Published: July 07, 2009 10:20 am      

Tom Steele

Dec. 14, 1947-July 5, 2009

KIMMELL — Tom Steele, 61, died Sunday at 11:10 p.m. at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 14, 1947, in Norton, Va., to Junis and Helen (Brickey) Steele.

He moved to this area at the age of 20 from Norton, Va. He served his country honorably in the Army during the Vietnam Conflict from 1967-1969 in the 82nd Airborne Division.

He was a custodian at West Noble School Corporation for more than 12 years and worked for Kimmel Bulldozing for several years.

He was a member of the Wolf Lake VFW and a former member of the Ligonier Eagles. An officer of the Kimmell Baseball League, he loved to umpire and attend ball games. Tom was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and trap.

He married Rita Shisler July 3, 1976. She survives.

Also surviving are his four children, Kenna (Matt) Cross, Albion, Travis (Stacy) Steele, Kimmell, Toby Steele, Fishers, and Gavin (Allison Niespodziany) Steele, Franklin; two grandsons, Walker and Trevor; mother, Helen Steele, Ligonier; four brothers, Glen (Flo) Steele, Ligonier, Gary (Pat) Steele, Cromwell, Randy Steele, Ligonier, and Kevin Steele, Albion; and a sister, Mary Steele, Ligonier.

His father preceded him in death.

Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, where the funeral service will take place Thursday at 10 a.m. The Rev. Jim Barnes will lead the service.

Burial will be in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kimmell Baseball-Softball league, P.O. Box 51, Kimmell, IN 46760.

Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.