List of Silent Keys From 1971 thru Present MS Word doc

Complete History

 Whitney Nugget

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2023 Obituaries - Page 1

Jerry Thieman AD0BC

December  17, 1940 – December 31, 2023

Jerry Lee Thieman, 83, son of Glen and Alice (Parrish) Thieman, was born December 17, 1940, in St. Joseph, MO. He passed from this life unexpectedly on December 31, 2023, at Ozarks Healthcare Hospital in West Plains, MO.

Jerry spent most of his career in the banking industry, working his way from teller to vice president over the decades. He had a life-long love of reading westerns, spy novels, and watching war movies. He also had several hobbies over the course of his life, including hunting, karate, archery, painting, photography, and knife making, but his favorite by far was amateur radio (call sign AD0BC). He founded the Bible Belt Christian Fellowship Net in 1995, which is still running today. He greatly enjoyed the amateur radio community and earned thousands of awards and certificates through various programs, including Parks On The Air. He may never have realized his impact in the radio community, but it is evident in the outpouring of memories and tributes being shared as the news of his passing has circulated.  

Most people don't know the eclectic nature of Jerry's early years. He was a Boy Scout, attended the American Legion Boys State program, took flying lessons, participated in college theatre, and worked in a mortuary before becoming a banker.  

Jerry married Clara Thompson in 1963 and had two children, Erica and Shauna. In 1980, Jerry married Ina Sirdoreus Douglas and added four stepsons whom he considered his own: David, Rodney, Greg, and Eric.  

A kind and thoughtful father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend, Jerry could be counted on in so many ways in the family and community. He had a deep love of the Lord and found great solace in his church congregation, the First Free Will Baptist Church of Houston, after losing his wife Ina in January 2021. They are reunited now in Heaven.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Ina. He is survived by daughter Erica Crapson of West Plains, MO; daughter Shauna Fitzgerald and husband Paul of Reston, VA; son David Douglas and wife Janet of Springfield, MO; son Rodney Douglas and wife Stephanie of Houston, MO; son Greg Douglas and wife Virginia of Ozark, MO; and son Eric Douglas and wife Anita of Ozark, MO as well as several grandchildren (Rhonda, Heather and Benny, Sean and Megan, Jared, Jason, Solomon and Jessica) and great-grandchildren (Jesse, Payton, RJ, Raelynn, Malachi, Nathaniel, Kaleb, Shane, Ryan, Christa), and a host of extended family and friends.  

Jerry was never known to say an unkind word; he was one of the most patient people any of us has ever known. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow radio operators, and all who knew him.  

A visitation for Jerry will take place Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Evans Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at Evans Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Big Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Creek Cemetery in memory of Jerry. 

Evans Funeral Home - Houston

224 S. Grand Ave.

Houston, Missouri

Thanks to KC5SM for informing us

BILLY WELDON LOW  K5POK

April 17, 1930 - June 11, 2023  

Billy Weldon Low was born on April 17, 1930, in Ackerly, Texas and he died on June 11, 2023, at the age of 93 in McKinney, Texas. He was preceded in death by both his parents, Ike Low and Grace Crass Low, and by his beloved wife of seventy-one years, Joann Touchstone Low.  

Weldon is survived by his children, daughter Debra Plummer and her husband Lester, daughter Terri Rothrock, and son, Jody Low and his wife Tracy; four grandchildren, Shelly Waskom, Laura Perry, Daniel Low, and Leslie Steveson, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  

He was a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ and was a member of Wesley and Kentwood Methodist Churches in Big Spring, First United Methodist Church of Plano, and First Baptist Church of Lucas, where he served as a Deacon and Treasurer over the years.  

Weldon served in the Army during the Korean War. He and Joann were married in 1951 while he was stationed at Camp Rucker near Mobile, Alabama. Joann had graduated high school only days before their wedding.  

Weldon was an Amateur Radio enthusiast, more commonly known as a Ham Radio Operator. He identified himself on the radio as K5POK – “Papa’s Only Kid”, and served the community participating in storm watch activities in the days before weather radar was available to the public. His knowledge and expertise in the field led him into the Microwave Communications industry where he worked for Collins Radio, MCI, Alcatel, and others. In 1980, he established his own contract personnel provider firm, Signal Services, Incorporated.   

