Francis “Wayne” Steele

Francis “Wayne” Steele was born February 28, 1950, on the family farm in Pleasant Hill, Missouri and departed this life on November 5, 2021, at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, at the age of 71 years, 8 months and 7 days.

He was the son of Lale R. “Randy” and Rosalie Ann (Mullen) Steele.

Wayne spent his younger years in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1968 and was elected senior class president.  While in high school Wayne was an outstanding football and basketball player earning a scholarship to Oklahoma State University. In his freshman year at Oklahoma State, Wayne earned many accolades as an outstanding defensive end on the freshman football team.  During his sophomore year in college, Wayne joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 6 years. Eighteen months of that time was served in the Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the United States Navy, Wayne returned to Missouri and lived for a short time in Lee’s Summit before moving to Texas for employment opportunities.

On September 23, 1978, Wayne was united in marriage with Lola Gene Douty, and to this union two children, Timothy Wayne and Angel Larissa were born. The Steele family made their home in Baytown, Texas.

Wayne worked several places over the years, the last ten years he worked for Martin Gas as a millwright until declining health forced his retirement.

Wayne loved children and was known as “The Church Grandpa” at his daughter’s church. He loved giving small gifts to all the children at Christmas and on other special occasions. When he would have an appointment at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, and spot a child who was being good, he would give them a two-dollar bill or a gold coin.

Wayne was a caring, loving, and supportive father who loved spending time with his family. Two of Wayne’s favorite things to do were, watching sports with his daughter Angel, and “Saturday Day Out” with his son Tim and grandson Trystan.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lale R. “Randy” and Rosalie Steele and the “brother he chose”, Johnny Lee Duncan.

He is survived by one son, Timothy Wayne Steele and one daughter, Angel Steele, both of Baytown, Texas; one brother, Allen Steele and wife Sheryl of Adrian, Missouri; one half-brother, Terry Mullen and wife Susan of Bolivar, Missouri; one sister, Marcella Ruehter and husband John of Omaha, Nebraska; one grandson, Trystan Juth of Brighton, Colorado; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Service, in memory of Francis “Wayne” Steele, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022, at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, with John Ruehter officiating. Inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Full Military Honors provided by the United States Navy and V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.