Rev. Dr. Rollin "Chip" M. Steele Jr.

Rev. Dr. Rollin “Chip” Medwin Steele, Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 26, 2025. Dr. Steele is survived by his wife Anne, who he loved deeply, his son Shaylor (Hema), his sister Sally Hoben (Terrance “Terry”), his grandson Spencer Steele, his niece Catherine “Katie” LePage (Luke) and his nephew Patrick Hoben (Kelsie). Dr. Steele was preceded in death by his mother Jean Blanton Steele and his father Rollin Medwin Steele, Sr.

Dr. Steele was a lifelong learner. He originally attended Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, but after the passing of his father finished his undergraduate studies at Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio. He then enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he met the love of his life Anne. He eventually received his Doctorate of Divinity from Drew University in New Jersey. While at Princeton and Drew he studied ancient languages and continued to “entertain” his family over the years with readings in old English, ancient Greek, and Latin.

He was a published author many times over including “The Lost Battle of Alamance County,” which documented a Revolutionary War Battle site which he helped uncover and fought to preserve. He also published a book of poetry titled “Christmas Versed and Reversed.” Ever the fan of the dad joke (he couldn’t let a waiter or waitress take an order for fish without letting them know he ordered it “just for the halibut”) he would often say he was a poet, and he didn’t even know it. But he was a good poet, and he knew it.

He was incredibly proud of his wife and never missed an opportunity to brag about her personal and professional accomplishments. He was his son’s biggest fan and supporter. And he was immeasurably proud of his grandson Spencer and loved nothing more than watching his athletic pursuits.

Dr. Steele was a Presbyterian minister for almost 60 years. During that time he touched countless lives and rarely recycled a sermon. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and were taken in by his infectious smile.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 10:30am at Valley Presbyterian Church, 17560 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, 44023.