Distinguished Alumni
Lawrence Lee Lantow, ‘38
Lawrence Lee Lantow used his Oklahoma Military Academy training to become a successful leader, both in the military and in the business world.
A 1938 graduate from OMA junior college, Lantow was active on campus, especially as a trombone player in Capt. Kelly’s marching band, concert band and symphony orchestra. The band was honored in 1936 with the opportunity to play on national radio. As a student, he excelled academically and was recognized with inclusion on both the president’s and dean’s honor rolls. He also was a master counselor of the Claremore DeMolay chapter.
In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and went through basic training at Ft. Knox and later attended officer candidate school. He became an instructor at Ft. Knox and then a platoon leader, serving in France, Belgium and Germany during World War II. For his service during the Battle of the Bulge, he was awarded a Bronze Star.
In addition to Lantow, three of his brothers also served in the U.S. military. His brothers Bob and Norman also were paratroopers during WWII and dropped into France during the D-Day invasion. Both were killed in 1944 during separate battles. His little brother Bill followed his brothers’ footsteps, serving as a Marine during the Korean War. Following the war, Lantow left the military and began a long, fruitful career with Hope Lumber and Supply Co. in Tulsa, Okla. During more than 36 years with the firm, he worked his way up through the company and ended his career there as its vice president. Lantow also has been active in the community, including more than 19 years with Project Get Together, now known as the Community Action Project of Tulsa County, helping low-income individuals and families with food, lodging, educational resources and health care.
He has been an active member of the Tulsa Executive Club, the Optimist Club and Junior Achievement. He served as director for the Oklahoma Lumbermen’s Association, a board member of the Southwood Club, and various leadership roles for Eastside Christian Church since 1952.
Lantow and his wife Ola Mae have two daughters, Linda and Jeanne, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.