Last Runs

Michael Hutsch

On October 27, 1999, Brother Michael Hutsch of BLE Division 118 (Belleville, Ill.) made his last run, ending a 41-year railroad career.

Brother Hutsch started his railroad career as a fireman for the Illinois Central in 1958 at East St. Louis, Ill., and was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1963. In 1987, part of the Illinois Central was bought and renamed the Chicago, Missouri & Western. The CM&W was bought by the Southern Pacific Railroad (and known as SPCSL) and later became part of Union Pacific.

Brother Hutsch has the distinction of being the first retiree from Division 118 (Belleville, Ill.) which was chartered in 1989 for employees of the SPCSL. Hutsch has been a BLE member for over 35 years and has served as Division 118 Secretary-Treasurer since the division's inception. Previously he served as secretary-treasurer of BLE Division 512 (Belleville, Ill.).

Mike and his wife Judy are planning an active retirement pursuing many hobbies, traveling and enjoying time with their grandchildren.

The Hutsch's live at: 1409 N. 15th Street, Swansea, Ill., 62226.

All Aboard: Next Stop Sunny Florida

Douglas M. Carter

On December 16, 1998, Brother Douglas M. Carter of BLE Division 561 (Richmond, Va.) made his last run. His wife and oldest daughter were there to greet him as he bid farewell to his longtime career with the railroad.

His journey on the railroad commenced February 6, 1956 as he began his career building boxcars at Fruit Growers Express in Alexandria, Va. Four yeas later, Brother Carter was laid off. Never losing hope, he hired on as a machinist helper at the Potomac Yards in Alexandria. Six months later he was promoted to a machinist. In 1973, he became an apprentice engineer. On November 5, 1973, he was promoted to engineer.

During his long career, he worked various jobs including Amtrak, thru freight and yard jobs. His last run was a yard job on the D-793 out of Fredericksburg, Va. for CSX.

Douglas and his wife, Barbara, were married June 21, 1957. The couple has five children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Although Brother Carter has retired from the rails, he still manages to occupy himself with odd jobs around his homes in Caroline County, Va. and Maderira Beach, Fla. and with his family.

Douglas and Barbara plan to spend a great deal of time at their home in Florida.

The Carters live at: 22045 Carters Gate Road, Ruther Glen, Va., 22546.

Farewell to 'Sarge'

Stanley "Sarge" Poplawski

Brother Stanley "Sarge" Poplawski ended his injury-free career with his last run on October 1, 1999 throughout the North Jersey Consolidated Terminal.

Brother Poplawski, a member of BLE Division 601 (Newark, N.J.), joined the BLE in 1992. He hired out in 1971 as a hostler for the Penn Central after a long military career. He went firing on the Penn Central in 1971 and was promoted to locomotive engineer by Amtrak in October 1974.

Sarge, as he was widely known, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-1971. During this time, he served in both Korea and Vietnam, along with other combat service.

Sarge and his wife Lucille were married on May 30, 1960. The couple has a son, Steven, and two grandchildren.

During his retirement, Brother Poplawski plans to "keep busy" by ocean fishing, reading and participating in the American Legion and the VFW.

"Sarge was very hard working and was well-liked by his co-workers," said BLE Division 601 Local Chairman Tom Roberts.

The Poplawskis live at: 636 Center Street, Carlstadt, N.J. 07072.

40 Years Without Injury

Joe C. "Dusty" Rhodes

Joe C. "Dusty" Rhodes of BLE Division 569 (Heavener, Okla.) made his last run on September 25, 1999 after spending over 40 years on the railroad without ever having been injured.

Brother Rhodes began his railroad career right out of high school in 1955 as a clerk for Kansas City Southern in Spiro, Okla. He went firing on September 22, 1973 and was promoted to locomotive engineer on April 1, 1974.

Forty years after hiring out, Rhodes received a brass locomotive for his years without a personal injury.

Brother Rhodes has been married to Margaret Ann since 1979. He has two children, Joe Wayne and Jerri Sue, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In his retirement, Rhodes plans to continue his volunteer work at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Howe, Okla. He also would like to camp, hunt, fish and travel. He also plans on woodworking.

The Rhodes live at: P.O. Box 111, Monroe, Okla. 74947.

Honor Roll
A Proud Volunteer

Clayton Eaker and J. T. Helton

Brother J.T. Helton recently attained Honor Roll status and was presented with a 55-year membership pin by BLE Division 198 President Clayton Eaker to mark the event.

Brother Helton was initiated into BLE Division 889 on February 12, 1942. His father J.T. Helton Sr. was also a member of that Division. Brother Helton Jr. held seniority on the Belt Railway of Chattanooga which later became part of the Southern Railway. The members of Division 889 merged into Lookout Division 198 on July 1, 1964. Brother Helton left the railroad in September 1942 and entered the military during World War II. Upon his return from the war in February 1945, he re-joined the railroad.

Brother Helton served BLE Division 198 (Chattanooga, Tenn.) for many years as Legislative Representative and was secretary-treasurer of the Tennessee Legislative Board. He also served as a delegate to the International Division.

Brother Helton retired in 1986. He is now 77-years-old and still in great health.

Brother Helton resides at: 4224 Victory Street, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37411.

© 2000 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers