Thomas Jefferson Steele

Thomas J. Steele, age 90, passed peacefully into eternal life at his home in Cypress, Texas on January 11, 2020. Tom was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he was a lifelong member of First (Park) Congregational Church, serving the board of Trustees, Deacons and Acolytes. He was best remembered at his church for his 16-year dedication to the youth as mentor, friend, and was affectionately known as “Dad Steele”.

Tom graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1948. He was a Varsity letterman in football 4 years and captained both the City and State Championship teams in 1947. He was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and track. He loved travel, the out of the doors and was an avid trout fisherman, gardener, and bird watcher. He crafted 100’s of blue bird houses for properties in Michigan, Virginia, and Texas. He passed his love of life on to his children and grandchildren. Most of his career was spent as a superintendent of commercial construction projects.

He was preceded in death by his son Paul L. Steele, parents, Harold and Frances Steele, and brothers, Harold and Richard Steele. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 70 years, Marilyn, two sons and their wives, daughter, five grandchildren and their spouses, five great-grandchildren, and his sister. We will miss his smile, hugs, and affirmation but are happy that he is in eternal peace with his LORD.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in The Heritage Lodge Community Center at Towne Lake, 19201 N. Canyon Lake Springs Dr., Cypress, Texas on February 15 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Mark Plunkett of The Heritage Presbyterian Church officiating. Arrangements were made by Dignity Memorial Oaks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Audubon Society (audubon.org/frontpage) or the charity of your choice.