Ed Bakner, a dear man in the Arkansus broadcast in Thv11 at Little Rock and a dear man in the main meteorologist, died on Sunday, 25 May, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 59 years old.
Born in Houston, Texas, the passion for Bakner season began quickly. He graduated from St. Pius X High School and Stephen F. before obtaining a degree in meteorology from Mississippi State University. Participated at Austin State University. In 1996, he joined THV11, where he would spend nearly 25 years as the chief meteorologist, became a reliable source for Arkansans during serious weather events.
Bakner’s commitment to innovation was clear, when in 1997, he became the first meteorologist in Arkansas, who was to use a live radar on the air to track a tornado. This progress was credited with saving life during that and future serious weather events.
Beyond its professional achievements, Bakner was known for their mentarship and kindness. Katav’s meteorologist James Bryant recalled, “Ed was very kind. He gave me his first start in TV – back in 2004. THV had a summer kidcaster campaign, and I was chosen to weather that evening on one evening.
Apart from his meteorological career, Bakner was a musician who released the children’s weather-theme album. He often performed these songs during a school tour, combining education and entertainment to inspire young minds.
Bakner was also deeply involved in charitable work, which Susan ji. Common supported organizations such as Breast Cancer Foundation, Special Olympics, United Way and Arkansas Children Hospital. He shared his experience with disorders to advocate Torrett syndrome awareness, promote understanding and acceptance.
He is alive by his wife, Caroline Bakner; Their children, Brook Bakner, Morgan Bakner, Grant Lewis and Christon Hendric; And seven grandchildren. He was before the death of his daughter, Ashton Ekin.
The colleagues and the audience equally remember Bakner as a reliable voice, a patron and a kind friend. Katvi’s chief meteorologist Barry Brant said, “Ed was such a fast, humble gentleman and was talented by so many ways. He left us soon.”
The funeral has not been arranged yet. The community mourns the loss of a person whose dedication, warmth and innovation left an indelible mark on Arkansas broadcast.