Scott E Topping's Obituary
Scott E Topping 1963 - 2025
Scott E Topping, 61, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on May 29, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Born in St. Francis, Kansas, Scott lived a life filled with humility, hard work, faith, and laughter. After earning degrees from Kansas State University and the University of Texas at Austin, Scott built a distinguished 25-year career in senior financial leadership. He held key roles at Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kamehameha Schools, earning recognition for his innovative thinking, steady leadership, and commitment to service.
During his time at Southwest Airlines, Scott was honored with the President's Award and affectionately known as the "Fuel Hedging Guru" for his groundbreaking work helping the airline navigate volatile markets. Later in life, Scott helped lead a non-medical home care agency in Honolulu with his wife, Lauri. She continues to operate a business with the same heart and purpose they shared.
Together, they provided meaningful support to families across their community. Scott's greatest joy came from his family. He found deep pride and happiness in cheering on his children, Jordan and Kailey, from their early days in sports to their many achievements in life. He loved encouraging them at every stage, celebrating their growth with unwavering support and pride.
Scott had a deep affection for the family's many cats and dogs, a passion for cars passed down from his father, and a lifelong devotion to strength training and personal wellness. He also loved music, with a playlist as wide-ranging as his spirit, from Willie Nelson to AC/DC. Scott cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Antonio Spurs with unwavering loyalty.
He was the kind of fan who felt every win and loss and stayed until the final whistle, no matter the score. Despite being tall, he was famously uneasy with heights, a detail that never failed to make family and friends smile. He left behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and integrity, lived not just in words but in action.
He is survived by his wife, Lauri Topping; children, Jordan and Kailey Topping; sister, Terri Libel and brother-in-law Roy Libel; nieces and nephews, Matthew Libel (Nicky), Ryan Libel, Ali Libel, and Alexis Cadaret; sister- and brother-in-law, Sheryl and Paul Cadaret; and parents-in-law, John and Elizabeth Hofstetter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Topping and Ida Elaine Topping. Scott is also remembered with love by many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by his warmth, humor, and steady presence. A private family gathering will celebrate Scott's life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hilarity for Charity, a nonprofit supporting families impacted by Alzheimer's disease and the caregivers who help them.
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