Hall of Fame Members by Field of Endeavor

ARTS

Anita Bryant (Dry) ’58

Inducted in 1989Anita Bryant (Dry), singer, TV personality, author, and founder of Anita Bryant Ministries, International, made her debut at […]

Archie Goodwin ’55

Inducted in 2015 Often referred to as the Undisputed King of Comic Books, Archie Goodwin was an American comic book […]

Bill Hinkle ’65

Inducted in 2018 Bill Hinkle is widely recognized for his achievements in advertising and higher education. After graduating from the […]

Charles Bell ’53

Inducted in 2018 Charles Bell is an internationally-known artist, renowned as a pioneer of Photorealism. Charles earned a bachelor’s degree […]

Charles Kimball ’68

Inducted in 2016 Charles Kimball, ThD, Class of 1968, is the Presidential Professor and Director of Religious Studies at the […]

Christy Kelley Tate, c/o 1997

Actress, Community Volunteer Christy Kelley Tate earned her way to be one of Oklahoma’s lead Television and Film Actors. She […]

Dave Banks ’68

Inducted in 2024 Three-time Emmy-winning cameraman, photojournalist and documentarian, Dave Banks has spent forty years in the field, chronicling the […]

David Finch ’71

Inducted in 2022 David is an Eagle Scout who began his television career while a student at Rogers, working evenings […]

David Gates ’58

Inducted in 1989 David Gates, the son of a band director and piano teacher, excelled in piano, bass and guitar, […]

Elvin Bishop ’60

Inducted in 2012 In the early 1950s, Elvin Bishop used to listen late at night to a radio station from […]

Gailard Sartain ’63

Inducted in 2009 After graduation from Will Rogers High School, Gailard Sartain earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from […]

J. David Nunneley ’54

Inducted in 2016 J. David Nunneley, Class of 1954, is a Figurative, Wildlife and Military Sculpture Artist. After graduating from […]

James Russell, Ph.D. ’62

Inducted in 2013 After graduating from Rogers in 1962, James Russell became active in the 1960s civil rights and antiwar […]

Jo Anne Meade Lewis ’55

Inducted in 2017 Jo Anne Meade Lewis is an artist, interior designer, and an advocate for children, education and the […]

Joe Johnston ’66

Inducted in 2017 Billy Joe Johnston, Class of 1966, is a songwriter, author, journalist, music producer, advertising executive, artist, and […]

Leon Russell (Bridges) ’59

Inducted in 2009 Leon Russell, known as Russell Bridges when he was at Will Rogers, is a gifted artist who […]

Linda Barton Paul ’69

Inducted in 2022 Linda Paul played piano and trumpet, beginning harp lessons in 9th grade. At Will Rogers she performed […]

Linda Sellen Frazier ’58

Inducted in 2022 Linda Frazier earned a B.A. in Music and French at DePauw University. After teaching French, she earned […]

Lynette Bennett (Danskin) ’55

Inducted in 2013 Lynette Bennett (Danskin) was a star at Will Rogers and went on to become a star internationally. […]

Mikel Donahue ’74

Inducted in 2017 Mikel Donahue, Class of 1974, is a western artist whose work has been exhibited in the Governor’s […]

Nancy Jo Daulton Beier ’56

Inducted in 2012 Nancy Jo Daulton Beier, known as “Jo” while at Rogers, appeared as Bloody Mary in Rogers’ production […]

Pat Kelly ’70

Guitarist, Composer, Producer, Educator Inducted in 2019 Pat Kelley knew from the age of five, when his dad gave him […]

Paul Davis ’55

Inducted in 2012 Centrahoma, Caddo, Antlers, Harthorne, Jenks. Paul Davis lived in numerous Oklahoma towns before arriving at Woodrow Wilson […]

Paula LeFan Stover ’59

Inducted in 2017 Paula LeFan Stover was the former Managing Director of Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Paula has led Oklahoma’s […]

Ron Woods ’57

Inducted in 2022 While a student at Will Rogers, Ron Woods played the trumpet and led the Round-Up Orchestra. Thanks […]

Ronald Radford ’62

Inducted in 1992 Ronald Radford – known as “Hank” when he was at Will Rogers – is known internationally as […]

Russell Myers ’56

Inducted in 2011 Russell Myers, was known by his friends as “Roo” while at Will Rogers. He was born in […]

Susan “S.E.” Hinton ’66

Inducted in 1989 Susan Eloise Hinton published her first work, The Outsiders, only one year after graduation from Will Rogers. […]

