Don Chevillet, a legendary Fort Wayne broadcaster whose powerful voice on WOWO radio once captivated listeners across much of the eastern United States, died Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the age of 98.
His family and former station remember him as a broadcasting icon who made an immediate impact. In 1959, Chevillet debuted on the 50,000-watt AM station WOWO, a signal so strong that a popular personality could literally stop traffic. According to WOWO.com, he did just that on his very first show—broadcasting live from an outdoor scaffolding on Washington Blvd., drawing crowds of pedestrians and drivers who paused to watch and listen.
 |
| Traffic Stopper |
He is survived by a daughter, a son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Chevillet is often mentioned in the same breath as his WOWO contemporaries, including Bob Sievers, Jack Underwood, and Bob Chase. The station's wide reach drew attention from national celebrities, who sent congratulatory telegrams upon his debut. Among them were Frank Sinatra ("I hope you have the swinging’est show on the airwaves"), Doris Day, Tony Bennett, Jackie Gleason, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Beyond radio, Chevillet hosted a popular local TV show and briefly worked at WMRI in Marion.