Published: June 06, 2007 12:59 pm      

‘77 class to honor fallen soldier

A classmate who died as a soldier in Iraq will be honored at the Carl Albert class of 1977 reunion scheduled this weekend and a scholarship fund for his grandson has been established.

William Labadie was killed in Iraq in 2004 at the age of 45, said reunion committee member Nancy Roy.

Roy said that many news reports indicated Labadie was from Arkansas, but that describing him as someone from Midwest City would be more accurate.

“We want to recognize him as a soldier from Oklahoma who was killed,” Roy said. “By doing this for him, it honors him for putting his life on the line for us.”

Roy said a scholarship fund has been set up for Labadie’s grandson, Elias Labadie. She said donations are being sought from classmates and anyone else who would be interested in contributing.

“Most of us who plan this reunion, our kids have a mom or dad who can help them do things, but he’s not here to do that any more,” Roy said.

Roy said she wanted Labadie’s grandson to know he was important to his classmates.

“We want to say your grandads’ friends thought enough of him that they wanted you to have something from their grandfather,” Roy said.

The fund currently holds about $1,200, Roy said. She said she would like to raise at least $5,000.

Reunion events will include a social gathering on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Carl Albert High School. On Saturday a golf tournament will be held followed by a dinner at the Reed Center.

During the dinner, a plaque will be given to former football coaches Rick Bachman and George Ivie recognizing Labadie. The plaque contains a senior class picture of Labadie, military picture and football picture, Roy said. The plaque will be placed in a trophy case at the Carl Albert High School fieldhouse. Pat Payne has written a song and will perform it at the dinner in honor of Labadie, Roy said.

Bryan Labadie, William’s grandson, said he planned on attending the event Saturday night.

“It’s a very good thought,” said Bryan. “I really appreciate it. It’s a really great thing that they’re willing to do this for my son.”

Bryan said he would like to see his son Elias attend college.

Donations may be sent to American Funds, c/o Nancy Roy, 12850 Twin Pines Lane, Choctaw, Okla., 73020 or Shawn Powell, c/o Raymond James Financial Services, 2000 South Douglas Blvd., Midwest City, Okla., 73130.