William L. Lewis ’49

Inducted in 2009 William “Bill” Lewis loved baseball and singing, but singing won out and he turned down a college […]

ATHLETICS

David Finch ’71

Inducted in 2022 David is an Eagle Scout who began his television career while a student at Rogers, working evenings […]

David Rader ’75

Inducted in 1989 David Rader, football star, coach, business executive, and author started his football career as a Will Rogers […]

Donald “Babe” Chandler ’52

Inducted in 2012 Donald “Babe” Chandler excelled in several sports at Will Rogers and won a scholarship to Bacone Indian […]

Dr. Bill Van Burkleo

Dr. Bill Van Burkleo, c/o 1960

Professional Athlete, Physician Bill Van Burkleo’s outstanding high school athletic achievements led him to continue his education at the University […]

Gordon Morgan ’53

Inducted in 2013 Gordon Morgan was an All-State baseball player for Will Rogers in 1953 and upon graduation he was […]

Jay Thomas Evans ’49

Inducted in 2017 Jay Thomas “Tommy” Evans was a two time state champion wrestler for Will Rogers High School. At […]

jim wixson

Jim Wixson, c/o 1958

Professional Athlete Jim Wixson is the first and only Will Rogers High School alumnus to be named an “All-American” in […]

John Henry Ward ’66

Inducted in 2015 Upon graduation from Will Rogers, John Ward played football and wrestled at OSU, where he was named […]

Lee Mayberry ’88

Inducted in 2011 Lee Mayberry is one of the most outstanding athletes to have graduated from Will Rogers High School. […]

BUSINESS

Bill Hinkle ’65

Inducted in 2018 Bill Hinkle is widely recognized for his achievements in advertising and higher education. After graduating from the […]

Donald R. Mellott ’62

Inducted in 2015 From the age of 26, Don Mellott, Chairman/Owner of HIS Specialists, LLC, has owned several companies, including […]

Ernest Moody ’44

Inducted in 1989 Ernest Moody is a name known to every Will Rogers senior who proudly wears the Rogers class […]

Frank Morsani ’49

Inducted in 2009 A graduate of Will Rogers and Oklahoma State University, Frank Morsani served four years in the Navy […]

Gordona Moore Duca ’58

Inducted in 1989 Gordona Moore Duca received her real estate license in 1971, and was recognized, both locally and nationally, […]

James D. Dunn ’60

Inducted in 2009 After graduation from Rogers, James Dunn earned a degree in engineering physics from the Colorado School of […]

James E. Frasier ’59

Inducted in 2018 Jim Frasier’s character was shaped early in life through the influence of an older brother who came […]

Joe Johnston ’66

Inducted in 2017 Billy Joe Johnston, Class of 1966, is a songwriter, author, journalist, music producer, advertising executive, artist, and […]

Linda Chambers Bradshaw ’60

Inducted in 2013 Linda Chambers Bradshaw is known by many in the Tulsa community as the owner of Tulsa World […]

Phillip Butler, PhD ’56

Inducted in 2009 After completing high school, Phil Butler graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961. He became a […]

Preston C. Caruthers ’45

Inducted in 2011 Preston Caruthers came to Tulsa at age three, after his father’s death. Summers were spent working on […]

Robert J. Stuart ’44

Inducted in 2009 Robert Stuart was known as “Jackrabbit” while at Will Rogers because of his 1943 and 1944 state […]

Ron Woods ’57

Inducted in 2022 While a student at Will Rogers, Ron Woods played the trumpet and led the Round-Up Orchestra. Thanks […]

Ronald D. Flanagan ’57

Inducted in 2015 President and Principal Planner of R.D. Flanagan & Assoc., LLC, Ronald Flanagan was a key member of […]

Sherryl Mellott McGuire ’65

Inducted in 2019 College was not a focus for Sherryl Mellott McGuire’s family, and there was no money for it. […]

Stephen D. Chesebro’ ’59

Inducted in 2011 Stephen Chesebro’ went from winning the title of “Ugly Man” and barely making the football team to […]

CIVIC

Anna Seago

Anna Seago ’59

Inducted in 2024 Anna Lea Brixey Seago was a trailblazer for women in the military with the distinction of becoming […]

Art Fleak ’65

Inducted in 2019 Public Defender, Juvenile Justice Pioneer At Will Rogers, Art Fleak was all-state in football. He became a […]

