Former rail union leader Watson dies

Former rail labor leader Edgar Watson died May 31, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) announced yesterday.

Watson served as international vice president for the labor organization from 1979 through 1993, when it was known as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). The BLE merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and became the BLET in January 2004.

Watson began his railroad career with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis in 1950. He joined the BLE Division 48 in St. Louis after being promoted to locomotive engineer in 1953.

Over the years, he served the union in several ways, including as chairman of the Southwestern Convention Meeting and delegate to the 1962 BLE Grand International Convention.

In 1976, Watson was elected as 1st alternate international vice president. He was promoted to international vice president in June 1979 and was re-elected to the role three times.

Before his rail career, Watson served in the U.S. Navy.

Watson is survived by his wife, Patricia, as well as children and grandchildren.

"Ed Watson was a tremendous asset to our Brotherhood and he will be missed by all who know him," said BLET National President Dennis Pierce.