is new for me - but it looks really really easy. - Margaret
6/20/04 Shirley J. Plessinger, 69, of Pompano Beach died April 30, 2004. Born in Bloomington, Indiana and resident of this area since 1970. She was a sub-contractor with the Sun Sentinel until her retirement. Survived by her children, Kathleen Davies, Mrs. Cynthia Linn, Timothy Plessinger and Mrs. Joanne Heiger; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and a brother, Robert Woolery, Jr.

Extracted from an obituary published in the Sun-Sentinal on May 2, 2004 -- Provided by Kathy Davies - along with this photo of Bennie and Shirley Jo.
6/17/04 Greg Devejian has learned from Shirley Jo Woolery Plessinger's daughter, Kathy, that Shirley Jo passed away on April 30th. Her ashes will be buried in Bloomington next to those of her husband.
3/25/04 We have some new photos. Our Commencement Program, and miscellaneous other photos (a couple of elementary school photos - and some Girl Scouts). Please email Margaret to identify the "?" people in these photos.
3/25/04 When Peggy Moorman emailed Margaret O. and Greg D. to tell us Ted's (and her) new address in Murphy, NC, she said: ".... I stay busy keeping up with them, and 10 dogs, 9 cats, 4 goats, a lamb that we are bottle feeding, his name is Baaaaaaaab, and 3 horses. so never a dull moment!!". Also - Greg says the October reunion at Wininger's farm has been cancelled. If you are in the class of '52 and have an email address we don't know about, do let us know so you can get on Greg's Cc: list - and can keep in touch with the rest of us.
1/30/04 .... updated the all school list for '54. Please contact Margaret Olson with corrections
1/5/04 Tom Trotter (who is doing the newsletter these days) sends the following:
Think most of you already knew that I am living in Roseburg, Oregon - made the move in mid Nov. The computer I purchased before leaving wasn't ready to use, so left it in the hands of son Mark to load Windows, fire wall, virus protection, and all the other stuff (that I don't know how to do). Had been using the library computers, which is less than the ideal situation. Had planned to pick up my 'puter when I make a trip back to Mn. in June, but Mark thought I shouldn't have to wait that long, so he packed it up and sent it to me. So now you can change your address book (please) to my new address of tomtrotter1934@cmspan.net . Would love to hear from you, even if it just says you got this message. (I did load the addresses myself, so some could have errors.)
Want to keep in touch with you- so I don't feel like I had been banned to Outer Siberia, or some such.
Anxious to hear from you, Tom
2/09/03 Finally! The 50th Reunion Picture has been posted! Other photos will come later.
1/29/03 Diane Litten sent an obituary for John Neal, who died in Fort Wayne on January 20. John was a program manager at Magnavox Corp for 38 years, retiring in 1993. He's survived by his wife, Joanne; 3 daughters; one son; and one sister, Nancy Richardson of Bloomington.
9/29/02 It was a wonderful weekend. The 31 classmates and their spouses who were able to attend ate well and talked a lot! We'll be doing it again! More information and some photos will be posted soon.
9/24/02 It's THIS weekend, everyone!!! Reunion time! Weather forecast seems to show a nice weekend. See you all there!!! - Margaret
8/07/02 Our reunion plans are in place and all class members should have received information from Fern. Your reservation form needs to be to Bill Andrews by September 1, and we'd really like to have the questionairres returned to Margaret Olson from everyone, even if you are not coming. The classes of '51 and '53 are getting invitations to the Saturday picnic at the Winingers' Turtle Creek Farm.
4/14/02 Nancy Johnson King writes: Margaret, this is quite an undertaking--very well put together. You say, you did it over night? Just being a smarty--I'll straighten up! I missed the Florida gathering. But, it is on my February '03 calendar. Sorry to hear of Bud Wylie's illness. Hope he is recovering now. Any who remember my brother Bob, Charles Robert, (BHS class of '55 or '56) may want to know, he is currently battling bone cancer. Email Nancy for his address in Indianapolis.
12/16/01 I'm putting 3 scanned pictures from previous reunions on this site. For '52, though, try going to the Yahoo '52 Page .
10/05/01 Fern sent a newsletter dated Sep 28. If you didn't get yours, let Fern know.
8/26/01 Did you get your June 20, 2001 Class of '52 newsletter? If you didn't, Fern does not have your correct address. Please let her know where you are, and let Margaret Olson know, too.'51 - William Allman & Susie, Roberta Fell Kletter, Sue Fox Robinson & Murray, Kay Wynn Goby Brown, John Hearn & Jo Ann, Margaret Hoadley Putnam & Dick, Kathleen Hunsaker Hawkins & Donald, Buddie Rey Rooney & Larry, Joan Smith Kennedy & Don
6/15/01 Shirley Jo Woolery Plessinger writes: "I am so glad someone started this. I was hoping someone would, but I have had my hands really full these last couple of years. My husband, Bennie, had lung cancer and passed away 2 weeks ago, so now I have the time to look into this kind of stuff. If there is anything I can do to help you, let me know.
Love ya all, Shirley Woolery Plessinger"
6/11/01 The Yahoo!Groups list is up and working. So far Greg, Mary Lou and Bill Franzmann have joined me there. I have the list set not to send attachments, something we may want to discuss over there. Yahoo has for the UHS52 group a mailing list, a calendar, a chat room and some other features I have not tried. Join us there and tell us what you are up to these days.
6/09/01 I have just set up a Yahoo!Groups email list for the UHS Class of '52 under Schools/Classmates . This is a new experience for me, and I hope it works. We can get email, or read the email on the web, or get together in an online chat room. (Or I think we can). The sign-up process requires you to register and give them some information. They wouldn't let me NOT tell them my birthday, for instance, but I guess you can make something up.
6/06/01 People are sending email addresses. Keep it up! I have Louise McCracken's email address (thanks to Nancy Hannin ). Email me or her if you want it. MJO
5/30/01 Hi all. I started the web page for the whole of UHS thinking it might be fun. It isn't too time consuming, and I love getting the messages from people from all classes who learn about it. It will be even more fun if we use it to keep in touch. I'll bet there are others with email addresses beyond what I have listed here. Thanks to Greg Devejian for sending me the ones he knows about. Has anyone else got email addresses for other class members or for anyone at all who went to UHS?

