Blaine Louis Wicklein, 86, a retired railway union member who rose from switching equipment operator to train director at Washington's Union Station, died of pneumonia May 7 at Casey House in Rockville. He lived in Washington.
Mr. Wicklein was a longtime, active member of what is now the Transportation, Communications International Union. He worked at Union Station for more than 30 years, until 1979.
He started working at the train station in the mid-1930s, after graduating from Roosevelt High School in Washington, where he lettered in basketball.
Mr. Wicklein was born in St. Louis and his family moved to Washington when he was 6. He served in the Army from 1944 to 1946.
He was a member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Washington.
He also was an avid golfer and member of Army Navy Country Club; a genealogist; and a thoroughbred horse racing enthusiast.
His marriage to Delores Wicklein ended in divorce.
Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Wicklein of Washington; two children from his first marriage, Barbara Wicklein of Germantown and Michael Wicklein of Ocean City; a brother; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.