Larry Lester Steele

Larry Lester Steele entered this world on September 8, 1939, and left after a brief hospitalization on September 4, 2025. He was born in Circle, Montana and was the eldest son of Maybelle Watt and William Steele. His lived his early years in Brockway, Montana – a community with a rich history of farming and cattle ranching. His parents taught him, his four brothers and three sisters, a love of music, the value of independence and an appreciation for hard work. Of his siblings, he is proceeded in death by his brothers Homer Steele and Dick Steele, and his sisters Betty Ann VanHeel and Donna Jo Chaney. He is survived by his siblings Billy Steele, Judy Sanders, and Bobby Steele.

In his work travels, he made his way to Las Cruces, NM and met his wife-to-be, Cheryl Barnes, who was a waitress at the local truck stop. He settled in Las Cruces and continued a long career in truck driving, focusing mainly on southern New Mexico and West Texas. He was proud of his safety record and driving brought him joy, even during recreation. His trips home to Montana would often involve him driving the entire trip non-stop.

With Cheryl, he raised two sons, Dale Steele and Henry Steele of Albuquerque, NM and a stepdaughter, Kimberly Barnes, of Houston, TX. In later years, he provided a stable home for his beloved wife, her mother Jewel and her sister Dana. He is also survived by three grandchildren, August Steele of Denver, Colorado and twin girls, Kathryn and Eve Steele of Albuquerque, NM.

His interactions with family and friends almost always involved humor and conversations around music. He was a proud landowner and enjoyed working with his hands. His kind demeanor and “cowboy way” will be missed by many.

No formal services are planned. Per his wishes, his remains will be divided between resting places in Las Cruces, NM and Brockway, MT.