On August 14, 1999, BLE Division 621 (Wymore, Neb.) member John C. Carey
worked his last night shift on the 2200 Shuttle job. Upon tying up the following
day, he was granted permission to lay off on account of retirement.
Last Runs
On August 14, 1999, BLE Division 621 (Wymore, Neb.) member John C. Carey
worked his last night shift on the 2200 Shuttle job. Upon tying up the following
day, he was granted permission to lay off on account of retirement.
Brother Carey began his railroad career with the Union Pacific in 1955. He worked for the UP from 1955 until 1964 as a fireman. From 1966 until 1970, he worked at the Grand Island, Neb. ordinance plant as a locomotive engineer. He was initiated into the BLE in 1971. From 1970 until his retirement in August, he worked as a locomotive engineer for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.
Carey will miss his fellow workers but not the grueling night shift. He is looking forward to spending time with his family.
He and his wife, Connie, have seven children and 13 grandchildren. His son, Daniel J. Carey, is a locomotive engineer who keeps Dad informed of railroad happenings.
The Careys live at: 721 West Washington, Lincoln, NE 68522.
Al "Butch" Hierholzer of BLE Division 169 (Syracuse, N.Y.)
made his last run on August 27, 1999. Along with Brother Hierholzer on his
last trip were his father, Al, and his wife, Joan.
Conrail General Chairman Bob Godwin congratulated Hierholzer on his successful railroad career. "For the past 25 years that we have worked together on the railroad and in the union, I was always proud to call you brother and friend. You always stood up and fought for better conditions and a safe work environment for your brothers and sisters in the rail industry."
Hierholzer began working in the rail industry in 1955 as a fireman and was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1971. During his tenure he worked for the New York Central, the Penn Central, Conrail and CSX Transportation.
Brother Hierholzer has been a member of BLE Division 169 for 28 years, including 19 years of service as its secretary-treasurer. He also served on the New York State Legislative Board for 13 years and eight years on the board's audit committee.
Al's father, Al, was also a locomotive engineer and member of BLE Division 169. He retired in 1978 with 40 years of service.
Al and Joan were married on June 15, 1957. The couple has four children and five granddaughters. During his retirement, Al plans to take life easy, do some traveling and spend more time with his family.
The Hierholzers live at: 107 Chester Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. 13208.
Brother J.C. "Cy" Martin, member of BLE Division 944 (Dallas), made last run on March 19, 1999 in Fort Worth, Texas. He his railroad career in 1972 as the vice-president and general manager of Texas Expert Railroad Company, and later worked for the Texas & Pacific Railway before ending his career as an engineer on the Union Pacific.
He had hired out as a fireman in July 1974 on the Texas & Pacific Railway, and was promoted to locomotive engineer on October 3, 1975.
While a member of the BLE, he served as president, vice-president, and legislative representative of BLE Division 944.
Brother Martin graduated from the University of North Texas in 1960. He and his wife, Wynema, have been married since 1963. They have six children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In his retirement, Martin plans to participate in railroad clubs.
The Martins live at: 205 Primrose Hill, Euless, TX 76039.
Brother Carlos F. McCall, a member of BLE Division 696 (Atlanta), made his last run aboard a Norfolk Southern roadswitcher on Sept. 30, 1999, between Chamblee, Ga. to Gainesville, Ga. and back.
Brother McCall hired out as a trainman on the Norfolk Southern in 1956 and was promoted to locomotive engineer in February 1971.
He and his wife, Doris, have two children and three grandchildren. In his retirement, the couple plans to travel, visit family and friends, fish and garden.
"I have enjoyed my 43-year railroad career, and have enjoyed and appreciated the members of the BLE over the years," said McCall.
McCall's brother, E.C. McCall, was a trainman and a conductor.
The McCalls live at: 415 Rack Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Former Louisiana State Legislative Board Chairman C.M. "Cooksey"
Humphrey, a retired member of BLE Division 326 (Bossier City, La.), has
achieved Honor Roll status with 50 years of BLE membership.
Brother Humphrey, 76, made his last run on March 1, 1983 from Bossier City, La. to Vicksburg, Miss.
Humphrey started his railroad career in 1941 as a fireman for the Illinois Central Railroad in Bossier City. He went firing on July 9, 1941, and was promoted to engineer on Dec. 22, 1943. He served in the army during World War II as a member of the Railroad Operating Battalion from 1943-1946, and received a Good Conduct Medal and a European Ribbon with two stars.
Brother Humphrey became a member of BLE Division 326 in 1948, and served as its secretary-treasurer and local chairman prior to his election as Chairman of the Louisiana State Legislative Board. He held that position from 1964-1985.
Humphrey also played professional baseball in the Boston Braves system from 1946-1950.
Humphrey and his wife, Martha, were married on Jan. 30, 1947, and have four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Brother Humphrey has passed his love of railroading on to two of his sons. One son, Buster, is a locomotive engineer for the Kansas City Southern and is a member of BLE Division 599 (Shreveport, La.). His other son, Bruce, was a fireman for the Illinois Central from 1962-1978.
Brother Humphrey has been passing the time since retirement by playing golf, attending several BLE conventions a year, going to baseball games and L.S.U. Tiger football games.
The Humphreys live at: 2625 Village Lane, Bossier City, La. 71112.
END OF PAGE 27
© 1999 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers