Online fundraiser established for survivors of slain Local 171 member

An online fundraiser has been set up for the survivors of Dexter Perkins, a member of Local 171 (Aurora, Ill.), after he was slain in an act of violence Dec. 22 in Wheaton, Illinois.

Brother Perkins, 37, had been a member of our union since September 2022 and worked as a conductor for BNSF before his death.

He leaves behind two daughters, Brynn and Blair, and his mother as well as his brothers and sisters in Local 131.

To contribute, please follow this link.

“I’m sure anyone who knows Dexter will agree we were all truly blessed to call him our friend, and the amount of lives he touched is insurmountable,” wrote friend David Killingsworth, who organized the fundraiser. “The family he’s left behind has been shaken to their core.”

Visitation is scheduled 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 5 at Lighthouse Church Cook County, 4501 W. 127th St., Alsip, IL 60803 with services immediately following from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Burial will take place in Glenwood, Illinois. 

A celebration of Brother Perkins’ life will occur Jan. 7 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Piazza Aurora, 85 Executive Dr, Aurora, IL, 60504. For information, visit the After Life Chicago website.

SMART-TD expresses its sincere condolences to Brother Perkins’ family, friends and all who knew him.