David Steele
November 10th, 1930 - August 14th, 2024
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
David's Obituary
David Russell Steele Sr. of Dowagiac, a Veteran of the US Army, passed away at the age of 93 on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at home surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born on November 10, 1930, in Dowagiac, Michigan, the son of the late Fred and Lulu (Bryant) Steele. He graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1949.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years Joyce Faye (Farrow) Steele married on June 23, 1951. During their marriage, they created 7 beautiful children.
Surviving children are Cheryle Steele (David Jr. deceased), Craig (Kathy) Steele, Renee (Robert) Grady, Dawn Nishanian, Cynthia (Russell) Haines, and Gail (Ernie) Clay. Surviving grandchildren: Craig Steele Jr., Kirt (Dusti) Steele, Karla Grady-Walker, Roderick (Marisol) Carpenter, Shevonne (David) Spurlock, David Steele III (LaRhonda Jacobs), Krin Grady, Candice Steele, Erik (Ashley) Steele, Matthew (Ashley) Nishanian and Mia Nishanian. Also surviving 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his siblings Doris Wilson, Alvin (Doris) Steele, Paul (Azurea) Steele, Gladys (Lee) Weatherspoon, and Ruth Cradolph-Anderson-Crawley. His children Philip W. Steele and David R. Steele Jr. and three grandchildren Robert G. Grady Jr., Ryan G. Grady, and Kathy P. Steele.
At the age of 20 David was drafted into the United States Army where he served as an Engineer and was a Corporal at the time of discharge. David served in the Army from 1951 through 1953 in the Korean Conflict. Twelve days after his discharge he was hospitalized in Ann Arbor and diagnosed with Polio. He was told he would never walk again. He told the staff God had too many things for him to do and that he would walk again. He defeated the odds and came home the day before Father’s Day in 1954 and walked with a permanent limp.
David was employed at Chicago Hardware Foundry, Steel Furnace, Dowagiac Union Schools, and worked as a steel hauler for Glen Rank. David then became self-employed (owner-operator) as an over-the-road steel hauler for 26 years. Even after retiring as a truck driver, he drove cars for local dealerships. David loved to drive and traveled to all 50 states. He never met a stranger along the way. He had a phenomenal memory and could tell you how to get anywhere in the States without a map or GPS. We called it DPS! While rattling off directions, one could be assured he had a great story or two to share about his travels. He could talk to anyone, and people would often say that he could have been a tour guide.
David was a hardworking, dedicated man whose zest for life was inspiring. His life and legacy touched many lives. David had a great love for his family and friends. David loved his family more than anything on this earth. David had a great love for his wife Joyce. To see the two of them together was a special treat for anyone watching. He had such love, respect and admiration for her, and he never shied from telling others such. He would purposefully commit an offense or try to bend the rules just a bit (when he had an audience) to get a rise out of Joyce. These tactics would almost always land him in trouble and bring comic relief to those watching. He looked forward to family functions whether it be Monday night dinners, family vacations, holidays, family reunions, birthdays, and everything in between. If a function involved family, he wanted to be right in the mix. David was always looking forward to attending and showing his support at his grandchildren’s activities no matter how far he had to travel. He took pride in showing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to fix things or drive the equipment.
David had many interests and joys in life. He had an openness to try new things, and he found a way to work humor into everything. He loved to play cards and some of his favorite games were Bid Wisk, Rise and Fly, and Poker. He also enjoyed playing Sequence, The Redneck Game and Scrabble. One could always get a good laugh watching him play Scrabble as he regularly made up his own words. People always said he needed his “own” dictionary. He also enjoyed calling out the cards for the family’s annual Thanksgiving POKENO game. Some of his favorite past times included going to the Cass County Fair, local parades, sporting events, tractor pulls, and gardening. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch watching the people, birds, and squirrels. David never slowed down. He always had the desire to be on the go and if invited somewhere, he was more than happy to go with the biggest smile on his face. Some of David’s nicknames were Rocket David Crocket, Blue Streak (CB handle), and Poppy.
On Christmas Eve 2015, David had to have his right leg amputated due to a blood clot. In May of 2016, he received his prosthetic leg. He was blessed to continue to do everything he did before. He truly enjoyed his scooter for the last few years, and so did his great-grandchildren. On November 7, 2020, days before his 90th birthday he was celebrated with a drive-by parade past his home. He was in shock and so happy! He couldn’t believe all the people who drove by to honor him. On September 18, 2021, he was given the opportunity to be a part of the Talons Out Honor Flight 19 to Washington, DC. The group comprised World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other veterans who all got to experience their conflict's memorials together. They were welcomed home with a parade by several family members and friends. He proudly wore his Korean Veteran hat, and it was always a conversation starter and people would thank him for his service. During the weekend of Father’s Day June 2024, David was celebrated with a tribute, and his life was honored all weekend long with family. He said it was the best Father’s Day he’d ever experienced, and he would never forget it! He was still grinning days and weeks after the celebration.
David was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Teamsters organizations.
David’s spirit will continue to live on through the many lives he has touched. He was an unforgettable individual who ensured that there was never a dull moment. It has been said before that all people die, but not all people live. David lived! He packed everything he could into his 93 years and despite many challenges along the way, he always put one foot in front of the other. He will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts.
A service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 30402 M-62, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with his family from 11:00 AM until the time of services. Private family interment with military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Calvin Community Chapel c/o Linda Mourning-64201 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St, Dowagiac. Please visit David’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.clarkch.com.
