George William STEELE

News Death Notice

STEELE, George William Was born August 10, 1928 in Ironton, Ohio to Thomas and Eliza (Stumbo) Steele. He peacefully left this life on March 5, 2013 to be with his "true love", Betty J. Steele. George retired from International Harvester Company after having served 30 years as a valued team member building trucks and learning nearly every facet of the business. His love of physical labor led him to explore countless other professions that helped in raising his family. Starting in his early years, he experienced some farming and various odd jobs he would take on outside of family responsibilities. At 18 years old, George married and immediately sought employment at Miller Grain Elevator as a general laborer who loaded trucks and delivered livestock feed all over Ohio, until he began work at IH. In conjunction with the elevator and factory jobs he worked through the years, George would eventually come to test his skills elsewhere. At one time or another, he operated a small service station, owned and operated a tree cutting service, and owned a small miscellaneous thrift store. Later in life, he became the vendor and operator of an automobile scrap yard. For most of his adult life, his real talent, his pride and his heart's yearning was in buying used automobiles to work on and then resell them from his home. He was a trusting man and everyone knew this. Although this venture started as a mere hobby, it also proved to generate much needed extra income from time to time. His favored and most memorable time in life was being happily married to 'his one and only' Betty Jean (Smith) Steele for 55 years and traveling with her. Most would say they were inseparable because they shared nearly everything and just loved being together. Though married life was not always picture perfect for either of them, he was a dedicated, wonderful husband and a tenderhearted father. Born to George and his wife were five children and he lovingly helped in raising three children from her previous marriage. George was a compassionate man who often made time away from his dutiful schedule to assist unfortunate others (friends, family and neighbors) in times of need, while being no stranger to the struggles he himself often faced. There were not many in Springfield to whom George was a stranger. He had numerous friends with which he stayed in contact all of his life. There were many who loved and admired him for his hard-driven will to proudly do well as a loving husband, a loyal friend, a dedicated family man, and a hard working laborer. Survivors include his children, Dianne (Jack) Cogar, Mary Purdue, Georgeanna (John) Miller, George William Jr. (Debbie) Steele, Richard (Debbie) Steele, Thomas Mitchem, and Ted (Gloria) Mitchem. Also surviving are two sisters, Nora and Geneva; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; two brothers, Thomas and Dean; a sister, Jean; and a step-son, Louis Franklin Mitchem. George was a true inspiration, and his family enjoyed spending time with him as he reminisced about his early years. He was greatly admired by all who knew him. He was a man who knew how to make others smile even when the sky was gray. There is no doubt that he will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those whom he touched with his shining, spirited soul. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Saturday in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME. George's funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor David Hill officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park. You may express condolences to the family at www.littletonandrue.com