James Steele

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Mr. James Dean Steele, 77, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, formerly of Webb City, Missouri, departed this life on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at his residence.

James entered this life on January 11, 1944, in Providence, Rhode Island, the only son born to the union of the late Richard William and Lena Nora (Carr) Steele. He was raised in Webb City, Missouri and was the Valedictorian of his graduating class of 1962. 

He furthered his education at the University of Missouri-Rolla, graduating in 1966, with his degree in Civil Engineering. On June 27, 1968, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Vietnam. James was Honorably Discharged on February 29, 1972, earning the rank of Captain. 

After his military service, James enrolled and graduated from the University of Pittsburg in Pennsylvania with a dual Masters Degree in Civil Engineering and Public Works. In 1976, he moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri and began employment with Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company in Kansas City. He retired in January of 2008 as Corporate Administrator of Specifications. Over his career, James received many awards for his work and involvement in the field of Civil Engineering.

 In 2017, he was inducted into the Webb City R-7 School District Hall of Fame. He was a longtime member of the Central United Methodist Church. He was a Master Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Scottish Rite.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a nephew, Chad Wilson.

James is survived by his two sisters, Diana Spencer and husband, Richard, of Golden, Missouri and Mary Hensley and husband, Harold, of Webb City; three nieces, Symonne Porras and husband, Joe, Heather Wilson and Holly Barnes and husband, Jason; two nephews, Dax Wilson and wife, Michelle and Travis Spencer and wife, Christy; and seven great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021, in the Chapel of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri, with Pastor Clint Lambeth officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. 

Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Richard Spencer, Travis Spencer, Wyatt Spencer, Joe Porras, Harold Hensley, Dax Wilson and Jordan Barnes. The family will receive friends on Wednesday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorials are being directed to Central United Methodist Church c/o the funeral home. 

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.