Richard Lee Steele

Richard Lee Steele was born on Sunday, November 22, 1942, in Garden City, Kansas. He was the son of Robert W. Steele, Sr. and Grace (Menneke) Steele. A lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident, Richard grew up on the Steele family farm in the northwest part of the county. He moved with his wife and family to Centropolis in 1969, where he made his home until his death on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at the age of sixty-five years. Richard attended Cargy and Appanoose Grade Schools, graduating from Appanoose High School with the class of 1960. He was an employee for Farmland Industries in Lawrence, Kansas for thirty-seven years, as a pipe fitter and in maintenance. The last four years to present, he was employed by Sauer-Danfoss in Lawrence as a Production Operation Technician, building and testing pumps and motors, as well as performing some minor fabrication. He was a member of Oil, Chemical and Atomic Worker's International Union Local #5-61, Lawrence; and Ottawa Bowling Association. Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who greatly enjoyed spending time with his family. An avid fan, Richard enjoyed watching and cheering for K.U. Basketball. His other indoor activities included bowling and playing cards with his family and friends. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, antiquing, and showing his pickup in car shows. On September 21, 1960, Richard was united in marriage with Ethel Spaulding in Missouri. She survives of their home. He is also survived by two sons, Jeff Steele and his wife, Gina, of Allen, Texas, James Steele of Ottawa; daughter, Mandy Steele of Spring, Texas; brother, Bob Steele, Jr. and his wife, Geraldine, of Overbrook, Kansas; sister, DeLores Smith and her husband, Jay, of Casper, Wyoming; and two grandchildren, Andrea Steele of Wichita, Kansas, and Sydney Steele of Allen, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Dennis Keith Steele; and brother, Harlan Steele. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Dengel & Son Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2008. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Steele at Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Dean Cemetery, Franklin County, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Appanoose Baptist Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.