CLEVELAND, June 12 — Former BLE International Vice-President George DeBolt passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, June 10. Brother DeBolt, a member of BLE Division 682 (Hammond, Ind.), served as an International Vice-President from 1986-1996.
In 1951, Brother DeBolt began his railroad career as a fireman on the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad in Blue Island, Ill. He was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer on June 28, 1969 and joined the BLE in 1976.
Brother DeBolt, 70, was a veteran of the Korean War.
“Brother DeBolt was an honored and dedicated member of the BLE’s Advisory Board for many years,” said BLE International President Don M. Hahs. “On behalf of the 59,000 men and women of the BLE, I extend deepest sympathies to Brother DeBolt’s family and friends.”
His brother, T.A. DeBolt, was also a locomotive engineer on the IHB and is a retired member of Division 682.
Prior to his serving as an International Vice-President, DeBolt held the positions of local chairman of Division 682 (1976-1977) and General Chairman on the Indiana Harbor Belt (1977-1986).
He is survived by his wife Eileen, two children, seven step-children, 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13 from 2-9 p.m., with a Funeral Service at 8:30 p.m., at Hirsch Memorial Chapel in Tinley Park, Ill. Memorials may be made to the America Diabetes Association, 30 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60602.