John Eldon Steuri, Former IBM Executive and Philanthropist, Dies at 87

John Eldon Steuri, a retired technology executive and philanthropist, died at 87. Born on May 6, 1939 in Great Bend, Kansas, he graduated from the University of Kansas with a business degree. Steuri was recruited to join IBM Corporation, one of the nation's largest growing companies at the time.

During his 24-year tenure at IBM, Steuri held several top executive positions, including vice president of operations for the Western U.S. His goal was to become a chief executive officer, which led him to take a job with Little Rock-based Systematics in 1988. In eight years as president and CEO of Systematics, he helped grow annual revenue from $160 million to almost $1 billion.

Steuri's philosophy was centered on ensuring clients' success. He would often ask what he could do as CEO to make a difference. After retiring from Alltel in Information Services in 1996, Steuri shifted to being a business consultant and philanthropist with his wife Grace. The couple started a family foundation, shared in all decisions for their philanthropies, and created the Fund for Arkansas Future.

Steuri's philanthropic efforts included founding the Steuri Family Endowment with the Arkansas Community Foundation. Funds from the endowment were distributed to Arkansas charities and nonprofit organizations. He received help from charities after a devastating tornado struck his home in 1966, which led him and Grace to make a pledge to give back.