He was born on November 10, 1930, in Dowagiac, Michigan, the son of the late Fred and Lulu (Bryant) Steele. He graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1949.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years Joyce Faye (Farrow) Steele married on June 23, 1951. During their marriage, they created 7 beautiful children.
Surviving children are Cheryle Steele (David Jr. deceased), Craig (Kathy) Steele, Renee (Robert) Grady, Dawn Nishanian, Cynthia (Russell) Haines, and Gail (Ernie) Clay. Surviving grandchildren: Craig Steele Jr., Kirt (Dusti) Steele, Karla Grady-Walker, Roderick (Marisol) Carpenter, Shevonne (David) Spurlock, David Steele III (LaRhonda Jacobs), Krin Grady, Candice Steele, Erik (Ashley) Steele, Matthew (Ashley) Nishanian and Mia Nishanian. Also surviving 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his siblings Doris Wilson, Alvin (Doris) Steele, Paul (Azurea) Steele, Gladys (Lee) Weatherspoon, and Ruth Cradolph-Anderson-Crawley. His children Philip W. Steele and David R. Steele Jr. and three grandchildren Robert G. Grady Jr., Ryan G. Grady, and Kathy P. Steele.
At the age of 20 David was drafted into the United States Army where he served as an Engineer and was a Corporal at the time of discharge. David served in the Army from 1951 through 1953 in the Korean Conflict. Twelve days after his discharge he was hospitalized in Ann Arbor and diagnosed with Polio. He was told he would never walk again. He told the staff God had too many things for him to do and that he would walk again. He defeated the odds and came home the day before Father’s Day in 1954 and walked with a permanent limp.
David was employed at Chicago Hardware Foundry, Steel Furnace, Dowagiac Union Schools, and worked as a steel hauler for Glen Rank. David then became self-employed (owner-operator) as an over-the-road steel hauler for 26 years. Even after retiring as a truck driver, he drove cars for local dealerships. David loved to drive and traveled to all 50 states. He never met a stranger along the way. He had a phenomenal memory and could tell you how to get anywhere in the States without a map or GPS. We called it DPS! While rattling off directions, one could be assured he had a great story or two to share about his travels. He could talk to anyone, and people would often say that he could have been a tour guide.
David was a hardworking, dedicated man whose zest for life was inspiring. His life and legacy touched many lives. David had a great love for his family and friends. David loved his family more than anything on this earth. David had a great love for his wife Joyce. To see the two of them together was a special treat for anyone watching. He had such love, respect and admiration for her, and he never shied from telling others such. He would purposefully commit an offense or try to bend the rules just a bit (when he had an audience) to get a rise out of Joyce. These tactics would almost always land him in trouble and bring comic relief to those watching. He looked forward to family functions whether it be Monday night dinners, family vacations, holidays, family reunions, birthdays, and everything in between. If a function involved family, he wanted to be right in the mix. David was always looking forward to attending and showing his support at his grandchildren’s activities no matter how far he had to travel. He took pride in showing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to fix things or drive the equipment.
David had many interests and joys in life. He had an openness to try new things, and he found a way to work humor into everything. He loved to play cards and some of his favorite games were Bid Wisk, Rise and Fly, and Poker. He also enjoyed playing Sequence, The Redneck Game and Scrabble. One could always get a good laugh watching him play Scrabble as he regularly made up his own words. People always said he needed his “own” dictionary. He also enjoyed calling out the cards for the family’s annual Thanksgiving POKENO game. Some of his favorite past times included going to the Cass County Fair, local parades, sporting events, tractor pulls, and gardening. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch watching the people, birds, and squirrels. David never slowed down. He always had the desire to be on the go and if invited somewhere, he was more than happy to go with the biggest smile on his face. Some of David’s nicknames were Rocket David Crocket, Blue Streak (CB handle), and Poppy.
On Christmas Eve 2015, David had to have his right leg amputated due to a blood clot. In May of 2016, he received his prosthetic leg. He was blessed to continue to do everything he did before. He truly enjoyed his scooter for the last few years, and so did his great-grandchildren. On November 7, 2020, days before his 90th birthday he was celebrated with a drive-by parade past his home. He was in shock and so happy! He couldn’t believe all the people who drove by to honor him. On September 18, 2021, he was given the opportunity to be a part of the Talons Out Honor Flight 19 to Washington, DC. The group comprised World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other veterans who all got to experience their conflict's memorials together. They were welcomed home with a parade by several family members and friends. He proudly wore his Korean Veteran hat, and it was always a conversation starter and people would thank him for his service. During the weekend of Father’s Day June 2024, David was celebrated with a tribute, and his life was honored all weekend long with family. He said it was the best Father’s Day he’d ever experienced, and he would never forget it! He was still grinning days and weeks after the celebration.
David was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Teamsters organizations.
David’s spirit will continue to live on through the many lives he has touched. He was an unforgettable individual who ensured that there was never a dull moment. It has been said before that all people die, but not all people live. David lived! He packed everything he could into his 93 years and despite many challenges along the way, he always put one foot in front of the other. He will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts.
A service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 30402 M-62, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with his family from 11:00 AM until the time of services. Private family interment with military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Calvin Community Chapel c/o Linda Mourning-64201 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St, Dowagiac. Please visit David’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.clarkch.com.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.