From left: A.J. McAfee, Div. 98 Local Chairman; Mike Burkey, Div. 98 President; Ryan Champoux, Div. 98 Vice President; Brad Gerdts, Div. 98 Secretary-Treasurer; Janet Gordon, Vern’s wife; and Sonny Fankhauser, Div. 98 Legislative Representative.
Members and officers of BLET Division 98 (Lincoln, Nebraska) gathered together on May 13 to honor the memory of the late L.D. (Vern) Gordon. Brother Gordon passed away unexpectedly in July 2025. He served Division 98 as Local Chairman for many years, and was also a Vice General Chairman of the BNSF/MRL General Committee of Adjustment (BNSF/MRL GCA).
“Vern was a dedicated union officer and a tireless advocate for the membership,” said BNSF/MRL General Chairman Kent Posta. “Throughout Vern’s years of service, he earned the respect of the members he represented and the officers he worked alongside. He was a tremendous asset to both Division 98 and the BNSF/MRL GCA.”
On May 13, active and retired BLET members and officers from Lincoln and surrounding areas joined Vern’s wife Janet in Eagle, Nebraska, for the first annual Vern Gordon Memorial Golf Tournament. The event will honor Vern’s memory and recognize his contributions to the membership and the Brotherhood.
Vern Gordon served Division 98 as Local Chairman for many years, and was their delegate to the 2018 BLET National Convention (above).