Carol Walsh Morsani ’49

Inducted in 2009 Carol Walsh Morsani and Frank Morsani met at Will Rogers, graduated from Oklahoma State University, and have […]

Christy Kelley Tate, c/o 1997

Actress, Community Volunteer Christy Kelley Tate earned her way to be one of Oklahoma’s lead Television and Film Actors. She […]

David Rader ’75

Inducted in 1989 David Rader, football star, coach, business executive, and author started his football career as a Will Rogers […]

Donald R. Mellott ’62

Inducted in 2015 From the age of 26, Don Mellott, Chairman/Owner of HIS Specialists, LLC, has owned several companies, including […]

Frank Pitezel ’42

Inducted in 2016 Frank Pitezel, Class of 1942, was a sophomore at Will Rogers High School when the doors first […]

Gary Fife

Gary Fife, c/o 1968

Journalist Gary Fife was a career veteran of journalism with 50 years of experience in print, radio, and television. An […]

Herald Givens ’69

Inducted in 2015 Community volunteer and business owner, Herald Givens spent his life in service to others. Even as his […]

James E. Frasier ’59

Inducted in 2018 Jim Frasier’s character was shaped early in life through the influence of an older brother who came […]

James Russell, Ph.D. ’62

Inducted in 2013 After graduating from Rogers in 1962, James Russell became active in the 1960s civil rights and antiwar […]

Janet Wright Kizziar, Ph.D. ’57

Inducted in 2013 Janet Wright Kizziar graduated from Will Rogers and The University of Tulsa, returned to Will-on-the-Hill to teach […]

Jean Winfrey

Jean Winfrey ’69

Inducted in 2024 A life-long administrator for children with special needs, Jean Winfrey was the Executive Director at Tulsa’s Little […]

Jo Anne Meade Lewis ’55

Inducted in 2017 Jo Anne Meade Lewis is an artist, interior designer, and an advocate for children, education and the […]

John Henry Ward ’66

Inducted in 2015 Upon graduation from Will Rogers, John Ward played football and wrestled at OSU, where he was named […]

Linda Barton Paul ’69

Inducted in 2022 Linda Paul played piano and trumpet, beginning harp lessons in 9th grade. At Will Rogers she performed […]

Linda Chambers Bradshaw ’60

Inducted in 2013 Linda Chambers Bradshaw is known by many in the Tulsa community as the owner of Tulsa World […]

Patrick Waddel

Patrick Waddel ’59

Inducted in 2024 Patrick Waddel began his college experience on a wrestling scholarship at the University of Pittsburg. He earned […]

Paula Combest Unruh ’47

Inducted in 2013 Paula Combest Unruh graduated from Will-on-the-Hill and attended The University of Tulsa and The University of Arkansas. […]

Preston C. Caruthers ’45

Inducted in 2011 Preston Caruthers came to Tulsa at age three, after his father’s death. Summers were spent working on […]

EDUCATION

Barbara Hencke Thompson ’57

Inducted in 2018 Barbara earned her Bachelor of Arts with teaching certificates in French and education, at University of Oklahoma, […]

Charles Kimball ’68

Inducted in 2016 Charles Kimball, ThD, Class of 1968, is the Presidential Professor and Director of Religious Studies at the […]

Charlotte Wilson Heth ’55

Inducted in 2016 Charlotte Wilson Heth, PhD, Class of 1955, Professor Emerita of UCLA, is a citizen of the Cherokee […]

Frank Marcum ’61

Inducted in 2022 Frank Marcum ran hurdles on the Roper track team and became a record-setting hurdler at the University […]

Janet Wright Kizziar, Ph.D. ’57

Inducted in 2013 Janet Wright Kizziar graduated from Will Rogers and The University of Tulsa, returned to Will-on-the-Hill to teach […]

Jean Winfrey

Jean Winfrey ’69

Inducted in 2024 A life-long administrator for children with special needs, Jean Winfrey was the Executive Director at Tulsa’s Little […]

Jo Anne Meade Lewis ’55

Inducted in 2017 Jo Anne Meade Lewis is an artist, interior designer, and an advocate for children, education and the […]

Joe Pelton

Joseph Pelton ’61

Inducted in 2024 Dr. Joseph Pelton is a noted figure in the realm of space exploration and education. During his […]

Pat Kelly ’70

Guitarist, Composer, Producer, Educator Inducted in 2019 Pat Kelley knew from the age of five, when his dad gave him […]

R. David Bynum, Ph.D. ’58

Inducted in 2019 David Bynum graduated Westminster College and entered the oil business, but struggled to find meaning in his […]

