Kenneth Roy Steele, Joplin, died peacefully on February 5, 2017 in Joplin. He was born February 19, 1934 in Evansville, Indiana to the late Roy Everett Steele and Mildred P. Trammel Steele.
He graduated from Joplin High School in 1951 and from the University of Missouri in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Kenneth proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 until 1958, attaining the rank of Captain.
Kenneth was an entrepreneur. Following his military service, he returned to Joplin and joined his father in operating Ben Franklin dime stores, eventually growing that business to a chain of fourteen stores in the area. He was also involved in several other businesses during his lifetime.
Kenneth was a longtime member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Joplin. He was also past president of the Joplin Chamber of Commerce and a fifty year member and Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He served on the board of directors of Freeman Hospital, Community National Bank and United Way.
Kenneth was a kind and gentle man, awesome Dad and loving grandfather. He was an avid reader and traveler who loved his Mizzou Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and coffee club.
Kenneth married Janice Carolyn Roper on August 24, 1960 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives at the home.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Janice; children, Douglas Steele, Brian Steele and wife, Leigh, Kyle Steele; seven grandchildren, Jennie Steele, Morgan Steele, Connor Steele, Dillon Steele, Samuel Steele, Allie Steele, Peyton Steele; and one great grandson, Talyn Steele. Kenneth was loved and respected by many.
In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnna.
Graveside services are planned for Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial services will be Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Pallbearers will be Connor Steele, Dillon Steele, Samuel Steele, Mark Taylor, Sharrock Dermott and Allie Steele.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rotary Foundation or to First Presbyterian Church, both in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
No comments:
Post a Comment