He could build anything, or fix it so it worked better and more efficiently than when new. He built furniture, radios, antennas, computers, and even dollhouses for his granddaughters. He had a garage full of tools anyone might envy. He went to work at Elliott’s Hardware after retirement, reporting with a grin that, “people who retire get fat and die, and I’m already fat.” He wore his yardstick suspenders proudly, and was that expert guy you could only hope to have help you in the hardware store to find the widget or thingamabob you needed to successfully complete your DIY project at home.  

He taught his children to fear the Lord and live life according to His commands. And he loved them unconditionally.   

The wonderful patriarch of our family will be so missed. Our grieving hearts are comforted, though, and assured by our faith that he is in Heaven, enjoying reunions with those loved ones who had gone before him, and will be there to joyously welcome the rest of us when our time comes.  

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

There will be a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

From ARRL QST  September  2023

ALLEN FAMILY FUNERAL OPTIONS

2112 W Spring Creek Pkwy

Plano, TX 75023  

JAKE MULLINS  KC5GZP

September 1, 1929 – April 11, 2023  

Jake Mullins, 93, of Abilene passed away on April 11, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Hendrick Medical Center surrounded by his wife and family.  

Jake was born Johnny Jake Mullins September 1, 1929 to George William Mullins and Esther (Catchings) Mullins in Rockdale, Texas. He married Rose Joyce Freeman on March 25, 1955 in Stamford. He moved to Avoca, TX from Rockdale in 1948. He farmed until he started oilfield work in 1951. He served in the Army from 1951 to 1953 in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He went onto work for Lamar H. Moore Drilling Co. until 1960. He then worked for the Oldsmobile and Cadillac dealerships until retiring in 1992 from Jack Arledge Motor Co. in Odessa. He settled in Abilene in May 1994. He was an avid Ham Radio Operator. His call sign was KC5GZP. He also enjoyed hunting and the great outdoors. Jake was a faithful Christian and member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. He will be remembered for his gentleness, kindness, and genuineness to those he encountered. He also was given the nickname Duke by several family members and friends from the Rose Park Senior Center.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Guy Mullins; one infant son, Johnny Rex Mullins; two daughters, baby girl Brenda Joyce Mullins; and Melissa Dawn Mullins.  

He is survived by his wife, Rose Mullins; one brother, George Mullins of San Angelo; three sisters, Marie Skaggs of Anson, Minnie Ammons of Merkel, and Maudie Russ of Stamford; a host of nieces and nephews. Special relations Katie, Melissa, James and Irene Culpepper of Abilene. Lori, Bobby, Kimberly, and Charla Blake of Grand Island, FL. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.  

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Mullins family.  

A graveside committal service will take place on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene with Dr. Jeff Reid officiating.  

Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 

Garden of Memories Cemetery & Crematory

1701  Austin Highway

San Antonio, TX 78218

210-828-2811

Thanks to KC5NPC for informing us  

Rodney Baker   W5DY

1939 – March 31, 2023

By K6JT Steve  Phillips

TX CW Newsletter

Rodney had been sick and under Hospice care for over a year. During that time, he was still able to check into TEX on occasion although it became harder to do as time went on. His last check-in to TEX was in November 2022. He finally became a silent key on March 31, 2023.

Here is a summary of Rodney’s amateur radio activities that he provided in May 2011. It was left as he wrote it with minor date updates rather than changing to past tense.

By Rodney Baker W5DY

First licensed in 1975 as a novice WN5TAY, Tech license in 1975 WB5TAY, General in 1975 same call, Advanced in 1978 KF5JW, Extra in 1978 same call. W5DY callsign obtained in 2006.  Active in traffic nets on CW from 1975 to 2022 and active in traffic nets on SSB from 1977 to 2021 (mic in closet for 2 years).

I started working overseas in the oilfield in 1991 and did not work HF for 15 years. Although I gave up HF, I was still active on VHF/UHF.I retired from the oilfield in 2004 and started on HF again in 2006 at which time I changed mycall to W5DY.

CW is my preferred mode, but am also active on SSB, both primarily on traffic nets. I was a net control on the Texas Traffic Net for almost 2 years from 2006 to 2008. I am very active on the Texas CW NTS Section Traffic Net (Tex CW) both as net control and RN5 liaison. I am also the assistant net manager of Tex CW net. I have a schedule on the Trans Continental Corps 2 nights a week as Station Fox since 2008.

I was appointed South Texas Section Traffic Manager in January 2008 and appointed EC of Goliad County in 2009. I work HF, VHF/UHF from my home, my truck and portable from my motorhome.

