Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Van Steele Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Van graduated from George Westinghouse Vocational High School in Chicago, Illinois in 1968. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University in 1983. He also earned a Masters of Science Degree in Educational Psychology from Southern Illinois University in 2013.
Minister Van was a Staff member for Campus Crusade for Christ Ministries, Associate Pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Carbondale, Illinois from 1981-1983 under Pastor Pythias Frazier and Associate Pastor at Second Baptist Church in Tamms, Illinois from 1993- to the present under Pastor James E. Anderson, Jr.
Van married Gwendolyn Nesbitt in 1989 and to this union three children were born: Erin Malone, Terrence Malone and Richard Steele. His Military Career began in 1977 when he enlisted in the US Army. He received officer's commission in 1983 and retired in 1993 with the rank of Major. Van's employment after the Military included Proctor and Gamble and Egyptian CUSD # 5.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, stepfather Ezell Jordan and his beloved sister Arnetha Barnett.
Van leaves to cherish his memory his wife Gwendolyn Steele, his mother Claudetter Jordan, three children: Erin Malone, Terrence Malone and Richard Steele, one brother Michael Steele. Nephew Michael Steele, Jr., two nieces DaVonda Brown and Tarava Barnett, one great niece Mia Williams, two beloved aunts Evelin Steele and Jewel Rouse. A special cousin Daniella Ellis and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service for Minister Van Steele will be held on Tuesday April 9, 2024 at Second Baptist Church in Tamms, Illinois at 12:30 pm with Pastor James E. Anderson, Jr. officiating. Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 9, 2024 at the church from 11:30 am until the Service hour at 12:30 pm. Inurnment will follow in the Mound City National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Professional services have been Entrusted to Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Illinois. Online condolences may be left at massiefuneralhome.com
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
VAN DARNELL STEELE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
429 Oakley Ln PO Box 305, Mounds, IL 62964-1158
Make a Donation
in Van Steele's name
People and places connected with Van
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Van's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Van Steele's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
