Northeast Louisiana ARES/RACES/Skywarn - Guestbook

In Loving Memory of Bill Blanton, K5WGQ

William H. "Bill" Blanton, Jr. K5WGQ, age 77, was a graduate of Rayville High School, Rayville, LA. He served two years in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a radar technician. He worked 18 years as an engineer for KNOE-TV in Monroe and retired after teaching electronics for 20+ years at Delta-Ouachita Vo-Tech in West Monroe. He was a long time member of the Twin City Ham Club and held every office in the club multiple times. He enjoyed CW and was very active in NELA Skywarn. He was currently serving as an ARRL Technical Specialist for the Louisiana Section. He was a charter member of Cedar Crest Baptist Church in West Monroe where he served as a Deacon and one-time Treasurer. He is survived by his wife the former Peggy Perry of Delhi, La., two sons, Mark WC5M, Barry WC5N and wife Tonya, and three grandaughters Hannah, Sarah, and Leah.

Over the years, Bill devoted countless hours volunteering his time and services in ARES and Skywarn (most notably during the 1983 flood when President Reagan made a special visit to the area). During floods, hurricanes, ice storms and any other time he was needed, he was always there to lend a helping hand with a smile and dedication like none other. Bill was truly a friend to all who knew him and will be missed dearly by the Amateur Radio Community.

Visitation for W.H. "Bill" Blanton, Jr. will be Friday March 19, 2010 from 5PM-8PM at Cedar Crest Baptist Church, 3245 Arkansas Rd, West Monroe, LA.

The funeral will be at the church Saturday March 20th at 2PM with the Reverend Greg Clark officiating. Burial will be immediately following at McKnight Cemetery, Holly Ridge, La.

In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to the Cedar Crest Baptist Church Building Fund.

APRS Spotter Network Site
www.spotternetwork.com

Basic & Advanced Skywarn Classes held on February 6th, 2010
A Skywarn Class was held on Saturday, February 6th at the Ouachita Fire Training Center in West Monroe, LA. This class had a total of 82 students from ham radio operators, emergency management, and the general public and was a joint Basic & Advanced class between NWS Shreveport and NWS Jackson of the Shreveport NWS Skywarn Program. Thank you to Chad Entremont with NWS Jackson as well as Keith Stellman and Doug Butts with NWS Shreveport for conducting this joint class.

Other classes will be held in the future for those that may have missed this event.