John Douglass Steed

John Douglass "Doug" Steed, 91, passed away on February 13, 2023 after a brief illness. Doug was born in Hearne, Texas on December 15, 1931 to John Thomas Steed and Grace Magdalene Longmire Steed. He had fond memories of riding his horse, playing with his dog, and fishing while growing up on a pecan orchard in Laporte before moving to Houston where he attended Milby High School.
Doug was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a Sergeant in the Air Force at Lackland AFB, San Antonio. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Janelle Cason. They were married on May 22, 1953 and would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. They moved to Houston after his discharge where Doug earned his BBA degree from the University of Houston while working nights processing payments for the electric company.
After graduation, Doug got his ideal job as furniture buyer for Foley's Department Store. He had to give up his job all too soon when his father died unexpectedly. Doug took over the responsibility of running his father's business, Steed Furniture Company. His entire career was in the furniture industry, owning an upholstery manufacturing facility, and then serving as a manufacturer's representative after selling the family retail business. He excelled in his role and enjoyed the social interactions with his clients across Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. He reluctantly retired at 78 and stayed in contact with many of his work associates.
Faith was an important aspect of Doug's life. He was deeply engaged at Park Place Baptist Church upon his return to Houston. Doug was a 32nd Degree Freemason since 1962, mentoring many along their Masonic journey. Later in life he became a Shriner and at the time of his death he was a member of First Baptist Church of Friendswood.
Fishing was the focus of any spare time. Doug knew all the secrets to fishing for trout and red fish in the Laguna Madre and would typically out catch all of the professional guides. He kept a boat on South Padre Island, where he would take family, friends, and customers on fishing excursions. There he earned the nickname "Dictator" because of his precise instructions in the art of fishing. His fishing passion also took him to Alaska, Oregon, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Doug will be remembered as a loving husband and father. He was a generous friend, practical joker, sharp dresser, and someone who loved to interact with people despite his difficulty hearing due to deafness.
He is preceded in death by his father John T Steed, mother Grace Steed, and sister Elaine Oelfke. He leaves behind his much beloved wife Janelle Steed, son John Raymond Steed and wife Jeanne Strickler Steed of Atlanta, GA; daughter Sandra Kay Salvato and husband Joe Anthony Salvato of Clear Lake, TX; grandsons John Patrick Steed and wife Meredith Paige Mazzilli of New York City, NY; Thomas Andrew Steed and wife Elizabeth Laurens Bujold Steed of Cincinnati, OH; and great grandson Thomas Lowry Steed of Cincinnati, OH.