John E. Eichman

June 18, 1929 - April 24, 2019

John E. Eichman, Sr, 89, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at home. Born in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late William and Ada (Beach) Eichman. He retired in 1990 from Norfolk Southern Railway after 45 years. He started his railroad career with Nickel Plate Road in 1946 and was a member of Nickel Plate Road Historical and Technical Society. John was also one of the three members that helped develop a steam program that allowed Nickel Plate Road steam engine 765 to tour of the United States under steam. He helped launch many successful steam railroad programs throughout the United States. John taught many advanced classes on railroad history and modeling O scale and was also a member of the National Association of "O" scale railroad modeler. He was the recipient of the nation's highest "O" scale award and voted into the Hall of fame 2004. He was a founding member of the Proto 48 modelers foundation and a charter member of the Fort Wayne railroad museum. John was so well respected by his peers that he was nicknamed the "Godfather" for all whom he mentored about building model trains. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Martha; children, John (Sharon) Eichman Jr, of Yoder, Steve (Lisa) Eichman, Bill Eichman, Gail Dubea, and Susie Murphy all of Fort Wayne, and Lorraine (Bob) Vangorder of Churubusco; step-children, Darrin (Angie) Strayer of New Haven and Sandy (Jared) Dunfee of Fort Wayne; previous spouse, Dorothy Eichman of Fort Wayne; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tom Eichman. Funeral service is 11:30 a.m. Monday at Martini Lutheran Church, 333 Moeller Rd., New Haven with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Jim Teasdale officiating. Visitation is 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven. Preferred memorials are to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Riley Children’s Foundation. To share online condolences, go to www.harperfuneralhome.com.