Gary Steele

1943 - 2025

Gary Gene Steele, 82, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Nebraska–Iowa Veterans' Hospital in Omaha, with his loving family by his side. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 30, at 11:00 a.m. at the Federated Church in Mitchell, Nebraska, with Pastor Dale Brown officiating.

Gary Gene Steele was born on December 16, 1943, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Lloyd and Dorothy Steele. He grew up with two siblings, Lloyd Steele Jr. and Sharon Walmsley. At an early age, he learned the importance of hard work by having both a paper route and changing the marquee at the theater. He later worked at Schultz Drug Store until he graduated from high school in 1962.

Feeling a strong sense of duty, he enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school. While in the Air Force, he was stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii; and Da Nang, Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in February 1968. He was proud to be a Vietnam veteran, had a passion for military airplanes, and enjoyed telling stories of his time in the service.

He married the love of his life, Sarah Jane Cherry, on May 19, 1968. He enrolled at Chadron State College in August 1968 and graduated in less than three years, in 1971. After graduation, he was employed as a banker at First National Bank in Mitchell, Nebraska, and later at First National Bank in Morrill, Nebraska. He enjoyed working with the local community and considered the employees of both banks part of an extended family.

Gary had a lifelong passion for cars and enjoyed tinkering on many projects. There was always a project waiting in the garage at home. His passion for cars later led him to employment at Reganis Auto in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

He also enjoyed his time serving as commander of the American Legion in Mitchell, Nebraska, and as president of the Rotary Club in Morrill, Nebraska.

Gary had a strong dedication to family and friends throughout his life. He enjoyed attending many events to support his children, Jason and Sally. Later in life, he cherished his role as grandpa, attending his grandchildren's many sporting events and concerts. Never selfish, he always had sweet treats to share with the many people he encountered in life. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah (Cherry) Steele; son Jason (Miriah) Steele; daughter Sally (Michael) Fullenkamp; grandchildren Samuel, Lyla, and Lucy Fullenkamp; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Steele; his father- and mother-in-law, Earl and Mary Cherry; his brother, Lloyd Steele Jr.; and his sister, Sharon Walmsley.

Memorials may be made to the Federated Church.