Scott D. Luikart

Scott D. Luikart, 52, of New Philadelphia, passed away Friday evening, August 28, 2015 at his home. Scott’s sudden death shocked his close friends and family; however, he suffered with depression that went untreated for many years.

Born in Millersburg on December 25, 1962, he was the son of the late Ralph Willard and Alice Elaine (Bechtol) Luikart. After graduating from Claymont High School in 1981, Scott continued to pursue his formal education at Walsh University where he received his B.S. in Finance and Accounting.

Scott began his career in 1993 as managing director-investment officer with Kemper Securities, a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Advisors. He was also a former Branch Manager and based on his exemplary service, Scott had met and exceeded the requirements for Chairman’s Council for several years. The Chairman’s Council honor is based on production at Wells Fargo Advisors by placing clients’ needs first and providing them with outstanding support and service. Scott was a leader in the industry and expert on financial investment needs.

Scott was a very generous individual providing financial support and time to area groups including the First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia, the Movers and Shakers, the Rainbow Connection, and the Claymont Foundation. He was instrumental in establishing the Claymont Foundation that provides teacher grants, student scholarships and high school academic awards and recognizes Claymont, Uhrichsville and Dennison graduates for their achievement and commitment to their community, career and humanity.

His faith was nurtured at the First Baptist Church where he and his family were members. From 2000 through 2001, Scott and his wife, Jenifer, moved their family to the Philippines where they pastored two churches along with many volunteers that supported their efforts.

Ultra-distance cycling became a passion of Scott’s, having been introduced to cycling by his twin brother, Mark. Together, they held a sibling record in the national 24-hour Challenge. This past year was his most successful in cycling, having won two world championships in the 24-hour Race and the 500 Mile Race. Scott also participated in the 17-day Coast to Coast event twice. He treasured his relationships with his coach, Ralph Frazier of Georgia, and his training partner, Mark Sclater of Dover.

Scott leaves behind his family including his wife, the former Jenifer Hicks of New Philadelphia; his sons, Kyle Luikart of Tuscarawas and Eric Luikart of New Philadelphia; his brother, Mark (Brenda) Luikart of New Philadelphia; and numerous friends and extended family.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Wednesday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. A service celebrating Scott’s life will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the First Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions in Scott’s memory may be directed to the First Baptist Church, 878 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663; the Movers & Shakers C/O Mark’s Place, 715 Cookson Ave SE New Philadelphia; or the Claymont Foundation, PO Box 255, Dennison, Ohio 44621.