I am active in Field Day, the Texas Water Safari, Special Event Station W5G at the Goliad County Fair and the Missions Tour de Goliad bike ride.

Note that Rodney was also TEX manager from October 2018 until poor health required that he resign in May 2020.

From QRZ.com, by Rodney W5DY

Howdy Folks, this picture was taken while I was putting out fires in the Kuwait oilfield in 1991. Actually, the coveralls and hard hat are a bright yellow but don't look like it, hi. I had just come out of the hole and partly covered with good ole oil. I did clean it off my face before the picture was taken. I added the other pictures showing my team and some of the fires.

The biggest blowout my team handled was making 42000 barrels of oil per day. It took 11 days to conquer this one, which was 5 days ahead of schedule, saving them over $10M. The Kuwait Oil Co managers promised us each a Rolls Royce or $200,000 cash. I opted for the $200K, but as yet have not received it !!!

In 1992 one of my biggest thrills was being selected to represent Wild Well Control at the opening of the IMAX movie "Fires of Kuwait", which was made featuring my team and nominated for an Academy Award. It was at the Smith Institute in Ontario. I was honored to be on Canadian National TV during this showing.

This started my overseas working career and ended my ham radio activity. I retired in 2004 and became active on ham radio again in 2006. I was Section Traffic Manager for South Texas from Jan 2008 to Jan 2019. Currently Member at Large of Radio Relay International Central Area Staff, EC for Goliad County Texas and ORS.

My main activity is the Texas CW Traffic Net which meets every day at 7 and 10 pm central time on 3541 khz. Come join us and have some fun. Other CW nets are RN5 at 1930 and 2130 on 3567 or 7108 and CAN at 2030 on 3552 or 7052.

Since getting older and not able to do a lot of things that I used to, I have become more active on ham radio, mostly in traffic handling. You can usually find me on the 7290 Traffic Net at 1000. I had to clean the cobwebs off my mic so I could use SSB (Still check in on CW occasionally, hihi).

Thanks for looking, 73, and see you on the air. Dih dah dih dah dit

From Jim Bomer W5IM

Rodney has been a part of the NTS system ever since I begin to be active in traffic handling.  He was also the South Texas Traffic Manager for several years.  I think Ray Taylor originally appointed him to that position. 

From Joe Kosler N5LLS

Rodney and I became friends in 1947 when I moved from a small country school in Victoria Texas to a catholic all boys  grade school and high school , St Joseph's also in Victoria. We graduated together in 1957. I can't remember if Rodney went off to college but do know that he joined his dad in the oilfield  as a fishing tool expert and traveled to many places overseas doing fishing tool work and later worked with Red Adair and Boots and Coots putting out oil well fires both overseas and here in the states.   

In the early 1970's Wanda and I had aviation business in Edna Texas and taught Rodney to fly and sold him a new Cessna 185 airplane.  During this time period the oil Field was in one of the largest booms ever for this area. Every body associated with oil was rolling in money including Rodney.   He came by  the airport one day and said he needed to get rid of some money and wanted to buy our aviation business, so we sold it to him lock stock and barrel.  

Rodney, Wanda and  I  continued to be friends until his passing. He will be missed.

Thanks to Steve Phillips K6JT

and

The TX CW Net Newsletter

and

Joe Kosler N5LLS & Jim Bomer W5IM

Additional Picture

LINDA JOHNSTON ROBINSON  KC5QPQ

July 31, 1946 – MARCH 8, 2023

Linda Johnston Robinson, 76, of San Antonio, TX went to be with the Lord on March 8, 2023. She is survived by her husband Dale Robinson, Sisters Dottie Lesnock of Canonsburg, PA and Shirley Tershel of Maylene, AL, brother Bill Johnston and his wife Barb of Coalgate, OK, brother Chad Johnston and his wife Ruthie of Canonsburg, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Charlotte Johnston of Canonsburg, PA.  

Linda grew up in Canonsburg, PA and attended Chartiers-Houston High School in Houston PA, graduating in 1965. In 1968, she moved to San Antonio, TX where she lived with her Aunt Alice and Uncle Frank. In the early 1980s, she enrolled at Incarnate Word College (now Univ. of the Incarnate Word) where she met Dale and the two developed a deep friendship. Linda graduated from Incarnate Word in 1985, by which time Dale was enrolled at the Univ. of Texas at Austin. When he graduated and returned to San Antonio, their friendship continued, and they were married on February 16, 1991.

