Ranger Exes Memorial - RHS Class of 1938

Braswell Van Treese JAMES BRASWELL VAN TREESE, 95, died Feb. 10, 2016 in Oklahoma following a lengthy illness, with burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens at Lawton, OK. James Braswell was born to James B. & Ora Taylor Van Treese in Empire, OK in 1920. He attended Ranger High School in the Class of 1938 at Ranger, TX. He worked at Lone Star gas plant in Fox, OK and attended radio school as a young adult. James was invited to visit a friend in Jonesboro, AR where they attended a Methodist youth fellowship allowing him to meet the love of his life, Pauline Bowdon. They were married and soon moved to Kansas City, KS where they had their first son. Three additional sons came after relocating to Grand Prairie, TX to work in the radio industry. Two daughters arrived after moving to Duncan, OK to be closer to family. In a few years, always being a hard worker, & starting Van Treese TV Services, an additional Opportunity arose at Ft. Sill, OK instructing new soldiers in electronics, so they made the family home in Lawton, OK since 1959. After the children were grown, James and Pauline bought the Cotton Boll Motel in Canute, OK where they both enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. Returning to Lawton, James excelled for Globe Life Insurance Company staying with Globe for more than 20 years leading the department in sales, winning awards, trips and trophies. Music was always a big part of James life so he sparked musical interest in all of their children while he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing to his beautiful Pauline. The Van Treese's were charter members of Westwood Baptist Church for many years later attending First Baptist Church as they retired. Survivors include 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren. Preceding James in death were his wife of 56 years and sons, Gary and Barry. His siblings were June Van Treese & Don Van Treese.