Our History
75 Years of Community Service
Today, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma is a nonprofit regional healthcare system dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Southwest Oklahoma. With two hospital campuses and 606 licensed beds—including 464 acute care beds and 142 long-term care and skilled nursing beds—Memorial is supported by more than 3,000 team members, more than 600 providers, and 125 volunteers.
For 75 years, Memorial Health System has remained committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. What began as a vision shared by community leaders in Comanche County has grown into a regional healthcare system providing a broad range of medical services and advanced care close to home.
The success of this progressive organization has been made possible through the courage, foresight and spirit of human kindness of the citizens of Comanche County and the surrounding communities, as well as the vision and leadership of countless individuals who have helped shape Memorial throughout its history.
As we celebrate 75 years of community service, it is rewarding to know that Memorial continues to live the charitable mission for which it was founded: to provide access to comprehensive, quality healthcare for all. While healthcare has changed dramatically since Memorial first opened its doors, our purpose remains the same—to enhance the quality and quantity of life for those we serve throughout Southwest Oklahoma.
A Vision for Southwest Oklahoma
In 1948, a group of community visionaries had a dream. Their goal was to build a modern, technologically advanced hospital to serve the healthcare needs of the people of Southwest Oklahoma.
Making that dream a reality would require both community support and federal funding. The first step was to obtain funding through the Hill-Burton program. Established in 1946, the program was designed to help modernize existing hospitals that had suffered losses during the Great Depression and World War II and to help build new hospitals in rural communities so medical care could be more readily available.
Once Hill-Burton funds were approved, a bond issue was put to a vote of the people of Comanche County. Requiring at least 60 percent approval, the bond issue passed on April 21, 1948, marking a significant milestone in the creation of what would become Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma.
The hospital’s name, selected by the County Commissioners, was chosen as a tribute to the memory of servicemen who died in the war and reflected the hospital’s intended service area.
In the summer of 1948, construction began on a 100-bed, 52,000-square-foot, four-story hospital on a 10-acre tract of land donated by Emma and W.E. “Curlee” Tomlinson. The total cost of the project was approximately $900,000, including equipment, furnishings and facilities.
Opening the Doors
When the hospital officially opened its doors on September 1, 1951, it was apparent that the community’s vision for a state-of-the-art hospital had become a reality.
Memorial had already been named “Modern Hospital of the Year” in a nationwide competition based upon excellence in architectural design, functional planning, economy of construction and operation, and proper provision for the healthcare needs of the community.
The need for the new hospital was immediate. Due to the overwhelming demand for hospital services, more than 1,000 people had already been admitted and treated before its official opening.
Despite its modern design and the tremendous need for healthcare services in Southwest Oklahoma, Memorial’s first several years of operation were challenging. It has been said that, without the support and financial backing of the Chairman of the Board of Control, Memorial might not have survived.
A Community’s Commitment
There are many stories of Mrs. Margaret Day, a well-respected businesswoman and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in Memorial’s early years. Those who knew her best described her as a quiet, kind-spirited leader with the perseverance and determination to keep the hospital open.
During the hospital’s first few years, monthly expenses and payroll could sometimes not be met. In those moments, Mrs. Day personally stepped forward, often writing checks to help cover the hospital’s expenses.
One physician remembered delivering a check to the hospital on her behalf for more than $18,000.
It was all part of Mrs. Day’s steadfast belief that the hospital must remain open to ensure access to comprehensive healthcare for the people of Southwest Oklahoma. Mrs. Day continued to be an integral part of Memorial’s operations until her passing in September 1961.
Her story represents something larger than one individual’s generosity. It reflects the community commitment that has been part of Memorial’s identity since its beginning—a belief that the people of Southwest Oklahoma deserve access to quality healthcare close to home.
Growing to Meet the Community’s Needs
As the need for expanded services and facilities grew, so did Memorial. What began in 1951 as a 100-bed community hospital continued to expand its facilities, services, technology and expertise to meet the changing healthcare needs of Southwest Oklahoma.
Throughout its history, Memorial has embraced change as a means of improving the health of the communities it serves. Growth, expansion, advances in technology, new facilities and the addition of specialized services have all played a role in Memorial’s evolution.
Over the decades, Memorial has grown from a single hospital into a comprehensive healthcare organization providing care across a wide range of specialties and services. With each expansion, the goal has remained the same: to make high-quality healthcare more accessible to the people who call Southwest Oklahoma home
A New Chapter in Regional Healthcare
In 2025, Memorial took another significant step in its history with the acquisition of Southwestern Medical Center.
The acquisition expanded Memorial’s presence in Southwest Oklahoma and brought two hospital campuses together under one health system. It strengthened Memorial’s ability to provide a broader range of healthcare services and expanded opportunities to serve patients throughout the region.
The addition of Southwestern Medical Center marked an important new chapter in Memorial’s ongoing evolution—from the community hospital envisioned by local leaders in 1948 to a regional healthcare system positioned to meet the needs of generations to come.
75 Years – And Looking Ahead
For 75 years, Memorial’s story has been shaped by the people of Southwest Oklahoma.
It is the story of community members who voted to build a hospital. It is the story of individuals like Emma and W.E. “Curlee” Tomlinson, who donated land for that hospital to be built. It is the story of Margaret Day, whose personal commitment helped sustain Memorial through difficult beginnings. It is the story of generations of physicians, nurses, caregivers, employees, volunteers, leaders, donors and community partners who have dedicated themselves to the health of others.
And it is a story that continues today.
From the vision of community leaders in 1948 to the healthcare system Memorial is today, our history is one of community, compassion, innovation and service.
As we celebrate 75 years of Memorial, we honor those who came before us, recognize those who serve our communities today, and look with optimism toward the future.
While the buildings, technology, services and healthcare needs may continue to change, one thing remains constant:
Our commitment to Southwest Oklahoma.
For 75 years—and for generations to come—Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma is here to care for our communities, close to home.