Frank Steele

April 9th, 1932 – October 20th, 2011

Frank Lee Steele Sr. passed away on Thursday, October 20th, 2011, at his home in Saint Helens, Oregon, with his family and close friends by his side. Frank was a long time resident of Vernonia and Columbia County, Oregon.

Frank was born April 9th, 1932 in Dow, Oklahoma to John and Mary (Boniedot) Steele. The family moved to Vernonia in 1935 were Frank attended school. In 1948, when Frank was 16, he went to work for the Vernonia Mill and worked there until it closed down. Frank also worked at Forstex – Stimson Lumber Company for 35 years. In 1953 he was married to Joyce Mollohan, of Portland, Oregon. They had five children together that they raised in Vernonia, where they resided until 1989. They then moved to Hillsboro, Oregon where they resided until retirement in 1994, after which they returned to live in Columbia County. Throughout his life Frank was an avid fisherman and hunter, specifically with his life-long best friend Harvey Gore. In retirement he also enjoyed various home improvement projects as well as spending time with his family.

Frank is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Joyce Steele and their loving dog, Heidi. His five children and their families; Patricia and Virgil Lynch of Saint Helens, Oregon, Mike and Holly Steele of Clatskanie, Oregon, Karen Kjelland of Clatskanie, Oregon, Pam Lucero of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Frank Steele Jr. of Florida. 12 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren (with an additional Great Grandchild on the way). His sister Betty Bailey of Portland, Oregon and his brother John R. Steele of Yamhill, Oregon. As well as many nephews and nieces. Frank is predeceased by both his mother and father, brothers; Claude and Clarence and two grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.