Amateur Radio Newsline

Broadcast #940

August 19, 1995

Some sad news. Word that one of the nations best known packet radio and repeater pioneers has passed away. Seventy-four year old Shelton McAnelly, KD5SL became a silent key on August 5th. Charlie Detrich KF5EK reports from Baton Rouge on the passing of a ham radio legend.

Shelton B. Mc Anelly, KD5SL, became a silent key Saturday, August 5th at age 74, apparently from heart failure. Shelton was discovered at his home by fellow hams KC5BMA and KC5DXT and a family member when for the first time in 10 years when he failed to check into a Sunday evening net.

KD5SL who was the ARRL Delta Division State Governmental Liaison, operated one of the nations largest HF BBS gateways as part of the national packet system. He was an original member of the HF skip net group and was one of the first BBS sysops to be granted unattended status by the FCC. Shelton was the founder and current President of the Radio Amateurs Service Club of Baton Rouge, the founder of the Baton Rouge Digital Society, a past president of the Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club, and one of amateur radios greatest proponents. KD5SL received national, state and local recognition for his contributions and dedications to his community and ham radio.

McAnelly, who was a Louisiana native, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, held a chemical engineering degree and was a retired patent attorney. He is survived by 3 daughters, 2 sons, 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. At the time of his death, Shelton McAnelly, KD5SL, was in his ham shack surrounded by the world he loved, Amateur Radio.

Shelton McAnelly, KD5SL was laid to rest in his hometown of Franklin, Louisiana. His contributions to ham radio will live on for years to come.