Linda’s two passions were animals – particularly cats – and amateur radio. She fed and looked after the welfare of neighborhood cats in addition to our own cats. In 1995, she became an amateur (a.k.a. “ham”) radio operator, earning a Technician class license with the callsign KC5QPQ. She upgraded to Technician Plus in 1998, General in 2002, and Amateur Extra in 2003. Over the years, she has provided radio communications for numerous bicycle and running marathons, parades, and other community events where radio communication is needed. For the past several years, she has been one of the net control operators for the Alamo Area Radio Organization’s Monday evening InfoNet.  

Linda will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew her in the amateur radio community.

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

1701 Austin Hwy

San Antonio, TX  78218

210 828 2811  

Thanks to Dale KB5YSJ for informing us  

SCOTT WEBB SR  W1EBB

September 7, 1959 – April 18, 2023  

A Memorial Service for Wesley Scott Webb, Sr. will be held Sunday, April 23,2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Griffin Funeral, 911 Warren Drive, West Monroe, LA. with Bro. Buddy Wade Officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 P.M.  

Scott was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to anyone who would listen (and some who didn’t want to). Scott was a Ham Radio operator; his call sign was W1EBB. Scott went back to school at the age of 42 and graduated with a bachelors degree in social work. As a social worker he made many friends and thoroughly loved his work. Scott loved to ride his motorcycle and his favorite saying was “I have my chin in the wind and my knees in the breeze”. He was an avid reader; his favorite author was Terry Brooks. He loved to study history. One of his favorite pastimes was teasing his grandchildren. He loved to hunt and fish and doing anything outdoors. Scott enjoyed feeding his hummingbirds and watching them. Scott will be missed by all that knew him.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Georgia Webb.  

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 42 years, Janet Crain Webb; Children, Wesley Scott Webb, Jr. (Leah), Jana Kristine Spillers (Adam), Andrew Christopher Webb (Brooke); Siblings, Georgianna Martin, Jack Webb, Greg Webb; 8 grandchildren, Hayden Spillers, Taylor Webb, Emarie Spillers, Autumn Webb, Benson Spillers, Avery Webb, Adalyn Spillers and Bryce Webb.  

Scott is also survived by a host of other family and friends. 

Visitation

Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Griffin Funeral Home West Monroe

911 Warren Drive

WEST MONROE, LA 71291

    Service

Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 3:00pm

Griffin Funeral Home West Monroe

911 Warren Drive

WEST MONROE, LA 71291

Thanks to N5MSE for informing us  

Larry Lee Springsteen  WB8LBZ

August 9, 1952 - April 2, 2023  

Larry L. Springsteen, 70, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023.  Larry was born in Dowagiac, MI on August 9, 1952. He graduated from Dowagiac Union Schools in 1970. He enlisted and served in the United States Army for 12 years and was honorably discharged in 1987.  

Larry worked for the United States government in various roles for 31 years and retired in 2018. He was a very active member of the El Paso Amateur Radio community under the callsign WB8LBZ.  

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Laurence and Virginia Springsteen, sister Nancy Lang, and brother-in-law, AJ Wilson. He leaves behind his wife of 39 years Chong Springsteen, son; Paul Springsteen, daughters; Maria and Ester Springsteen, sisters; Susan Wilson and Mary Lou (Gail) Peterson, and John Lang.  

Visitation will be held for Larry on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home - Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr with a prayer service in Korean and English at 6:00 PM. The Funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 with the Committal Service to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with military honors

Service Schedule  

Visitation

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

5:00 - 8:00pm (Mountain time)

Sunset Funeral Homes - Northeast

4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, TX 79904  

Prayer Service

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Starts at 6:00pm (Mountain time)

Sunset Funeral Homes - Northeast

4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, TX 79904

Funeral Service

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Starts at 11:30am (Mountain time)

Sunset Funeral Homes - Northeast

4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, TX 79904

Interment

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Starts at 1:00pm (Mountain time)

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

CHARLES “CHARLIE” B.  COLLIGAN KC5YC

March 21, 1954 - February 15, 2023  

Charles Berchman Colligan, 68, late of Hackberry, presently of Singer, Louisiana, passed away on February 15, 2023 at his home. Known by most as Charlie B. or Crash, he made friends wherever he went, and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.  

