Scott Joseph Stulir

“Music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.

The music is medicine for the mind and soul.”

Educator, and musician, Scott J. Stulir loved music and shared it with everyone. The music he shared will remain in the hearts of those he came in touch with. Scott J. Stulir, 60 years old, of Robinson, TX, passed  away Saturday morning, July 29, 2023, with his adoring wife Kittie by his side. He was strong and courageous for five and a half years as he battled End Stage Kidney Failure.

He recently retired from Waco ISD as the Director of Bands. He was not only a teacher, but a mentor, a friend, a confidant, and a counselor to so many students. Many students cheerfully refer to him as "Stulir" or  "Big Dog". Scott inspired, motivated, and parented countless lives from 1985-2023. Scott was a 1981 graduate of United Township High School, East Moline, IL. In 1985, he graduated from Western Illinois  University with degrees in music education, percussion performance, composition, and electronic music synthesis. From 1985 - 2007 Stulir was the Drum Line Instructor at Davenport Central High School. He is also known for his music recording skills. Many local musicians’ careers started through Killir Productions, a recording studio Scott owned and operated from 1991-2011. Scott composed music for many different high schools, percussion ensembles, WGI, BOA, and DCI groups throughout the nation. Scott performed on stage with Lalo Schifrin, Louie Belson, Denise DeYoung, and many others. His copywritten music was used on National broadcast commercials, PBS TV shows, and film projects.

He considered himself a “foodie” of sorts and loved day tripping with Kittie to Saltlick, Rosario’s, Bob Chinn’s Crab House, and Monument Café. Scott enjoyed playing frisbee with his dogs, “Buddy Rich” and “Louie Belson”. They were his constant companions.

There are so many close friends that have been in his life. Each of those people taught him and he shared what he learned during his educational journey. Especially close to him, like family, Dan, Jess, Addison, and  Aubrey Duffield, you have been there for him countless times and the gift of your girls brought him much joy  and smiles! Tony Vogel, the middle of the night phone chats, and all-night recording sessions between Texas and Illinois kept him grounded and in touch with you “brother”. Adrian Rodriguez, you were his son, still talk  to him, he will answer. Now make your dreams a reality. Demetrius Allen, watch those “giggles”, and  accomplish your further education. Faith Allen and Grace Ates, what perfect timing to have had that deep conversation with him two nights before, “Stulir, give me guidance about my future”. He will always be there to guide you all. Just look up and ask! Boston McGowan, you will never forget the Bix, after this event.

Preceding him in death was his sweet mother, Arline Mullins Stulir Brown, and his father, Richard Stulir. His paternal grandparents, Joseph, and Viola Stulir, who were such an influence in his music foundation. His maternal grandmother, Ruth Mullins.

Scott will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 34-years, Kittie Tucker Stulir, sister-in-law Jane Tucker, nephew Logan Tucker, niece Caitlin Tucker and family.

As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation. Funds will be directed to musical charities. As well as medical, and funeral expenses in his name.

https://www.joincake.com/memorial-pages/scott-stulir/#fundraiser

Now close your eyes, take in a deep breath.

Remember the music we created together.

“Push save”, and then “push play” to remember the music.

Keep the memories, the stories, and laughter close to your hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Stulir’s honor on Sunday, August 20, 2023, 2pm - 4 pm,

Lion Den’s Hall, 1716 N. 42nd, Waco, TX 76710

A Celebration of Life will also be held in the Quad Cites at a later date, to be announced.