Carl Duane Steele

Carl Duane Steele October 31, 1931 – March 25, 2011 Carl Duane Steele, age 79, of Oak Creek, CO passed away March 25, 2011 at his son's home in Jensen, UT. He was born in Oak Creek on October 31, 1931 to Carl M. and Ethel E. (Myers) Steele. He graduated from Oak Creek High School in 1949. After high school he was drafted into the Army, and he spent two years serving in Alaska during the Korean War. Duane was married June 29, 1952 to Bonita E. Herold of Oak Creek. Together they raised two children, Russell Lee and Spring Gail. After thirty years of marriage they were divorced but remained close friends for the rest of his life. Duane worked as a mechanic in the Steamboat Car dealerships. He also worked in sawmills on Pilot's Knob and on the Gore Range. Later Duane, his father Carl, and his brother Gordon started Routt Mining Corporation. They ran the Apex mine for 18 years providing coal for the people of the area. After selling his own coal mine he worked at Rock Castle Coal and at the Edna Mine as a mechanic until his retirement. After retirement he bought a portable sawmill and cut lumber around the Yampa Valley. Duane traveled all over the Western states and Canada. He also made several trips to Australia to visit his brother Reg, who lives there. Duane was on the school board for South Routt School District for 17 years. He loved to Square Dance and it was a "high priority" in his life. Adela Covey of Clifton, CO was his dance partner and close friend for many years. Later in life Duane took care of his mother Ethel E. Steele until her death in 2009. Duane is survived by his children, Russell (Renee) Steele of Jensen, UT; Spring (Monte) Phillips of Texas City, TX; brothers, Gordon (Betty) of Anaconda, MT; Reg (Ginni) of Mt. Gambier, Australia; four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Justin C. Eliasen, and nephew, Morgan W. Steele. A Memorial Service is planned for the end of May in Oak Creek. Donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 266 West 100 North, Suite 2, Vernal, UT 84078.