John Thixton Gaunt, 90, of West Lafayette, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Westminster Village, West Lafayette. He was born February 29, 1936, in Evansville, IN to the late John and Mararuth (Schneiter) Gaunt. Known by his nickname Jack, he was a graduate of Bosse High School in Evansville. Always an excellent student, JackContinue Reading
John Thixton Gaunt, 90, of West Lafayette, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Westminster Village, West Lafayette.
He was born February 29, 1936, in Evansville, IN to the late John and Mararuth (Schneiter) Gaunt. Known by his nickname Jack, he was a graduate of Bosse High School in Evansville. Always an excellent student, Jack continued his education at the University of Cincinnati where he received his BSCE degree in 1958 and then received his MSCE degree from Purdue University in 1959. He then worked in Evansville, IN for International Steel Corporation and was involved in the design of large airport hangar doors and various structures. He then returned to Purdue and completed his PhD degree in Civil Engineering in 1966.
John then joined the Civil Engineering faculty at Purdue and was involved in research and teaching related to structural steel. In 1996 John moved to the Department of Freshman Engineering where he eventually became the Associate Head of the department. He received numerous awards during his career. He was a recipient of the Harold Munson Outstanding Teacher Award (1973), the Ross Judson Buck Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (1988), and the College of Engineering Faculty Award of Excellence for Academic Advising in 2003.
On December 21, 1958, he married Marcia Hill in Evansville, and they enjoyed 66 happy years of marriage together. John was an active member of First United Methodist Church for nearly 60 years. He had a passion for fishing and could be regularly seen at the various rivers, streams and ponds in Indiana searching for trout. Jack also loved classical music and sang for many years in the Bach Chorale as well as the church choir. Jack was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and he was extremely dedicated to his family.
He is survived by his son, Jeff (Laura) Gaunt of Phoenix, AZ; 2 grandchildren, Harrison and Parker Gaunt; brother-in-law, David (Sara) Hill of Pittsford, NY, sister-in-law Cynthia Hill of Austin, TX, and his niece Anna Hill (Mike Anderson) of Ithaca, NY.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marcia and his parents, John and Mararuth Gaunt.
Memorial contributions in John’s name may be given to First United Methodist Church, 1700 Mitch Daniel’s Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47906.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 1700 Mitch Daniel’s Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47906 with Rev. Duane Carlisle officiating. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the ceremony that all are invited to attend.
Inurnment will be in the Columbarium at First United Methodist Church.
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