Bio, 2009: Janice Payne McClain
I grew up on a farm 8 miles (now 5 miles) west of Stillwater withdreams of getting off that farm as soon as possible. After graduating from C.E. Donart High, I completed 2 1/2 years at OSU while working at Dr. Grady's Optometrist office. While in college I met a Texan, Randy McLain at the Sonic who thought there was no place on earth like his beloved Texas. After threeyears of listening to his stories I began to think Texas must be some magic spot, so I decided to give it a try. Instead, the first years of our marriage (1968) were spent in the Marines, which took us to San Clemente, California, Millington, Tennessee and Havelock, North Carolina. After the Marines we ended up in Juno Beach, Florida for 6 months and then finally to Texas. When we finally moved to the farm 20 miles south of Perryton, Texas all I could think of what what a God Forsaken place this is. The only trees were around the houses and there weren't any creeks. The closest lake was miles away and it was the size of a big Oklahoma pond. But forty some years later you couldn't pry me away from this awesome place. I love the sunsets, sun rises and seeing a tornado twenty miles away while knowing I am safe. I have learned to live without trees and lakes, but I will never get use to this darn wind.
We are now retired from farming, but still run cattle and a small oil company. In those forty years of farming I learned to drive a tractor, combine and a truck. I also know how to plant crops, haul hay, feed cattle, etc. During those years of farming we managed to get away to 20 states, plus D.C. and also drive all the all the way around the state of Texas. I still go back to that farm west of Stillwater that I was in such a hurry to get away from to visit my Mom.
Life has been good, but I can't believe it has gone by so fast. I spend my spare time taking care of my herd of miniature horses and miniature donkeys, 4 cats and a three-legged dog named Angel. Randy and I also are on the Board of the Museum of the Plains and he is Vice President of the Senior Citizens Center Board.
I probably won't be at the reunion in October, but I will be thinking about all of you and hope you have a wonderful time.
©2009 Stillwater High School Class of 1964