Thomas Steele

Thomas Richard Steele, age 92, of Battle Creek, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 at the Bronson at Home Hospice Residence. He was born March 16, 1923 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Thomas E. and R. Blanch (Case) Steele. A 1941 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, he went on to serve his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy from January 13, 1943 to March 9, 1946. Mr. Steele worked at Browns Clothing Store from 1950 – 1953, Ashley Dairy from 1953 – 1982, Roelof Dairy from 1983 – 1985 and following his retirement from the dairy worked for the Henkel Auto Group doing car transfers. He was a charter member of the Battle Creek Bible Church where he was a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years, served on various committees and boards at the church and was a member of the Children’s Evangelism Fellowship. He was also a member of Teamsters Local #34. On June 30, 1946 he was married to Donna Jean (Crawford) who preceded him in death on March 25, 2012. Mr. Steele was also preceded in death by his parents, son Thomas F. Steele, sister Laura Austin and brother Carl J. Steele. Surviving are two sons: Pastor Roger L. (Barbara) Steele of Atlanta, MI and Phillip E. (Joyce) Steele of Grand Rapids, MI; daughter-in-law: Debra Steele of Holland, MI; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brother: Herbert C. (Marilyn) Steele of West Bloomfield, MI; sister: Ruth Humphrey of Litchfield, MI; sister-in-law: Judy Steele of Bellevue, MI and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Battle Creek Bible Church with his son Pastor Roger L. Steele and Rev. Larry Messer officiating. Private interment will be conducted at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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