Downtown West in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Lou Fatha Thimes

Born October 18, 1928

Photographed By Jason Voigt, January 23, 2023

1. Lou Fatha Thimes Marker

Inscription. Lou "Fatha" Thimes is a historical and legendary icon of the St. Louis radio airwaves. His deep voice was synonymous with rhythm & blues and resonated with the listeners at stations such as KATZ, KADI, KXLW, KKSS, KMJM, WESL, and a KDHX. Truly a radio pioneer for over 60 years, Thimes was also the first African American ring announcer at the Kiel Auditorium boxing matches.

Erected by Gateway Community Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Sports.

Location. 38° 38.185′ N, 90° 12.421′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Downtown West. Marker is on North 20th Street south of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive (Missouri Route D), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1934 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Saint Louis MO 63106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Helen Elizabeth Nash (here, next to this marker); Jimmie M. Edwards (here, next to this marker); Charles E. Fleming (here, next to this marker); Joe Wiley (here, next to this marker); Nathaniel Sweets (here, next to this marker); Ida G. Woolfolk

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(here, next to this marker); Myrtle H. Davis (here, next to this marker); James H. Buford (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.

Regarding Lou Fatha Thimes. Thimes began his radio career in 1952 while serving at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. He would move back to his hometown of St. Louis in 1956. Thimes also worked for the Human Development Corporation of Metropolitan St. Louis and the city’s License Collector’s office. He died on June 11, 2014. His daughter is Denise Thimes, who is a jazz singer.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 24 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 23, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.