Gene Willbanks, N5BLK, a long-time INDEXA staff member, became a silent key on Thursday evening, March 21, 2002.
As a staff member of the International DX Association (INDEXA), Gene participated in the daily INDEXA Information Session on 14.236 at 23:30z. Gene, along with fellow staff members, provided QSL routes and DX information to the amateur radio community.
Gene received his Novice Class license in 1978 and in addition to DXing, he developed an interest in County Hunting and ragchewing. He enjoyed HF mobile operation and helped many amateurs contact various counties for their USACA award.
N5BLK loved people. For twenty-five years, he taught special education, social studies, and drivers' education. In addition to amateur radio, he also enjoyed photography and traveling with his beloved wife, Myrt, who is a retired mathematics teacher. Together they raised and loved two children, Alan and Lea.
Perhaps Gene will be most remembered for being a helpful and kind man who tempered difficult situations with his rye sense of humor. He was always the gentleman - a Southern gentleman, a Christian gentleman!
Gene was very active in the Lincecum Baptist Church and his family has established a memorial fund in his name. Donations may be sent to Gene's XYL and Church Treasurer, Myrt Willbanks, 513 Hwy. 123, Pollock, LA 71457.
Gene's family misses him, the amateur radio community misses him, and the memory of N5BLK will live on.
You will be missed my friend.Hope the man upstairs has plenty of crawfish and boudin,and lots of pecans.
A gentle and kind man I called friend will be greatly missed.
Gene was a good and true friend. Always positive. He and I were county hunting friends from about 1985 as best I remember. Not nearly long enough. 73, Gene CU on the next county line. George
Gene, you are missed until we meet again. In God's memory, may your memory be eternal.
Gene, i will miss the jokes and good natured ribbing that you accepted and dished out on the INDEXA session. You and Myrt were very thoughtful and caring and went out of you way during your travels to stop by for a short "eyeball" visit with your close friends. You will be missed, always, Pick
we have had a great loss he was mr dx mr county hunting we will miss him