At the age of 64, Winona Lake resident Dr. Jeffrey Keith Fawcett tragically died on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne from cardiac issues.
Jeffrey Fawcett, MD
Since 2011, the dean of the school of business has been a cherished part of the Grace College faculty. He was born to Clifford and Lydia (Van Allen) Fawcett in Washington, D.C., on November 13, 1960. Jeff grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, where he enjoyed crabbing and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. He had a reputation for always having an extra bottle of Old Bay Seasoning in his pickup.
When Jeff was seven years old, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and made it his goal to live a life that honored God.
Jeff graduated from Cedarville College with a business bachelor’s degree in 1982, the University of Baltimore with an M.B.A. in 1986, and the University of Cleveland with a D.B.A. in 1999. He started out as a program planner, first on Innovation Resources’ Vertical Launching System and later on Martin Marietta’s Air Traffic Control system.
Jeff went into teaching because he wanted to have an impact on the upcoming generation of moral business leaders. For twenty-four years, he was an active member of the Christian Business Faculty Association while teaching marketing at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. He then rose to the position of Dean of Grace College’s School of Business. Teaching about the Biblical Basis of Business was his biggest passion.
When Jeff started at Grace, his three objectives were to double the number of students enrolled in the business program, obtain ACBSP accreditation, and assist in the construction of a new facility for the School of Business. He was thrilled to be actively involved in the new building’s planning after completing the prior two.
On August 28, 1982, Jeff married Tonya (Stretch). They worked side by side at Cedarville University and Grace College and served in their local churches, Winona Lake Grace Church in Winona Lake and Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, since they both had a strong dedication to ministry and education.
Serving as a deacon, greeter, Sunday School teacher, Life Group leader, camp van driver, and more, Jeff was a devoted churchgoer and volunteer. As president of the band and soccer association boosters, leader of the 4-H club, sports photographer, and their biggest fan, he also provided unwavering support for his kids’ extracurricular activities.
He continued his community engagement after relocating to Winona Lake by serving on the boards of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and the Kosciusko Leadership Academy.
Jeff’s mother Lydia, father Clifford, and older brother Glenn all passed away before him. He is survived by his devoted wife, whom he loved without conditions, and his children, of whom he was very proud: Carrie & Shawn Bianchini of Warsaw; Erin & Kameron Wright of Quantico, Va.; Matthew & Abby of South Whitley; and Amanda & Clayton Spakes of San Antonio, Texas. Ivy, Corin, Opal and Hazel Fawcett, Roux Bianchini, Jackson and Waylon Spakes, and Jeff were all his grandchildren. In addition, his mother-in-law Deanne Longcore, brother-in-law Dale (Kari) Stretch, sister-in-law Heather (Jim) Gerakinis, and a host of nieces and nephews survive him. His siblings are 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. Additionally, Jeff leaves behind hundreds of pupils who are still changing the world for Jesus Christ.
Make an effort to ensure peace and prosperity in the city where I sent you as exiles. Ask the LORD to grant it. Because you will prosper along with it. 29:7 in Jeremiah
On Tuesday, July 1, friends and family are welcome to visit Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, located at 225 Argonne Road in Warsaw, from 3 to 7 p.m. Pastor Kip Cone will officiate the service honoring Jeff Fawcett on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Winona Lake Grace Church, located at 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake. There will then be a graveside service in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery.
Grace College-School of Business, 1 Lancer Way, Winona Lake, IN 46590, is the address for memorial contributions.
You can send condolences online at redpathfruthfuneralhome.com, the funeral home’s website.
