On the evening of April 19th, 2018, J Scott Steckenrider went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family. For the last 18 months, he fought a good fight against a particularly aggressive form of cancer, and was blessed to be in the comfort of his own home at the end of that battle. In life he was known by many titles: husband, father, son, teacher, friend. In death, his legacy in each of these roles will live through those who were blessed to have known him. He found his calling and spiritual gift in teaching as he brought the joy of the Lord into the classroom, revealing the glory of God’s creation to his students through physics and engineering. His ministry was built on the cornerstone of the words, “Soli Deo Gloria” (glory to God alone), a phrase which became his signature on tests and papers, but most importantly, on the hearts and lives of his family and students.
He was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, the son of Marian Heacock, Hartford City, and the late John Allen Steckenrider. A graduate of Williamsville High School, Williamsville, Illinois, he continued his education, earning a B.S. Degree, Master’s Degree, and PhD in Material Science Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Scott married Karen Deleu on August 13, 1988 in New Jersey.
Scott was a Professor of Engineering and Physics at Taylor University for the past five years, and prior to that he taught for nine years at Illinois College and Cabot Microelectronics in Illinois. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an avid Cowboys football fan.
Survivors include his wife, Karen (Deleu) Steckenrider; children; Elizabeth (Joshua) McElroy, Muncie, Josiah (Jennifer) Steckenrider, Blacksburg, Virginia, and Joy Steckenrider, Hartford City; and step-mother, Sandie Hinsey Steckenrider.
A celebration of life service has been set for Sunday, April 29, 2018, at 2:30 p.m., at the Euler Atrium at Taylor University.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services Jones-Smith Chapel, 259 North Main Street, Upland, Indiana 46989. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.