Phil Parr - R.I.P

Lufkin Daily News obituary.

Dave Westheimer writes:

"Phil Parr was at KTLW in Texas City from 1962 to 1970 and was bassist for Utah Carl during those same years. He moved to Lufkin in 1970 and worked at KSPL in Diboll. He also created and ran the Blind Handyman radio show on the ACB (American Council for the Blind) Radio network for years.

He may have been the last surviving member of Utah Carl's Gulf Coast Jamboree Boys. His predecessor on bass, Sam Reece, may still be living, but all the other 60s regulars are gone now."

Texas Country Reporter feature on The Blind Handyman.

Flickr photostream, posted by his wife, Luan, KTLW Once a Millenium Reunion, 2008.

Flickr photostream, posted by his wife, Luan, Blind Handyman Gathering, 2008.

My thanks to Dave for bringing this to my attention.

More KTRH Transmitter Pictures

John Robertson writes:


"My uncle by marriage was T.L. Hinner, he was Chief Engineer at the KTRH Cedar Bayou transmitter facility during this period. I came across your "Houston Radio History" web site and remembered I had these photos.

I remember staying with my aunt and uncle at the transmitter as a young child. My favorite thing was being allowed to switch on the tower lights at dusk.

I remember Bob Sutton, that worked at the transmitter at the ame time as my uncle.  He went on to become Chief Engineer for the KTRK  TV transmitter facility near DeWalt Texas.

Thanks for your informative web site,

John Robertson"

Great pictures, John.  Thanks for sharing them and for the additional information.

See the original post on this transmitter installation here.