Donald Joseph Steckmeyer, "Stecky" 98, of Indiana, PA died Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Indiana Hospital.

He was born April 4, 1919, in Bradford, PA, son of Francis J. and Ida Barvian Steckmeyer. On June 12, 1946, he married his beloved Jennie Lennea Johnson who died on January 13, 1997. They had one daughter, Ann Bryan of Bethesda, MD.

Stecky was employed by Jones & Laughlin Supply Company working on pump jacks at age 17 then becoming their top salesman as the Eastern district sales manager. Later, he worked as the manager of McJunkin Supply in Indiana. Stecky spent 52 years in the oil patch where he was admired and respected throughout Appalachia and the patch by his co-workers and customers as a man who worked hard, provided phenomenal service, would do anything for anyone, and expected perfection. Stecky's career was interrupted when he was called to serve in the United States Army's First Division, "The Big Red One" from 1942 to 1945. He landed in Normandy on D-Day, fought in Northern France and Central Europe.

He was a member of the American Legion and of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church serving for decades in many church ministries including the Knights of Columbus and the Legion of Mary. His greatest joy was being able to lead the Rosary prayers every morning until the day he died. He expressed his deep faith with humility and grace and was a role model and comforter to his friends and family. Stecky was also known as the "spiritual gardener" planting spectacular gardens throughout the church grounds.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Brian Bryan of Bethesda, MD; his grandson and granddaughter-in law, Michael Bryan and Kirstin Bryan of Bethesda, MD; and a great niece, Erika Steckmeyer, and great nephews, Tommy Steckmeyer and Bobby Steckmeyer all of Pittsburgh, PA.

His family will cherish him and remember him as a man who could do anything, build anything, play any sport, and persevere through anything. He was an avid sports fan. He gave generously of his time and talents to his family and friends. But most of all, he shared his gift of faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three sisters and one brother.

At his request, there will be no public visitation.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. October 19 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church. Interment will immediately follow the ceremony at the St. Bernard cemetery. A luncheon will then be served in the Church Hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowser-Minch Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests anyone wishing to remember Donald Steckmeyer to send a donation to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 200 Clairvaux Drive, Indiana, PA 15701

.