Jack D. Gant, W5GM

The photo shows Jack D. Gant, W5GM, with his hand-held as he helped with the Christmas parade in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Jack helped organize in the 40s the Ardmore Radio Club, was active in Civil Defense, was a "storm chaser",and met with many emergency nets. He gave tests for amateur licenses to many in this area and taught communication for the University of Oklahoma before enlisting in the Marines for WWII.

Jack died December 6, 2000 at the age of 84. He was former ARRL West Gulf Director and served as West Gulf Division Vice Director from 1972 to 1976 and as Director from l977 to l980. Licensed for 66 years, Gant was an ARRL member and formerly held the call sign W5EGR. He belonged to the Quarter Century Wireless Association. In the l970s he was active in ARES as Emergency Coordinator for Carter County, Oklahoma. He also served as chairman for the Texhoma Hamarama hamfest.

He was an independent oilman and held a private pilot’s license. Evelyn, his wife of 60 years, said there was always room for a "ham shack" in their home, and ham radio was his "first love" before they met.

Tribute by wife Evelyn and photo by son Gary.