Brian Douglas Wheeler

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

Mr. Wheeler was born Sept. 27, 1951 in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of Benny and Roberta Wheeler, of Scott City, who survive. 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 the 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 on Jan. 17, 1975. Mr. Wheeler was a very active and proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). He served the BLET for many years as a safety captain and President of Local Division 42.

On June 5, 1976 Mr. Wheeler married the love of his life, the former Marsha Klughart, who also survives. 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.

The Wheelers have two children, both of whom survive: Amber (Wheeler) Richardson and husband, Todd, of Poplar Bluff; and Aaron Wheeler of St. Louis, MO.; a grandchild, Sawyer Richardson; and a sister Kim (Wheeler) Hanchen and husband, Joe, of Jefferson City, MO.

Visitation will be held at the Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff from 9:30 -- 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 20th. The funeral service will following at 11:30 in the funeral chapel with The Rev. John Gilbert officiating. Burial will be at the 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 AR 72120-4129.

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