Donald Paul Steele's Obituary
Donald Paul Steele, 93 of Columbia, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Bria of Columbia in Columbia, IL. He was born January 17, 1931, in East St. Louis, IL.
Donald was a self employed demolition contractor retiring in 1989. He worked for union Electric from 1953-1963. Donald was a member of the Columbia American Legion post 581, Millstadt VFW post 7981, Columbia Jaycees and Columbia Turners. Donald served in the U.S Air Force during the Korean War from 1948-1952 and retired as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force reserves in 1990. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, horses and listening to music and dancing every weekend.
Surviving are his son, Craig Paul (Tonya) Steele of Columbia, IL, daughters, Terri Lea Hargis of Collinsville, IL, and Jan Marie Toon of Columbia, IL, his grandchildren, Kyle P. (Jen) Steele, Cole A. Hargis, Jill A. (Don) Helfrich, Jenna M. Dunn, and Jamie M. Canman, his great-grandchildren, Ryan Brown, Skylar Dunn, Brecken Helfrich, Zoey Canman and Jaxson Steele, his step-great grandchildren, Olivia Helfrich, Kayla Helfrich and Evan Helfrich, his sisters, Norma Stanek and Virginia Reinacher, his sister-in-law, Merle Wischmeier, along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlou M., nee Wischmeier, Steele whom he married on September 11, 1954 and who died on December 10, 2009, his parents, Paul and Eva, nee Green, Steele, his son-in-law, Gary Toon, his brother, Daniel (Myrna) Steele, his sisters, Pauline (Joe) Gamboa and Ruth Ann Matheny, his brothers -in-law, James Stanek and Donald Reinacher and his special friend, Judy Jollenbeck.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Leesman Funeral home in Columbia, IL. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Leesman Funeral Home in Columbia, IL. Interment with military honors will follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure - St. Louis, MO P.O. Box 31483, Des Peres, MO 63131. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?
