Russell “Dale” Hogan, a former general chairperson and retiree of Local 933 (Jefferson City, Mo.), died April 20, 2019, after a battle with cancer. He was 76.
He joined the United Transportation Union (UTU) after hiring on as a fireman for Missouri Pacific in January 1969. He later became an engineer and was elected general chairperson before retiring in July 1999 as a result of a disability.
“Our years of friendship and working together will always be important entries in my book of memories,” said former UTU President Tom DuBose in an online posting. “Dale remembered that justice is conscience, not just personal conscience, but the conscience of mankind. As I reflect back, Dale was not only an intelligent and amazing person but a giving person who in his own way was always searching for ways to make life better for others.”
Hogan was a Diamond Club member of the union’s political action committee and remained active in the union upon his retirement. Under his leadership, his general committee, which had formerly consisted solely of enginemen, consolidated with conductor, trainmen and yardmen committees to form a stronger group that is now under the umbrella of GO-569.
In July 2004, he was named to a nine-member blue-ribbon committee that looked at the UTU’s structure and offered recommendations on the consolidation and improvement of union operations and remained a member of the UTU/SMART TD Alumni Association.
“What stands out the most is not what he achieved, but how he lived his life,” DuBose said. “He moved through this world with confidence and an unshakeable love for his union and for his family. Dale will be profoundly missed.”
Hogan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Charlotte; daughter Lori; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild and other relatives.
Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m., with the memorial service and Masonic Rites to follow at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Meadors Funeral Home, 314 N. Main Ave., Republic, MO 65738.
Dale Hogan’s full obituary is available at this link.
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