If you asked Steve how he was, his answer was always “Never better.” If you questioned him and asked “Never?”, he would reply “One day closer to Heaven, my Brother.” That was how Steve lived. Steve was sure and strong in his faith and loved sharing the gospel. Generosity in all aspects was Steve’s gift, and he wanted to give you the key to eternal life. On January 26, 2022, after 59 years of friendship and love with the Lord his Father, God called him up with immediacy and urgency.
Steve was born in Glens Falls, NY and grew up in Lake Champlain, Vermont, graduating early and moving out of his parent’s house at 16. After hearing of the riches in Texas (the oil field and probably the women), in 1980 Steve packed up and began his life in the oil and gas industry, starting in the offshore E&P sector then earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1991.
Steve had nearly 40 years of experience in the energy industry, ranging from offshore drilling rigs to full EPC projects throughout North America, developing, engineering, managing, and operating crude oil and natural gas assets. Most recently, as Chief Operating Officer of LM Energy Partners, working with people he very much admired and respected. Prior to that, Steve held the positions of COO at STS Consulting Services, was a partner and VP of Engineering/Construction at Tristate Midstream, and VP of Engineering/Construction at Caiman Energy I – through its sale to Williams in 2012 where he was the Director of Midstream Operations at Range Resources. Steve began his engineering career with Western Gas Resources and was there through the transition to Anadarko Petroleum. While the professional segment may be a little long, it was within these companies that friendships were made, old stories abound, and life was lived. Steve Skellie: the engineer, the work horse, the buddy, the leader, the mentor.
Steve married and was an immediate father, adopting James Andrew, as his own. He then had three more children, Jacqueline Leigh, Stephen Thomas, and Michael Timothy. Steve proved himself to be a wonderful, dedicated father, an excellent dad. He always put in the extra effort for his children, wanting to take care of their every need. He never stopped loving them with all of his heart and he never stopped hoping, praying, and longing for them.
Steve and his son Stephen had an incredible bond. The kind I think every father hopes for when he looks into the eyes of his newborn son. Steve supported Stephen’s every possible interest; rodeo, welding, the Marines, ski instructor, surfer; it didn’t matter, Steve was just proud. They spoke daily, if not multiple times a day. They made time for each other, joked together, rode Harley’s together, shared the big things and things you maybe shouldn’t share! Steve and Stephen both made the time to include each other in everything. Their relationship was one we can all hope for with our own children. Both Steve’s were equally adored.
Steve and Jenny met ten years ago, and she fell instantly in love. It took him a bit longer. He called her his Unicorn, and she referred to him as her Dream man. They married in 2016 and rode the ride beautifully together. Navigating the difficulties, celebrating the victories, and taking time out for adventure, the best being a 4500 mile road trip on his Harley Davidson, stopping to see family and friends all along the way. The Chemical Engineer and the Kindergarten teacher dressed in full leathers and rocking to “Born to Be Wild.” They never quit and they never gave up.
Steve had more friends than a person can count. He had the ability to make friendships easily but valued these relationships so much that he put in the work to keep them close, strong, growing, and alive for the rest of his life. Relationships with Steve left you knowing you would always be cherished. Too many to list, some becoming brothers: Wild Billy Boy, Broham Sam, and PJB Phil Browning.
Steve, no one can ever replace a father, husband, friend, brother, son like you, but we know you are in Heaven and God is thrilled you are there. Your legacy is, and forever will be unmatched.
Steve is survived by his wife Jenny, his four children, Andrew, Jackie, Stephen, and Michael, his stepchildren Kyla and Hayden, his parents Stephen and Joan Skellie, brothers Russell and wife Di Skellie, John Moser and partner Claudia Duque, Donald Skellie, his sister Sharon and husband Brad Damron; Uncle John and Aunt Wanda, Uncle Bub and Aunt Jane, numerous cousins, and countless friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 5, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00pm for his friends and family to celebrate the life of Steve and all he meant to us. The address is Mexican Sugar, 3215 Regent Blvd., Irving, Texas 75063.
A formal service will be held on February 12, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2530 NY-28, Wevertown, New York, 12886.
Kathy Seinbrueck
We will miss Steve, his bright smile and his love for life.
Sending our love and condolences to you and the family.
Aunt Kay Leigh
Kathy & Roger Steinbrueck
Sean & Cari Steinbrueck
Howard P. Elton
God bless you Steve, you will be sorely missed.
Josh
Big Steve was one of a kind. Always had a joke and a smile but was always there if you needed him. He will be missed .
-Tommy
Mark Oliver
RIP my friend and brother. What a great mentor with such patience. I will miss our conversations.
Kenny Boltin
Oh Jenny….I’m so sorry to hear this news.
Although I never got to meet your dreamboat of a guy, I’m sure no one could have cared for you better than he did…and no one could have cared for him better than you did. I am so sorry for your loss…
I hope you are comforted by your many happy memories together.
Much love, dear friend.
Sandy Wright Guilbeaux
My prayers are with all of you. Love to Joan and Steve.
Dina Nolin
So sorry for your loss. A cousin I have never met. Prayers for you and your family. The family of Uncle William Skellie
William Littleton
So sorry for you loss I meet him and he was a great guy and will be truly missed
Phil
Stephen was a great friend growing up. Sounds like he sure lived life to the fullest. Sounds like he touched many lives. RIP my friend.
M
I only spoke with Steve a few times when I started my career, but he was kind and helpful when I was new and had no idea what I was doing. He made a strong impact on me even though we never met and I’ve always remembered him fondly for that. I wish all of his loved ones peace in a difficult time.
