Museum Director, Radio Broadcaster and Local Sports Historian
Biography
Wayne McCombs’ family moved to a farm south of Claremore in 1958. In the ninth grade he began working at the local radio station, KWPR. The station was a 500 watt, AM daytime station at the…
A local educator whose love for history ultimately led him to serving in local government.
Biography
Tom Pool’s life in Claremore began with his family’s move here when he was in the fifth grade. He went on to graduate from Claremore High School where he…
Claremore’s all time winningest football coach.
Biography
Lester "Bear" Jensen was born on September 29, 1924 in Weaubleau, MO to Loren and Veda Jensen. Bear graduated from Norman High School in 1945. During his time at Norman High, he played for the 1943 football state…
Hall of Fame Athlete, Business man and local Black historian
Biography
Gerome Riley was born October 18, 1934in Chelsea, Oklahoma to Sylvester and Georgie Riley. Gerome was reared and educated in Chelsea at Paul Lawrence Dunbar School through the 8th grade, prior to transferring to…
Grace, class, and dignity – those are three qualities this dedicated educator strove for each day as he battled through ALS at the end of his life.
Dr. Keith Ballard’s education career started in Coweta, Oklahoma in 1972. Two years later Keith moved to Oologah,…