Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Dr. Jeffrey Keith Fawcett, of Winona Lake, passed away unexpectedly from heart complications on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, at the age of 64.
A beloved faculty member of Grace College, the dean of the School of Business, since 2011. He was born on Nov. 13, 1960, in Washington, D.C., to Clifford and Lydia Van Allen Fawcett. Jeff was raised in Annapolis, Md., where he spent his childhood sailing and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay. He was known for always keeping a backup bottle of Old Bay Seasoning in his truck — just in case.
At the age of 7, Jeff placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and sought to honor God in all areas of his life.
Jeff earned a B.A. in Business from Cedarville College in 1982, an M.B.A. from the University of Baltimore in 1986, and a D.B.A. from the University of Cleveland in 1999. He began his career as a program planner, working on the Vertical Launching System for Innovation Resources and then on the air traffic control system for Martin Marietta.
Driven by a desire to influence the next generation of ethical business leaders, Jeff transitioned into teaching. He taught marketing at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, for 24 years where he was an active member of the Christian Business Faculty Association. He then became the Dean of the School of Business at Grace College. His greatest passion was teaching about the Biblical Basis of Business.
When he began at Grace, Jeff had three goals: to double enrollment in the business program, to earn ACBSP accreditation and to help build a new facility for the School of Business. He accomplished the first two and was excited to be actively involved in the planning of the new building.
Jeff married Tonya Stretch on Aug. 28, 1982. Together, they shared a deep commitment to both education and ministry, working side by side at Cedarville University and Grace College, and serving in their local churches — Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville and Winona Lake Grace Church in Winona Lake.
Jeff was a faithful church member and servant, taking on roles such as deacon, greeter, Sunday school teacher, life group leader, camp van driver and more. He also supported his children’s activities wholeheartedly — serving as soccer association and band booster president, 4-H club leader, sports photographer and their biggest fan.
After moving to Winona Lake, he continued his service to the community as a board member for both the Kosciusko Leadership Academy and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Clifford; mother, Lydia; and older brother, Glenn. He is survived by his faithful wife whom he loved unconditionally and his children - of whom he was immensely proud - Amanda and Clayton Spakes, of San Antonio, Texas; Erin and Kameron Wright, of Quantico, Va.; Matthew and Abby, of South Whitley; and Carrie and Shawn Bianchini, of Warsaw. Jeff was “grandpa” and “pop pop” to Jackson and Waylon Spakes; Ivy, Corin Opal and Hazel Fawcett; and Roux Bianchini. He is also survived by brothers, Clifford III (Patti), of Cedarville, Ohio; and Brad (Bethany), of Kalamazoo, Mich.; sister, Cheryl, of Xenia, Ohio; and sister-in-law Linda, of Cedarville, Ohio; mother-in-law, Deanne Longcore; brother-in-law, Dale (Kari) Stretch; sister-in-law, Heather (Jim) Gerakinis; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jeff also leaves behind thousands of students who continue to make a difference in this world for Jesus Christ.
“Work to see that the city where I sent you as exiles enjoys peace and prosperity. Pray to the LORD for it. For as it prospers, you will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7
Friends and family may visit from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Jeff Fawcett’s life will be celebrated with a service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2 at Winona Lake Grace Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, and officiated by Pastor Kip Cone. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to Grace College- School of Business, 1 Lancer Way, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
