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William L. 'Bill' Gabbert Lake Charles, LA QCWA # 12075 |
William Lee "Bill" Gabbert, age 56, died in his sleep on October 10, 1978, in his home in Lake Charles, LA.
A native of Lake Charles, Mr. Gabbert owned and operated Bill Gabbert Studios for several years. Photos he took during and after Hurricane Audrey in 1957 are still used by Civil Defense in telling about protection against natural disasters.
He was a lifetime member of the American Radio Relay League and had been an active member of other amateur radio organizations throughout the US. His worldwide radio contacts included the Shah of Iran. Mr. Gabbert was the only ham radio operator to maintain continuous radio contact with both the North and South Pole expeditions. He was also cited for his radio work during disasters in the US and in Central America.
Mr. Gabbert served in the US Coast Guard during World War II. All of his overseas service was in the South Pacific. He was also an instructor in setting up a photography laboratory for the local Boy Scouts. In his spare time, he was an avid golfer and competed in several amateur golf competitions.
Funeral services were held on October 13, 1978, beneath the historic Sallier Oak in Lake Charles. He was laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery.