09/01/2026
With sadness, we join with many within the Auburn/DeKalb community and beyond in mourning the recent passing of John Chalmers, 2022 recipient of the Mdeal of Arts and a visionary leader in the founding of the DeKalb Outdoor Theatre as well as numerous other organizations and causes.
John E. Chalmers Obituary
God took John E. Chalmers home on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
John was born on October 15, 1947, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Raymond and Margaret Jane Chalmers. He graduated from Findlay High School in Findlay, OH, in 1965.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 59 years, Cheryl (Moore) Chalmers.
Also surviving are his daughters: Stacey (Jeff) Beights of Ft. Wayne, IN; Heather Galloway of Ft. Wayne, IN; and Rachel (Eric) Roberts of Dayton, OH. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Jonathan, David, Joshua, Daniel, Josiah, Joanna, Xander, Mica, Emma, Katie, and Chara; as well as 2 sisters: Suzanne Gale and Nancy (Roger) Sugden. Most important to John was the love he had for his wife and family.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from University of Toledo and a Master’s Degree in Business from Bowling Green State University. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and had the following professional accomplishments: American Society for Quality Certified Quality Engineer and Certified Reliability Engineer.
Before retirement, he was co-founder, part owner, and Vice President of Quality for Ashley Industrial Molding.
While in Ft. Wayne, he was a charter member of Ft. Wayne Area Community Band which formed in 1979. He was very active during his Ft. Wayne years as a band/sports/vocal-music parent.
In the late 1970’s, he invented and patented a non-touch motion-controlled electronic video game based on Pong.
After moving to Auburn from Ft. Wayne, he became a very active participant in community activities, serving in many positions simultaneously.
He was a co-founder of DeKalb Outdoor Theater, which now carries the logo “DeKalb Outdoor Theater, John Chalmers Center for Cultural Events.” He served as President of this organization from its inception until 2025.
John served as a Board member of the DeKalb County Airport Authority for several terms.
He also served 2 consecutive 3-year terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the local United Way.
Music was important to John. Through his life he played flute, baritone, and was currently playing trombone. He played in the Auburn Community Band, of which he was president for the past 6 years, and got a great deal of enjoyment playing in a brass quintet with 4 friends. The Brass Chords volunteered their talent to churches and nursing homes.
John lived many years with Crohn’s disease, putting himself into remission using diet alone. After much research, his book on this topic “Answers From The Gut,” is available online, sharing his knowledge and experience.
Secondary to his love and devotion to his family, he particularly enjoyed being an amateur radio operator (ham). He received his first amateur radio license when he was 14 years old. He especially enjoyed Morse Code skills and communicating with fellow hams all over the world.
From 2018-2024, John was President of the Northeast Indiana Amateur Radio Association. During that time, the club grew from 34 to over 100 members. During his time as a member of that organization, he was also Treasurer, Board member, and co-founder of the Auburn Hamfest.
W9GOO is now a silent key..
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn.
Memorial donations may be given to honor John to either Auburn Community Band (if mailing, please address to Mary Anna Feitler, 1957 CR 68, Auburn, IN 46706) or to Dekalb Outdoor Theater. Donations to the Theater should be payable to Community Foundation DeKalb County (indicating it is for DeKalb County Outdoor Theater Endowment Fund.) donate.forgood.org/donation/35-1992897
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com and on our page at Feller and Clark Funeral Homes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.
