Stanley K. Steele

Stan was born in Midland, Michigan, May 29, 1948, then moved with his family to Comanche, Oklahoma in 1962. He graduated from high school there, then enlisted in the Marine Corps like his older brothers. During his first Vietnam tour, he was responsible for maintaining and supervising Marine communications. He later returned for a second tour, working for the Marine Corp Commanding General. After his discharge in 1969, Stan returned to Oklahoma.

The University of Central Oklahoma is where he earned a BS degree in computer science. Stan’s professional career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Oklahoma City spanned 30 years. His ultimate accomplishment was being involved with the conversion to our 911 emergency system that we use today. He received the “Champion of the Network” award twice in one year for his efforts in communications and retired soon after.

In 1983 he married the love of his life and soulmate, Jan Pokorny, and resided in Edmond for many years. One of their favorite pastimes was deep sea fishing in Galveston, Texas. In 1988, he caught one of the largest Red Snappers on record in the state of Texas and was featured in the Texas Fish & Game Magazine. He also enjoyed reading and gardening, but spent most of his free time making jelly which earned him the title of “Stan, the Jelly Man”.

His wife’s love of music influenced the two of them to create The Chopin Society of Mid-America, which was a non-profit organization bringing internationally-renowned musicians to our small community for 21 years.

More recently, he was actively involved at First Christian Church as a Deacon, Head of Security, Breakfast on Boulevard, and Area Coordinator Lower Midwest Region for Operation Christmas Child. Additionally, he donated his homemade jelly in support of these outreach programs.

Stan is survived by his loving daughters, Jana Hightower and Kara Luschen and husband Robb all of Edmond; grandchildren: Lyndsey and Jeff Craig of Westminster, CO, Gray Hightower of Tulsa, Ashlyn and Riley Anderson of Kansas City, KS, and Rachel and Emily Luschen of Edmond; sister-in-law, Cindy Ellis and husband Mark of San Antonio, TX; nephews, Jason Ellis and wife Alicia and their children of Marion, TX and Jonathan Ellis of Kingsland, TX; brothers, Perry Steele and wife Catherine of Sarasota, FL, Mike Steele and wife Dianne of Clayton, NC; and many other nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jan Pokorny Steele of Edmond; parents, Perry and Kathleen Steele of Gladwin, MI; and brothers, David Steele of Comanche, OK and Steve Steele of Holden, MO. His generous loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.