Rev. John Michael Eavey Jr.

John Michael Eavey, Jr. was born in Lima, Ohio, to John Michael Eavey, Sr. and Ida Zoe Eavey (Eversole). He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and although life later took him elsewhere, Fort Wayne was the place he returned to and always called home.

John graduated from Central High School in 1953. That same year, on August 8, he married his sweetheart, Hope Eavey (Ramos). Together, over 68 years of marriage, they built a life rooted in love, faith, family, and service—a partnership that carried them through many seasons of life.

John gave his heart to the Lord on March 18, 1956, and served Him faithfully for 70 years. At age 40, while working full time, he answered the call to ministry and opened Crusaders Church in Jackson, Michigan. In 1991, John and Hope returned to Fort Wayne and opened a church at 2127 Nelson Street. That church would later become Wesleyan Redeemer Church. In 2012, John was ordained an Elder in the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches, Heartland Conference. John served as Pastor Emeritus for Wesleyan Redeemer Church until his passing.

Alongside his ministry, John built a respected career as a GD&T specialist and mechanical designer. He earned GD&T Senior Level Certification, held ASME and SME memberships, received NICET Engineering Technical Certification, and served as President of DQAT, Inc. from 1996 to 2014.

He is survived by Teresa and Paul of Shelbyville, Tennessee; Michael and Amy of Fort Wayne, Indiana; many grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hope; his daughter, Debra and son-in-law, Terrill; and his siblings, Eva Arminta Eversole Craine, George Marion Eavey, Sarah Elizabeth Erexson-Hagen, and Jerome E. Eavey.

John often said the best decision of his life was giving his heart to the Lord, and the second was marrying Hope.

John wrote in his last years:

“When you hear reports that John Michael Eavey, Jr. has died, don’t believe them. To quote Billy Graham, ‘I’ll be more alive than ever before.”

Furthermore, if you don’t like shouting, don’t be on a cloud next to me!”

John will be remembered for his faithful life, the joy he shared, and the love and memories he leaves behind.