Gordon Leroy Steele

Gordon Leroy Steele, 86, of Fife Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Gordon was born on October 22, 1938, in Fife Lake, Michigan, to Kenneth and Agatha Steele. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from January 1957 to May 1977, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and earning permanent appointment in 1971.

On July 20, 1963, Gordon married Janice Brigham, and together they recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. With the help of family and friends, Gordon and Janice spent the year 1977–1978 building their home on the Steele family homestead, where they continued to live and raise their family.

After retiring from the Navy, Gordon went on to work for Dowell Schlumberger, Bay Oil, and Blarney Castle, bringing the same dedication and work ethic to his civilian life that he had shown in his military career.

Gordon had a love of the outdoors and especially enjoyed camping and driving his semi. He found great joy in the nature that surrounded their home - spending countless hours watching the birds, deer, sandhill cranes, bears, foxes and squirrels that passed through the property. He faithfully fed the birds year-round, always making sure the feeders were full. Gordon had a soft spot for animals, and many strays became permanent members of the family over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Agatha Steele and great-granddaughter, Penny Lane.

Gordon is survived by his wife Janice, and their three children: Barbette (Jeff) Lane, Todd (Aspen) Steele, and Melissa (Pete) Hembrough; grandchildren: Shaine (Katelynn) Lane, Tyler (Amber) Lane, Cullen (Hannah) Lane, Kohen Steele, Kipri Steele (Noah), Caden Hembrough and Avery Hembrough; great-grandchildren: William, Luke, Levi, Paige, Miles, Cooper, Arlo, Porter and Sloane; sisters: Sandra (Serge) Mann and Carol (Wayne) Bancroft, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gordon will be remembered for his strength, steadiness, and devotion to home and family, and for the quiet way he cared for the people and animals around him.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fife Lake Historical Society, P.O. Box 305, Fife Lake, MI 49633.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com