William M. Steele

William M. Steele, 89 of Ellwood Rd. (Wayne Twp.) passed away September 1, 2015.

Bill passed to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully at his home of 55 years surrounded by loving family after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis and complications.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Doris (Houk) Steele; youngest son Grant Steele, middle son Blake Steele and his wife Frances, granddaughters, Callie and Alena Steele and daughter in law Mary Ann.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Rankin M Steele; mother, Rhea Roxbury Steele; sister and brother in law, Isabelle and Jim Wilson; and eldest son William Douglas (Doug) Steele.

Bill convinced his father to allow him to join the Navy at age 17.  He served in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific during WWII on the destroyer USS Doran. He had detailed memories while serving multiple posts on the Doran, including helmsman, throughout his proud Navy career.

Bill was dedicated to family throughout his life, dear friend to many and was famous within that circle for his homemade cakes with 7-minute icing. Bill was a strong force in this world; intelligent, hardworking and caring. Bill was a craftsman in numerous disciplines and especially gifted in metal fabrication; including fulfilling one of his dreams with the design, fabrication and construction of a complete metal building using many reclaimed materials with his son Blake.

Bill enjoyed making his home comfortable and keeping the “White House” and “Hill House” properties well groomed. He was an avid gin player and greatly enjoyed the weekend gin games.

Bill was an active member of Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, Deacon, former Trustee, and former Sunday School superintendent.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 3 from 2 to 4 pm at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church with the service following with his pastor, Rev. Julia Williamson officiating. Military rites will be offered by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.