Scott Green ‘90
Sam texted me and I still finding it hard to believe… PS3 (Phil Scott Sam and Steve) still brings a smile …throw in Hans and Rod and we could do anything the profs or life threw at us. Seems like yesterday talking to you in MT and meeting Jacqueline (at 4 yrs old) and then catching up in Houston at Sam’s. Definitely know where you are brother!
Jim Monk
On the times I visited with Steve he acted like long lost friend. He will be missed by many. Thank you for being like a big brother to my son you meant so much to him.
Our family offers prayers for the entire family but he is with our Heavenly Father looking down and will be looking over the ones he loved so much.
Matthew D Horican
I was lucky enough to know this man. It saddens me to hear of such a great loss. My 🙏 s go out to y’all. I have had the pleasure to know this man for a long time. We have loss a great man, but the memories will never go away. And to work for him is more then any individual could have ever dreamed of. He is one of the most selfless individuals I have ever met. He would like to refer to people as “ The man. The myth. The legend”. No he is The man. The myth. The legend. Rest In Peace my friend
Mike Knox
God Bless. Went to High School with Steve.. he was a good soul.. sorry he passed so young.
Carlos F. Lopez
Stephen,
I would like to express my sorrow and condolences to you and your family. May the soul of your father Rest In Peace and Heaven.
Esther Blow
I’m sending my Heartfelt Sympathy to you all! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Trisha Pidgeon
Sorry for you loss. Steve was a great person and I was lucky to have grown up with him and his family.
Steve Hopkins
Steve was one of the finest people I’ve ever known. Whoever did the write up for him really did a good job… that is exactly what he was like and what he said. Steve help me tremendously with my faith. He told me that our time building a business in Mexico was one of the best experiences he ever had. I will always cherish that and the time I had with him.
Jenny Skellie
Hi Steve,
I did my best to honor him and make him proud. Y’all had some really great times.
Much love,
Jenny Skellie
steven mccutcheon
Steve and I met while doing business in New Mexico. We own a ranch where his company was and is still working. We met under somewhat difficult circumstances, Steve was a loyal and dedicated company man who definitely rode for His company’s brand! That said we were able to work through the issues. After we came to an agreement, we became friends. I had talked with him a day or two before he passed, we caught up on what was going on with each other. We had a great time catching up, as always. I looked forward to his occasional visits to New Mexico and our conversations.
Prior to the last election we were both concerned about the state of affairs in our Country. He suggested we pray together. He offered the most humble, sincere prayer and I’m sure the Lord heard every word. Steve is one of those rare people who make an impact at every turn. Thankfully this life is not the end. I pray Gods Blessings on each family member and friend, Steves Example will live on in each of the lives he touched for good.
Cathy Shields
Steve was hands down the finest human being I have ever met. It was a privilege to have worked for him and more so to have called him my friend. His devotions to our Lord drove his every word and action. He was such a blessing to me and I am so thankful I was able to text with him on New Year’s Day. Those words of faith and encouragement will never be deleted from my phone or my heart. My prayers are with his family and all those who are already missing him so much. Go rest high on that mountain brother.
John Arnold
Saddened to hear this news, Steve was a great friend and business associate.
I had the privilege of working with Steve fairly often over the years and always enjoyed his witty intelligence. Steve will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
God speed my friend, I’ll see you on the other side.
Jonnie Leigh
The world is not a better place without you my nephew. May your memory always be cherished.
Love and condolences to all.
Aunt Jonnie Leigh
David , Kate snd Isabella Friedman
Steve P
Even though I just met Steve through work in 2018, Steve was the type of person that you felt like you had known him all your life after the first time you spoke. Steve was one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure to know, and this World will miss him dearly!
Christopher Bailey
I only visited with Steve a few times but was very impressed on the way he treated people on and off the job. Very respectful and very professional. He was truly a good man. All my prayers to him and his family.
Dad & Mom
We are truly broken hearted , The Angels took the most beautiful soul back to heaven with them. Your Dad and I are missing you so much . You have touch so many people with so much Love . The Angels came to take you to your savior , he needed you , you believe so strongly in your faith . Until me meet again my son please take care of your loved ones waiting for you in Heaven.
Keith Kirkman
Integrity is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Steve. My only regret is that I didn’t meet him sooner. Steve was a good man! I have no doubt where he is now. “Absent from the body, present with the Lord”.
Glen Harrod
I appreciate and value every moment that I got to spend as an industry peer to Steve, and reading this obituary made me appreciate and miss him even more. I will forever remember his “never better”. Our company personality test revealed that he was our “nurturer”, and I think that was a perfect description of the valuable role he played. I feel that I learned to be a better and more patient person from him. Rest in peace my friend, and warmest wishes for his family.
Steve Blackwelder
Steve and my paths first crossed a number of years ago in Pennsylvania while we were both working the Marcellus Shale area. We hit it off well and saw each other frequently over the years at oil and gas events, lunches and even a Dallas Cowboys football game. I found him to be very outgoing and quickly learned of his deep faith in the Lord. There’s no doubt where his soul rests today.
Prayers and blessings to the family at this time. I shall miss my friend Steve.
Roger Lau
Words can’t express my sorrow. Steve to this day is still my pastor. With his help and guidance I grew so deep in my faith. I remember the Bible verses and mini sermons he sent me after he moved back to Texas. Now his never better will go on forever.
Tonja Sanchez-Holmes
I’m so saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a great co-worker and mentor. Amazingly giving man and rooted in God’s word. I will never forget “never better” or his help when my husband passed. My heart goes out to Steve’s family.