I've recently retired for the second time, having been a dot-com telecommuter working for RootsWeb.com for the past year and a half. Before that I worked for the Corps of Engineers as a programmer. Ed and I have 2 sons (in NM and CA) and 4 grandchildren (3 here in IL and 1 in NM). We just returned from a wonderful trip to Italy. I will be at my Dad's in Bloomington the afternoon and evening of June 16 and most of the 17th for IU Alumni Weekend. My brother, Frank, will also be there. The number there is 336-6231. Margaret Edmondson Olson

Reunion Information

55th Reunion **** Oct 12-13, 2007 **** Bloomington
Friday, Oct 12
Informal gathering
5:30 pm  - Grazie's Italian Eatery		 Grazie's is on the north side of the Square. Come early - stay late - renew old friendships.
Order dinner from the menu. Appetizers will be provided.
Saturday, Oct 13
Bloomington Convention Center
302 S. College
 6:00 pm - Social Hour
6:30 pm - Group Picture
7:00 pm - Buffet Dinner

Casual dress, no formal program, just good company! See you there!
Contact: Bill Andrews, Fern Gray Cox
October 2005
All School Reunion

'52, '53, '54 meeting together
Friday, Oct 28 at the home of
Jay ('54) & Judi Ellis
6025 E Kerr Creek Road
4:30pm - dinner at 6:30pm		 Reservations Received as of 11/01/2005 for:
'52 - Greg Devejian & Pat, Don Donham & Janet, Margaret Edmondson Olson & Ed, Bill Franzmann & Carolyn, Nancy Holland Hannin & Don, David Griffith, Joella Lane Stewart & Bob, George McClain & Linda, Ted Moorman & Peggy, Ralph Nelson, Frank Pruett & Shirley, Frances Taylor
September 26, 2005
Lunch in Indianapolis
11:30 am		 Mini-Reunion -
11:30 am, Monday, September 26 at Damon's Grill, Kentucky Ave (State Route 67) at the I-465 exit.
Click here for more detailed directions.
October 9, 2004
Biennial UHS/BHS '51-'53 etc.
Summer Reunion Picnic		 Picnic at Tim and Betty Wininger's Turtle Creek Farm CANCELLED 3/04
February 14, 2004
Annual UHS/BHS '51-'53
Florida Winter Reunion		 Home of Roberta Fox Somach '53
2701 Casey Key Road, Nokomis, FL 34275-3391
941-966-2247
50th Reunion **** Sept 27-29, 2002 **** Bloomington
Friday, Sept 27
Buffet Dinner
Bloomington Convention Center
302 S College
Casual Dress		 6:00 pm - Social Hour
6:30 pm - Class Photo
7:00 pm - Buffet Dinner
Saturday, Sept 28
Picnic		 3:00 pm - Picnic at Tim and Betty Wininger's Turtle Creek Farm
                1951 and 1953 are being invited, also.
Sunday, Sept 29
Brunch		 10:00 am - Brunch at the home of Frank and Shirley Pruett

To see the Find-A-Grave page, click here
Then copy the number into the "# Memorial ID" field.

Updated 16 Mar 2024