Brian Wheeler

Brian Douglas Wheeler, a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, at the age of 61, following complications from a rare blood disorder known as myelodysplastic syndrome.

He was born Sept. 27, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, son of Benny and Roberta Wheeler.

After high school, Mr. Wheeler briefly attended Southeast Missouri State University, and then entered the Army National Guard. He spent more than 40 years working for Union Pacific Railroad. He began work for the railroad during the summers as a member of the track gang. He quickly earned a promotion to engine services as a fireman, and then was promoted to engineer Jan. 17, 1975.

Mr. Wheeler was a very active and proud member of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). He served the BLET for many years as a safety captain and president of Local Division 42.

He married the love of his life, the former Marsha Klughart, on June 5, 1976. During the early years of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler lived in St. Louis before settling in Poplar Bluff to raise their family.

He loved to hunt with his son and trail ride with his friends -- always accompanied by his beloved trail dog, Shelby. In earlier years he took great pride in coaching his children's baseball and softball teams.

Survivors include his wife; his parents of Scott City; two children, Amber Wheeler Richardson and husband Todd of Poplar Bluff, Aaron Wheeler of St. Louis; a grandchild, Sawyer Richardson; and a sister, Kim Wheeler Hanchen and husband Joe of Jefferson City, Mo.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until service time Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff.

The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. John Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Memorials may be made to the Union scholarship fund: SWCM Scholarship Fund, c/o Norman Baker, treasurer SWCM, 6009 Woodview North, Sherwood, Ark. 72120-4129.

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.