Blood drive to be held in honor of Worden man who died from injuries suffered in Maryville explosion

The family of John “Doug” Behme is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive in his memory on Sunday, June 19 at the Worden Volunteer Fire Department.

A member of Operating Engineers Local 520, Behme was working at a construction site in Maryville when he was injured in an explosion resulting from a natural gas main being struck. He was covered over 70 percent of his body with burns.

After fighting for three weeks and receiving regular blood transfusions, Behme succumbed to his injuries on April 29. Many of his blood transfusions came from directed donations, meaning that someone he knew had come to the hospital to donate specifically for him.

“I realized how important blood donations were when Doug was at Mercy Hospital,” said his sister, Leann Eckhardt, about why she is hosting a blood drive in her brother’s memory.

She hopes to see family, friends, coworkers and the community attend the drive.

“We would like to give those who are willing the opportunity to help others,” Eckhardt said.

“Hosting this blood drive in his name is a wonderful way to remember Doug and honor him,” said Wilma McGlothlin, account manager for the American Red Cross. “Vacation plans and summer activities contribute to fewer donations being made this time of year. Those who have a desire to help others can make a big impact by donating blood in Doug’s memory.”

Blood and platelet donations are needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Blood drive to be held in honor of Worden man who died from injuries suffered in Maryville explosion."