Paul Merriman

Tim Andrews · **Posted:** Fri Jan 16, 2004 11:48 am

TVRM President Bob Soule received word last night that Paul Merriman has passed away. Just short of 95 years old, Paul had been in an assisted living facility since suffering a stroke a number of years ago. Paul last appeared at the NS Steam Program 25th anniversary Banquet in Chattanooga.

Many believe that Paul's purchase of the 4501 and its subsequent use in the Southern and NS steam programs was the catalyst for the rise of much of the southeast's railway preservation movement of the 1960's and 1970's.

As one of the charter members of TVRM, and our first (and one of only two) Presidents, Paul had a great influence on the creation and direction of TVRM from 1963 to 1979. His legacy lives on in our facility, our staff and our volunteers.

Tim Andrews
Director of Development
TVRM
Chattanooga, TN

tandrews@researchcouncil.net

jimwrinn · **Posted:** Fri Jan 16, 2004 12:16 pm

A long heavy sigh, and a moment of silence, both deep with gratitute...

Wrinnbo@aol.com

Wesley Paulson · **Posted:** Fri Jan 16, 2004 12:35 pm

With many thanks for happy memories of riding (and chasing) SR 4501 to Front Royal, VA. in the early 1970s.

Wesley

John Craft · **Posted:** Fri Jan 16, 2004 1:30 pm

> TVRM President Bob Soule received word last
> night that Paul Merriman has passed away.

We all owe Paul a heavy debt of thanks.

One of my very first memories of steam is being in the cab of 4501 with my father with Paul and Walter Dove, and being "shown" the fire (read that being scared out of my young wits). I'm sure I'm not the only one that got that treatment.

Paul, enjoy eternity taking care of the 12. You've earned it.

JAC

Jim Tighe · **Posted:** Fri Jan 16, 2004 8:45 pm

> We all owe Paul a heavy debt of thanks.

> One of my very first memories of steam is
> being in the cab of 4501 with my father with
> Paul and Walter Dove, and being
> "shown" the fire (read that being
> scared out of my young wits). I'm sure I'm
> not the only one that got that treatment.

> Paul, enjoy eternity taking care of the 12.
> You've earned it.

> JAC

Waaayyy back in 1960, following the footprints of DPM and Dr. H., I found no 12 at the engine house in Stearns. A zillion years later, I got one ride behind her from Cincy to Muncie and back , with daughter and grandkids in tow. Even with the Geep intruding it was priceless. Thank you, Paul. R I steamy, whistle-blowing P.

justighe@bright.net