Throughout his life, Charlie loved being with others. During his teen and college years, he worked summers at the Louisiana Lions Camp in Leesville, Louisiana as a counselor for disabled children, and made numerous lifelong friends.  

Other accomplishments that he was proud of include earning his BA from McNeese State University, working 25 years for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, marrying his 'Dream Girl', and being a Dad.  

Charlie led an active life and enjoyed many outdoor activities. He loved to hunt, fish, golf, and attend sporting events, especially for his alma mater. Aside from these pursuits, he was an amateur radio operator, call sign KC5YC, and loved to talk to other hams across the globe. He also had a special interest in Louisiana history and read avidly on the subject.  

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lydia Wingate Colligan; brother Morris Raphael Jr.; half-sister Roseanne Raphael; and half-brother John Raphael; and numerous much loved cousins.  

He is preceded in death by his son, Joel Berchman Colligan; his adoptive parents Dr. J.B. and Helen Colligan; his birth parents Morris Raphael Sr. and Serita Lorenza Raphael.  

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 10 A.M. at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Sulphur with Father Edward Richard, M.S. officiating.   

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 5-8 P.M. with a rosary at 6:30 P.M. at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers or plants, Charlie’s family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer  Society in memory of his father, Dr. J.B. Colligan.

Johnson and Robison Funeral Home 

107 W Napoleon St

Sulphur, LA 70663

Phone 337-528-0240  

Thanks to N5FKW and KC0M for informing us  

 TERRY LYNN JOHNSON  W5TLJ

August 16, 1948 – January 8, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Terry Lynn Johnson of Bangs, Texas, born in Dallas, Texas, who passed away on January 8, 2023, at the age of 74, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcometo leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.  

He was predeceased by  his parents, Zueluma Johnson and James Johnson;  his former wife  Anne; his son Mike Johnson; and his step-son Ryan Rudloff.  

He is survived by  his wife  Caryl Johnson;  his daughter Terrianne  Margason (DJ);  his step-son Tim Rudloff (LaNita Jed Rudloff);  his daughter-in-law Tammy Rudloff; and his sister Sharon Holloway (Steve). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Heartland Funeral & Cremation Services

303 Early Blvd

Early, TX 76802

325 646 9424

Thanks to W5OMR for informing us

 JACK LAMONT STOKES KE5KR

March 22, 1944 – January 12,2023  

Jack Lamont Stokes of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away from this life on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the age of 78. Jack was born in Oklahoma City on March 22, 1944, the son of Hardriss Lamont Stokes and Elsie Jane (Collins) Stokes.

As a young man, Jack was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. During his time with the Marines, Jack worked as a Radio Operator specializing in radio relay operations during the Vietnam War. He proudly and honorably served his time in the military, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Known to many around the world by his HAM radio callsign “KE5KR”, Jack’s interest in worldwide radio communication continued after leaving the Marine Corps and became a lifelong hobby. He loved talking to his radio buddies across the globe, and made many, many friends all over the world.

His faith was very important to him, and Jack was a longtime member of the First Christian Church of Moore, where he was a beloved door greeter for many years. He was also a Master Mason with Moore Chapter 539. Though he wasn’t a mechanic by trade, he loved to tinker, and you could often find him working on motorcycles, hotrods, and other classic cars.

While he was known as being hardcore, grumpy, and surly in his younger years, his began to soften in his older age. He played Santa every year during the holidays, and when his grandchildren were born, he became even sweeter and loved the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack was always happiest when he was with his family. Jack and his son Mike were very close and spent a lot of time together, often cruising Route ’66 together in Jack’s custom Ford hotrod who he named Li’l Darlin’. When Jack had her repainted with a new design, she became “Li’l Darlin’ with Attitude”. He was an excellent father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Julia Lael Stokes, two sons, Jarod Lamont Stokes, and Bobby Harold Peters, and his parents, Hardriss and Elsie Stokes.

Left to treasure his memory are two children, son Michael Floyd Peters and his wife Sherri of Choctaw, Oklahoma, and daughter Karen McKnight and her husband Mac of Louisville, Kentucky; along with ten grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and a host of loving extended family and many friends across the world.

John M Ireland & Sons

3228 S Western Ave

Oklahoma  City, OK  73119

405 799 1200

johnathon@johnirelandfuneralhome.com 

Thanks to KE5LTA for informing us