R.I.P.: Gary Houser 'The Voice of Abilene'

Gary Houser

Gary Houser, a morning radio personality for more than 50 years, died Wednesday on his way to broadcast the morning show at KABI 1560 AM in Abilene, Kansas.

He was 79 according to hutchnews.com.

Dickinson County Undersheriff James Swisher said Houser was died in an auto accident.

His pickup truck "drifted off into the ditch" and rolled, accoridng to police. He said Houser was not wearing a seat belt.

Houser  was KABI

"He is the name that is synonymous with KABI Radio in Abilene," said Bob Protzman, general manager of the station. When KABI went on the air on April 5, 1963, Houser was behind the microphone.

Houser spent 15 years at KABI before joining KINA radio station in Salina, where he broadcast for 20 years. The last 15 years, he could be heard back at 1560 AM.