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Memorial Tributes, Volume 14
JOHN E. STEINER
1917–2003
Elected in 1978
“For leadership in the design of commercial transport aircraft,including the Stratocruiser, 707, 727, 737, and 747.”
BY JOHN D. WARNER
JOHN EDWARD “JACK” STEINER died in a swimming accident in Lake Washington on July 29, 2003. Honored as the “father of the 727,” he lived in Medina, Washington. He was 85.
Jack Steiner began his 43-year career at Boeing in 1941 after earning a master’s of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Washington.
During his career at Boeing he played a major role in the design, development, and marketing of every commercial plane from the Stratoliner to the 767. Recognized as one of aviation’s greatest designers, Steiner was in charge of aerodynamics on the design of the 707 and was chief engineer for the 737 program and also chief engineer and program manager for design and development of the best-selling 727.
Steiner was known for being energetic and hard working, attributes that contributed to his success as general manager of the 707/ 727/ 737 division. While heading that division, he saw the company through one of its bleakest period during
