Thomas Lee Stecker

1963 - 2015

STECKER Thomas Lee Stecker passed away on December 1, 2015 at the Bailey Center for Caring, ending his courageous battle with ALS. He never let the disease define him and considered himself to be one the luckiest people on earth. Tom was born in Trenton, Nebraska in 1963. He moved to Florida in 1985, to pursue his career as a golf professional. His long time love of the game carried over into teaching and coaching for the next 30 years. His most recent career highlights include; qualifying for the PGA National Championship in 2013, chosen teacher of the year in 2014 by the PGA North Florida Section and played and captained in the Underwood Cup matches. His journey as a golf professional concluded at St. John's Golf Club in Saint Augustine. Tom continued to conduct clinics and teach students up until Thanksgiving Day. Above all else, the most important thing in Tom's life was his family and he loved watching his children accomplish their dreams. His son Brian received his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2014. He watched his daughter become an accomplished equestrian while pursuing an education to become a certified sign language interpreter. He was preceded in life by his mother Shirley. Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife Lynn, two children Brian and Katie, his father Henry Stecker of Trenton, Nebraska, brothers Robert (Carol) of McCook, Nebraska, Jack (Christa) of Yukon, Oklahoma. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews as well as his extended family in Cleveland and Atlanta. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 6, from 5-7 pm with prayers beginning at 6 pm. The funeral service will follow at 11 am, Monday, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. The burial will follow later in the week in Trenton, Nebraska In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Tom's name to First Tee of North Florida: 475 W. Town Place Suite 115, St. Augustine, FL. 32092. Go Big Red Craig Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.