Edward Joseph Skach Jr., born November 29, 1944, died September 1, 2026, at age 81. His life was marked by a deep commitment to engineering, research, teaching, and family.

Edward Joseph Skach Jr. was hired by Dow Chemical straight out of high school and worked while completing his degree at Oklahoma State University. He enjoyed working for Dow Chemical Company throughout his career.

Edward Joseph Skach Jr. held 13 patents in his name. He spearheaded research in the desulfurization of molten hot metals, metallothermic processes, and the salt-coated removal of coated magnesium granules and particles—technical work that reflected his skill in applying engineering to practical challenges.

The Skach brothers shared a strong engineering tradition. They were chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and when they were not teaching, they were doing practical, hands-on work. Ed loved to fish and work the land and had a couple properties he upkept with the help of his family and friends, where cattle and horses kept the wild in check. You could find him either going to garage sales, estate sales or mowing and bailing the acres most any weekend until his illness slowed him. This love of fishing and nature he passed down to his son and grandkids.

Edward Joseph Skach Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Joseph Skach Sr. and Mary Leona Linsenmeyer Skach, and his brother Neil Skach.

He is survived by his three brothers and their wives and families: Eric Skach, Allen Skach, and Lenny Skach; his son, Edward Skach III; Edward Skach III’s wife, JoAnne (Scherling) Skach; his two grandsons, Christopher Skach and Ryan Skach; and his three volunteer granddaughters, Sarah Winslow, Anna Washburn, and Susanne Winslow.

Edward Joseph Skach Jr. will be fondly remembered by many friends who used to meet him for frequent lunch dates, his son and brothers who called him almost every day to catch up, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue his legacy of family, and the importance of connection.