Carol Lafferty Scott called Stephen Harlan Scott her Gruff Prince. Steve was born in Beaumont, TX, and grew up as an East Texas boy with a wicked sense of humor. He followed his brother “Red” to Texas A&M, then realized his dream to go on to West Point. Mike Gilmartin: “Steve reported to Squad Leader Tom Roebuck as ‘Mister Sears.’ This was deliberate!” Dick Healy: “Roommate Scott wanted to demonstrate a choke hold [for plebe wrestling]. I was carted off to the hospital. I convinced my track coach that it was an innocent happening. He wanted Scotty slugged.” Pat O’Donnell: “Well, of course there was the time he almost blew up the electrical laboratory. There were fireballs scattering, and the ‘P’ was running for the master switch.” Mike Gilmartin: “Grace (Hennessey, now Grace Gilmartin for 53 years) and I were walking across Diagonal Walk and ran into Steve, who was (strictly forbidden) smoking. He handed me the cigarette as the Officer of the Day walked up behind me. Somehow we received no demerits for this stunt.” Howitzer 1960: “Scotty worked, but played a lot. Football of the E-2 type, always winning.”
After graduation, Steve married Marcia Smith and served as a NIKE Missile Officer near Annapolis, MD. Son Stephen was born in 1962, and the family moved to West Germany. Later, after a tour in South Korea, Steve left the Army for medical reasons. In civilian life, Steve earned a master’s degree in civil engineering and created and ran a successful construction business in Texas. Many years later, an industrial accident resulted in the failure of the business. Steve rebounded by securing a position at FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), where his skills were directed toward the design and construction of underground Civil Defense facilities. Steve’s second son was born in 1970, and his first marriage ended in 1975. His marriage to Linda Chandler ended in 1982. Business disappointment, two marriages behind him: bumpy years. Steve was straightforward about it, as always. Thirtieth reunion yearbook, Steve’s words: “Got Article 15 in September ’60, DUI; Quit smoking, September ’63; Daughter stillborn, March ’67; Quit drinking, March ’72; Divorced in November ’76; Coronary Artery Bypass (triple), June ’82; Divorced, February ’83; Purchased airplane (Cessna 336), June ’83; Received pilot’s license August ’84; Went broke due to construction accident (April ’85-Feb. ’87); IRS took airplane, car, etc. Moral: Don’t mess with IRS; Old story: No horse (IRS took airplane); No wife (been run off twice); No mustache (It was a pain in the ass).” Steve’s friends understood the depth of the man. Michelle Romero, stepdaughter: “One role I’m sure he played for all of us was that he was an investor; an investor in people. When I was young, Steve introduced me to the symphony. On those special symphony nights, when we would get gussied up and hit the town, he taught me how a lady should be treated and made me understand that I deserved that. When I met the man I was to marry (he treated me like a lady), I was so proud to have Steve walk me down the aisle.” Stephen Scott, Son: “When Dad returned from Korea, he taught me how to swim. I was four. We got into the pool and Dad told me to swim to him. As I approached, Dad backed up and said ‘Keep swimming. I won’t let you sink.’ I reached the far end successfully. Dad’s real lesson, for which I am deeply grateful, was ‘You are capable of more than you can imagine, but you have to jump in and try.’” Bob Owens, in the 50th Yearbook: “In 1997, Steve’s dream of retiring to Cloudcroft, New Mexico, finally came true. Joining him was his ‘Current Wife’, Carol Lafferty Scott, a South Texas Girl who understood the unusual humor and rowdy ways of the East Texas Boy. Most sadly, in 2001, the first signs of Alzheimer ’s disease appeared.
“In 2003, Steve had a grand time hosting a mini-reunion for E-2 ’60 in Cloudcroft, but progress of the disease was becoming apparent. He is now [this was written in early 2010] under medical care in Albuquerque, where his younger Son, John, lives. The Gruff Prince still has flashes of that wicked sense of humor. He may not know the nurses’ names, but he remembers well his E-2 friends and many other classmates. His diploma adorns the wall. E-2 members visit him in Albuquerque when they can. He still enjoys reliving his favorite times with them. There is no truer Friend.”
We lost Steve to cancer on Apr 6, 2010, and he rests at West Point. Additional thoughts: ‘Red’ Scott: “It is very evident to me that the reasons that Steve really respected and loved you guys and West Point was that he felt his home was there, and that his E-2 buddies were truly his Brothers.” Carol Lafferty Scott: “Steve’s deepest feelings involved his memories of West Point, and his affection and loyalty towards the lifelong friends he made there. Steve always had a soft spot for his classmates, especially those in E-2. At his core, he personified the essence of ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’” Mike Gilmartin: “Those fortunate enough to have known Steve learned that beneath the bluster, bravado, and ornery exterior was one of the most caring, loyal, and great friends you could have. This irrepressible son of Texas gave us a lifetime of wonderful memories.” Dick Healy captured the essence of Scotty’s spirit in just one sentence. When asked to confirm that Steve rests at West Point, Dick replied, “Comfortably, right next to the wall, so he can leave any time he wants.” Thanks to family and E-2 classmates; with special thanks to Carol Lafferty Scott.
— Family & E-2 ’60 friends