Richard Counts, MD ’59

Inducted in 2013 Richard Counts could have been a successful actor, writer, musician or businessman, but thankfully for people the […]

Ron Woods ’57

Inducted in 2022 While a student at Will Rogers, Ron Woods played the trumpet and led the Round-Up Orchestra. Thanks […]

Sherryl Mellott McGuire ’65

Inducted in 2019 College was not a focus for Sherryl Mellott McGuire’s family, and there was no money for it. […]

MILITARY

Anna Seago

Anna Seago ’59

Inducted in 2024 Anna Lea Brixey Seago was a trailblazer for women in the military with the distinction of becoming […]

Frank Marcum ’61

Inducted in 2022 Frank Marcum ran hurdles on the Roper track team and became a record-setting hurdler at the University […]

Frank Morsani ’49

Inducted in 2009 A graduate of Will Rogers and Oklahoma State University, Frank Morsani served four years in the Navy […]

Frank Pitezel ’42

Inducted in 2016 Frank Pitezel, Class of 1942, was a sophomore at Will Rogers High School when the doors first […]

Neil R. Sparks, Jr ’54

Inducted in 2012 After graduation from Will Rogers, Neil Sparks attended Oklahoma State University and was commissioned as an officer […]

Phillip Butler, PhD ’56

Inducted in 2009 After completing high school, Phil Butler graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961. He became a […]

Preston C. Caruthers ’45

Inducted in 2011 Preston Caruthers came to Tulsa at age three, after his father’s death. Summers were spent working on […]

Richard Meydag ’58

Inducted in 2019 Military Aviator, Presidential Pilot Lt. Col. Richard Meydag, USMC RetIred, earned an associate degree in Aviation Technology […]

Richard Risk, JD ’59

Inducted in 2016 Richard “Dick” Risk, J.D., Class of 1959, was commissioned in the United States Air Force as a […]

Robert J. Stuart ’44

Inducted in 2009 Robert Stuart was known as “Jackrabbit” while at Will Rogers because of his 1943 and 1944 state […]

Ronald D. Flanagan ’57

Inducted in 2015 President and Principal Planner of R.D. Flanagan & Assoc., LLC, Ronald Flanagan was a key member of […]

Walter S. Yager ’54

Inducted in 2022 Walter Stuart Yager earned a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from OU, joined the Air Force as a […]

SCIENCE

David Stewart James ’58

Inducted in 2018 David Stewart James was a member of Will Rogers’ first state championship wrestling team, where he finished […]

Dr. Bill Van Burkleo

Dr. Bill Van Burkleo, c/o 1960

Professional Athlete, Physician Bill Van Burkleo’s outstanding high school athletic achievements led him to continue his education at the University […]

Fred G. Sanders ’45

Inducted in 2012 Fred Sanders wanted to study aeronautical engineering after graduation from Will Rogers. Only four schools in the […]

James W. Jones, MD, PhD ’59

Inducted in 2009 James W. Jones, M.D., Ph.D., attended the University of Tulsa and was accepted into Tulane University School […]

Janet Wright Kizziar, Ph.D. ’57

Inducted in 2013 Janet Wright Kizziar graduated from Will Rogers and The University of Tulsa, returned to Will-on-the-Hill to teach […]

Joe Pelton

Joseph Pelton ’61

Inducted in 2024 Dr. Joseph Pelton is a noted figure in the realm of space exploration and education. During his […]

R. David Bynum, Ph.D. ’58

Inducted in 2019 David Bynum graduated Westminster College and entered the oil business, but struggled to find meaning in his […]

Richard Counts, MD ’59

Inducted in 2013 Richard Counts could have been a successful actor, writer, musician or businessman, but thankfully for people the […]

Robert A. Cary

Robert A. Cary, c/o 1963

Air Pollution Scientist Robert Cary’s research, development, and commercialization of the first automated instrument for the measurement of carbon aerosol […]

Stephen D. Chesebro’ ’59

Inducted in 2011 Stephen Chesebro’ went from winning the title of “Ugly Man” and barely making the football team to […]

walter lipke

Walter Lipke, c/o 1960

Engineer Walter Lipke’s long and distinguished career of federal service garnered several awards, including the Exemplary Civilian Service Award, and […]

Warren G. Gutheroth, MD ’45

Inducted in 2012 Warren Guntheroth graduated from Will Rogers and received a full scholarship to Harvard University. He earned his […]

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